Public Swimming Pool Program

Effective August 1, 2026, Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) is the local regulatory authority for public swimming pools and spas in Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux counties under Nebraska Legislative Bill 759.

What this means for the region
PPHD is responsible for permitting, inspecting, and enforcing Nebraska’s public swimming pool regulations for all permitted facilities within the district. Inspections are NOT conducted on privately owned residential pools used exclusively by one family.

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (NDWEE) no longer issues annual operating permits for public swimming pools and spas located in the PPHD jurisdiction. DWEE's Engineering Section conducts plan reviews and issues construction permits for all new public swimming pools/spas and modifications or improvements to existing pools as defined in Title 178 NAC 2, Chapter 2 Design, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Public Swimming Pools. Per the Environmental Safety Act, plans and specifications must be submitted to DWEE Engineering for review and approval prior to construction. Before making modifications to an existing pool, contact DWEE Engineering for determination on whether plan submittal is required. Visit DWEE’s site to learn more!

Certified Pool Operator Certificates are no longer issued by NDWEE. Pool operators should obtain certification through a PPHD-recognized pool operator training course that meets the requirements of Nebraska Title 178 Chapter 2.

PPHD conducts routine inspections, complaint investigations, and enforcement activities in accordance with Nebraska Title 178, Chapter 2. No additional local operational standards have been adopted beyond those required by state regulations.

Approved pool operator training courses recognized by PPHD

• Lancaster County CPO Training: Anyone in Nebraska may take this class and exam to become a swimming pool operator. The fee for the LLCHD class is $60. View the class schedule​.
• Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) Certified Pool Operator
• National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO)
• AquaTech Certified Pool and Aquatic Facility Operator

If you are aware of a certificate program that should be included on this list, please submit it for PPHD review by contacting mbarhafer@pphd.ne.gov

Accidents
The pool owner or swimming pool operator must immediately notify PPHD of any drowning or near-drowning. Any accident occurring on the pool premises requiring hospitalization or medical treatment must be reported by the owner or pool operator within 24 hours. Contact us at our 24/7 line at 308-262-5764

VGBA Compliance

All public pool owners and operators must comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA). For more information, including an equipment log, and FAQ page see VGBA Compliance Information or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s public education campaign to reduce drownings, injuries, and entrapments, Pool Safely.

Regulations

PPHD adopted regulations in alignment with Title 178 NAC 2 on July 30, 2026. Please view the regulations here.

Pool Operating Permits

PPHD pool operating permits will be valid through March 31 following issuance of the permit. A renewal permit should be secured by April 1!

Public Swimming Pool Permit Renewal Late Fees:

• A permit holder who fails to renew the permit before it expires, but within 30 days of the date of expiration shall pay a late fee of 33% of the annual fee in addition to the annual fee.
• A permit holder who fails to renew the permit before it expires and fails to renew the permit within 30 days from the date of expiration shall pay a late fee of 67% of the annual fee in addition to the annual fee.
• Late fees shall not be charged if the renewal notice was not mailed at least 30 days prior to the due date. 
• Failure to pay Public Swimming Pool Permit fees shall be cause for the Health Director to issue an order to stop operating and to take appropriate legal action against the owner.
• All fees shall be payable to Panhandle Public Health District. 

Pool Cool

PPHD also offers a free program for public swimming pools called Pool Cool. This program increases awareness and sun protection practices among pool staff and patrons. Childhood sunburns can cause skin cancer -- the most common type of cancer in the U.S. -- and is largely preventable. To prevent skin cancer, we provide free sunscreen to public pools. Learn more about sun safety on the Pool Cool page.

Sources:
Nebraska Department of Water Energy and the Environment: Swimming Pool Program