Home / Programs and Services / Environmental Health / Public Pools and Spas Program

Public Pools and Spas Program

Last updated: April 12, 2022

ATTENTION:  Effective November 2021, the Department of Health is no longer issuing LIFEGUARD LICENSES.  Instead of a license from the Department of Health, lifeguards are now required to have a paper or digital copy of their training certificate at the pool when they are at work.  The certificate must be from one of these approved training agencies: American Red Cross; YMCA; Starguard; International Lifeguard Training Program (Ellis).

Phone: 410-222-7217

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health inspects public swimming pools and spas to monitor health and safety conditions at each facility.

Maryland State and County regulations provide the minimum requirements for the operation of public swimming pools and spas. Inspectors closely evaluate public swimming pools and spas for specific health and safety conditions, which are likely to contribute to injuries and waterborne disease. If a health or safety violation is observed, the condition must be corrected immediately or the public swimming pool or spa risks being closed.

The program is also responsible for licensing pool operators and investigating complaints about public pools, spas and tanning salons.

Pool Operator Licensing Office
All pool operator licensing is being done by mail at this time. Applications can also be dropped off at the Department of Health during business hours, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. See Pool Operator License Application.

Mail to:
Environmental Health
Anne Arundel County Department of Health
3 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401


Pool Operator testing pool

Pool Operator License


Image indoor pool and spa

Public Pools and Spas Forms


Steps to Healthy Swimming - CDC poster

Fact Sheets and Guidelines


Assistance for services image

Assistance for Services:

Contact Us | Directory of Services | Employment Opportunities | Employees Only

Anne Arundel County Government | Maryland Department of Health | Site Use Policy and Disclaimer | ADA Notice


Anne Arundel County Department of Health | 3 Harry S. Truman Parkway Annapolis, Maryland 21401
410-222-7095 | TTY (Relay): 7-1-1 | © 2023