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Swimming pools and spas in Iowa follow state and federal requirements to ensure the safety of their patrons.
Back to topCertified Operators
In Iowa, a trained certified operator is required for public swimming pools and spas. Pool operators need to be properly trained in water chemistry and mechanical components to effectively maintain pools. We do not accept online CPO courses for your initial certification. The following trainings are available and recognized in Iowa:
- Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Certified Pool Operator courses
- National Recreation and Park Association's Aquatic Facility Operator courses
Other CEU Courses
We accept online CEU courses.
- Iowa Parks and Recreation Association
- ACCO Unlimited Corporation
- Certified Pool Trainers of Iowa & Minnesota
If your organization would like to be added as a recognized training provider for the Certified Operator, please contact us.
Tools for Certified Operators
The following files contain Microsoft Word documents that can be used for documenting chemical treatment and maintenance of swimming pools or spas.
- Swimming Pool Log Sheet
- Spa Log Sheet
- CDC Fecal Incident Response Recommendations
- Water Contamination Response Log
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA)
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA) became federal law on December 19, 2007. The act was passed to prevent entrapment injuries and deaths at swimming pools and spas.
The VGBA requires all pool drain covers manufactured or sold in the United States to comply with new entrapment standards. VGBA also requires owners of all new and existing public swimming pool and spa suction outlet systems to install safety equipment, including ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 certified suction outlets and covers, designed to prevent entrapment.
Since the law took effect, public pool and spa owners in Iowa have been required to have their pool and spa drain covers in compliance with VGBA.
Additional information about compliance with VGBA can be found at: www.poolsafety.gov/
Back to topAmericans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. On September 15, 2010, the ADA Guidelines finalized on July 23, 2004 (ADAAG 2004) was signed into law and now requires compliance by all Title II (Public Entities) and Title III (Public Accommodations and Commercial Entities).
As this is a federal requirement under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, the Swimming Pool and Spa Program is unable to interpret the requirements and does not have any responsibility for direct enforcement of the ADA. We will not be directly checking for ADA compliance in our plan reviews or inspections.
Per our understanding, the ADA regulations cover both public and private facilities that may include pools operated by public park and recreation districts, hotels and motels, fitness and recreational sports clubs, country clubs, high schools and universities, waterparks, hospitals and health care facilities. Regulations may also apply to private residential facilities, such as homeowners, apartment and condo associations, if these facilities are open to the general public.
If you have specific questions relating to the application of the ADA requirement to your facility, the Swimming Pool and Spa Program would recommend that you consult with your attorney.
For more information visit http://www.ada.gov.
Technical assistance on the guidelines for swimming pools, wading pools, and spas is available from the Access Board at (800)-514-0301 or email ta@access-board.gov.