503-988-3400

All public swimming pools, spas and water attractions must be licensed and pass regular health inspections. This applies to all public pools, spas, wading pools, swim beaches and similar water recreation sites.

You must obtain a plan review and license before:

  • Building a new public pool or spa
  • Remodeling a public pool or spa

You must also contact us prior to changing any pump, filter, heater or disinfection device.

Facilities are considered public if they are:

  • Associated with more than 4 housing units (including apartments, condo associations and neighborhood associations)
  • Private clubs
  • Fitness clubs
  • Hotels
  • Motels
  • Schools
  • Commercial concerns or parks
  • Recreation departments

Types of public pool facilities include:

  • General use - any member of the general public can pay at the door.
  • Limited use - membership, or member guest status, is required for use.

Requirements

Oregon Pool and Spa Rules

All public swimming pools are required to provide entrapment protection according to the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. For more information, visit PoolSafety.gov.

Get a License

Submit a completed pool/spa license application Pool/Spa License Application (47.31 KB) along with the license fee payment.

If you are building or remodeling a pool or spa:
You must obtain a plan review before starting construction. Submit to Multnomah County Environmental Health:

Once your plan has been approved (about 3-4 weeks) you may begin construction. After the work has been completed, call us to schedule a pre-inspection. You will receive your license after the facility passes the final inspection.

Fees

Based on the number of pools/spas at the same location.

  • 1-2: $880
  • Over 2: $310
  • 1-2 seasonal: $450
  • Over 2 seasonal: $310
  • Minor plan review: $290
  • Plan review, new construction or complete replacement less than 2000 sq ft: $1,480
  • Plan review, new construction or complete replacement 2000 sq ft and up: $1,860
  • Construction permit renewals: $100

Fee Schedule (59.74 KB)

Pay Fees Online

We'll email you an invoice and you can pay online using your invoice number. Make a payment»

Renewals

Licenses are good for one calendar year. You may also get a seasonal license that is good for 6 consecutive months. Renew your license by paying the license fee by January 1 of each year.

Helpful Documents

Water Treatment - Swimming Pools (57.78 KB)
Water Treatment - Spas and Hot Tubs (53.65 KB)
Troubleshooting Water Quality (55.51 KB)
Disinfection of Spa Pools for Pseudomonas (42.38 KB)

Cleaning Up Body Fluid Spills on Pool Surfaces (CDC)
Poop in the Water - Incident Response Recommendations (CDC)


Contact Us

Multnomah County Environmental Health
847 NE 19th Ave, Ste 350
Portland, Oregon (Map)
503-988-3400

eh.front.office@multco.us

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am - 4:30pm