PITT COUNTY, N.C. – As the 2023 Pool Season approaches, Pitt County public swimming pool and spa operators must submit all paperwork and fees to the Pitt County Environmental Health Division by April 1, 2023 to be guaranteed an operational permit by Memorial Day weekend.
“The April 1st deadline provides Environmental Health time to review and verify paperwork before scheduling operational permit inspections. To ensure accuracy, operators should examine all equipment before documenting the required information, says Dr. John Silvernail, Public Health Director.
“Each form submitted should exactly match the installed equipment at an operator’s facility. If discrepancies are found during the inspection, significant delays could occur in the issuance of an operator’s permit. If reinspection is required, operators may be charged a reinspection fee of $75, says Angela Manning, Environmental Health Director.
The following forms must be completed in full and submitted by April 1, 2023:
- Public Swimming Pool Operation Permit Application*
- Pool Drain Safety (VGB) Compliance Data form* (a separate form is required for each pumping system)
- Pool Night Lighting Documentation Form* (if applicable)
- Permit Fee ($200 for annual permits; $100 for seasonal)
*The Pool Drain Safety (VGB) Compliance Data form must be submitted with the Public Swimming Pool Operation Permit Application.
Per the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), there have been updates to the required VGB Compliance documentation for 2023 following federal changes to the Virginia Graeme Baker Act (VGBA) made in 2017 that did not go into effect until 2021. Manufacturing adjustments with the pool drain cover industry have occurred as a result.
The changes will mainly affect newly installed drain covers and updated Pool Drain Safety (VGB) Data forms are required. Previously manufactured drain covers were manufactured in compliance with the VGBA 2008 regulations in which covers only had two flow ratings.
Covers manufactured from 2021 are now in compliance with the VGBA 2017 regulations. The new VGBA 2017-compliant drain covers require more information concerning flow rates, pipe sizes and sump depths. This information is essential to determine if drain covers are within compliance and should be detailed on the Pool Drain Safety (VGB) Compliance Data form.
When paperwork is complete, operators should reference the Swimming Pool Operating Permit Checklist located on the Environmental Health Division website to determine if a facility is ready for permit inspection.
For more information, visit www.PittCountyNC.gov/Pools or contact Marian Robertson at 252-902-3214 or marian.robertson@pittcountync.gov.
The Mission of Pitt County Government is to enhance the health, safety, and well-being of our community by advocating for and providing quality services in a friendly and cost-effective manner. Learn more: www.PittCountyNC.gov
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Media Contact:
Dawn C. Jones
Director, Public Information & Media Relations Past Releases:
dawn.jones@pittcountync.gov | (252) 902-2955 www.PittCountyNC.gov/PIO