Swimming Pool Program

LB 759, effective July 18, 2026, amended the Environmental Safety Act and transferred certain regulatory authorities related to swimming pools from the Department to local governments (city/village, county, or health department). Additional information and resources may be found below:

Swimming Pool Operating Permits and Operational Inspections

Effective July 18, 2026, DWEE no longer issues Operating Permits or performs operational (sanitation) inspections of swimming pool facilities. For more information regarding permitting and inspections, contact your local inspection authority.

Swimming Pool Construction and Modification Permits 

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.

Engineering Documents

Pool Variance Application

New Pool Data and Check Sheet

Certification of Construction

Existing Pool Data Sheet – Sanitizer Only

Pool Operator Training and Certification

Every Class A (municipality type) pool must be under the immediate supervision of a Nebraska swimming pool operator. Every Class B (motel, hotel, apartment type) pool and Class F (fitness facility type) pool must have a Nebraska swimming pool operator available within 60 minutes of the facility. The certified pool operator is responsible for compliance with all regulations. The operator supervises the operation of the facility to ensure safety, both from a physical and chemical standpoint. The operator must also ensure records of the pool operation including attendance, disinfectant residuals, pH, chemical additions, equipment maintenance, closures, and accidents are maintained.

Effective July 18, 2026, DWEE no longer provides a Pool Operator Certification program. Certificates issued prior to this date are valid until their date of expiration (2 years from issuance). 

To view and print current pool operator certificates, use the Active Pool Operator Lookup.

The following courses have previously been accepted by the Department as meeting the requirements for Nebraska pool operator certification: 

• Lancaster County CPO Training: Pool operators working within Lancaster County are required to take the class offered by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD). Anyone in Nebraska may alternatively 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 (CPO) 
• 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 Department review by contacting DWEE.EnvSafety@nebraska.gov. 

Accidents

The pool owner or swimming pool operator must immediately notify the local inspection authority 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 your local inspection authority regarding their reporting requirements.