Pool & Spa Registration & Renewals

Each year, the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licenses (DIAL) Swimming Pools and Spas Program registers about 1400 aquatic facility locations in Iowa.

Don't have an account? Learn how to get an A&A account now.

Applying for New Registration

After a swimming pool, spa, or water feature is constructed and passes a pre-opening inspection, it must be registered. 

New registrations expire on the following April 30.

To register a new swimming pool, spa, spray pad, or water feature, submit a New Registration Form and the applicable fees to the Swimming Pool and Spa Program.

• NEW Registration Form (for new pools, spas, and water features only)

To prevent delays with registration, it is recommended to submit your registration form and fee at the same time as your request for inspection.

Swimming pools must have current registration to operate.

How to Renew Registration

The fastest way to renew your swimming pool registration is online.

Need a personal online account? Visit the online licensing system and click “New User Registration."

• Access the Online Licensing System

Need to link your swimming pool facility to your account? 

• Email pools@dia.iowa.gov.
• Include the swimming pool facility name, registration number (SP00-000), and your People ID Number (PIN).
  • Your PIN is viewable from your My Profile page.

Need help navigating the online licensing system?  Review the pool and spa online renewal instructions.

• How do I Renew a Swimming Pool Registration Online?

Swimming pool registration renewals can also be mailed in.

• Swimming Pool Renewal Paper Form

Registration renewal notices are emailed out on or around March 1 of each year. Your registration will be emailed the following day to the email address we have on file.

Contact pools@dia.iowa.gov if you need to change your swimming pool facility’s email address.

Fees & Registration Renewal Schedule

• Registration fees are $35 for each swimming pool, spa, or water feature.
• Swimming pool registration is annual and registrations expire on May 1.
• The renewal period is March 1 – April 30.
• Renewal applications are not accepted before March 1.
• Late fees are $25 per month for each pool, spa, or water feature.
• Checks received without a renewal form and/or no identifying information for the facility will be returned.

Renew Online and Pay by Check

If you'd like to send a check to pay for your online renewal, it must have one of the following accompany it:

• A printed bill from our online site. This identifies the facility and facility number so the payment can be applied, or;
• The facility number (i.e. SP00-000) on the check memo or included with the envelope.

Failure to include this information with your check will result in returned payment or delayed processing.

Residential Pool Registration

Residential pools in Iowa typically do not need to be registered by the Swimming Pool and Spa Program.

A pool is a ‘residential swimming pool’ if it is used in connection with a single-family residence and is available only to the family of the householder and the householder’s private guests.

Owners of residential swimming pools that are used for commercial purposes must register their swimming pool with the Swimming Pools and Spas program. 

Registered residential swimming pools used for commercial purposes:

1. Do not obtain construction permits with the swimming pool program.
2. Have no registration fees.
3. Renew registration annually during the registration period (March 1 – April 30).
4. Can be used for up to 207 hours of swimming lessons per calendar month.
5. Can be used for up to 60 hours for any other commercial purpose per calendar month.
6. Are required to be inspected annually by the designated inspection agency.
7. Are required to meet certain operational requirements outlined in 641—15.4(6)n(1) – (6).

To register a swimming pool used for commercial purposes, complete the Residential Pool (Commercial Use) form. Mail or email the completed form to the address at the top of the form.

• Residential Pool (Commercial Use) Registration Form & Operational Requirements

Registration Exemptions

Almost all public swimming pools and spas in Iowa are required to meet the minimum standards of Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) 641 Chapter 15. However, there are two instances when a public swimming pool or spa can be exempted from meeting these minimum standards. These include:

• Therapeutic Use

  A swimming pool or spa used exclusively for therapeutic use under the direct supervision of qualified medical personnel can be exempted by completing the Request for Therapy Use Exemption form.

  • Request for Therapy Use Exemption

• Homeowner Associations

  A homeowners association representing 72 or fewer dwelling units can request an exemption for their swimming pool or spa by completing the Request for Homeowner’s Association Exemption form if:

  1. The association bylaws, which also apply to a rental agreement relative to any of the dwelling units, include an exemption from the requirements of Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) 641 Chapter 15.
  2. The association provides for the inspection of the swimming pool or spa by an entity other than the department or a local inspection agency. The inspector designated by the association shall be a certified pool operator (CPO) as defined in IAC 641 Chapter 15.3 (1) and the inspection report shall be filed with the association secretary and shall be available to any association member on request.
  3. The association assumes any liability associated with the operation of the swimming pool and spa and must notify the department in writing if the association bylaws are amended.

  Request for Homeowners Association Exemption

  IAC 641 Chapter 15

Need Additional Assistance?

For program-specific questions, contact pools@dia.iowa.gov.

Contact the online licensing portal help desk for issues regarding locked accounts, passwords, and account setup at 515.281.5703 or email amandasupport@dom.iowa.gov.