Public Swimming Pools and Spas

First, complete the plan review application and submit it to Montana Department of Public Health for review. Once the plans are approved, you will need to contact Flathead County Health Department to conduct a licensing inspection.

Swimming pools and spas that are open all year are inspected twice annually, while those that are only open seasonally are inspected once each year.

Expect to answer questions about the facility and its operation. Licensing inspections are mostly about the physical facility. No problems should arise as long as you adhered to the approved plans. The inspector will review some operational expectations, future inspections, and annual license renewal. Assuming the inspection goes well, a license application will be completed and mailed to the State accompanied by your first year's license fee. You will need a check or money order to pay this fee. More details about what to expect on a preopening/licensing inspection are available on our preoperational inspection checklist.

If a cold plunge tub is not drained and cleaned between users, then a license would be required. Licensure would require operation by a Certified Pool Operator, routine chemical testing throughout the day, and a disinfectant that leaves a measurable residual in the water (ozone and UV light disinfection do not leave a residual).