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Swimming Pool Program

Water chemistry test kit by a swimming pool

Effective July 18, 2026, North Central District Health Department (NCDHD) is in charge of public pool and spa permits and inspections in Antelope, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Keya Paha, Knox, Pierce, and Rock Counties.

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This change is part of Nebraska Legislative Bill 759. NCDHD helps pool owners and operators understand permit rules, get ready for inspections, and keep pools and spas safe and healthy for everyone.

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Swimming Pool Operator Training & Certification
 

Each public pool or spa must have a trained pool operator. This person helps keep the pool safe, clean, and ready to use.
 

The pool operator checks the water, makes sure chemical levels are safe, and checks safety equipment. They also keep pool records and take action if there is a health or safety problem.
 

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). 

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Pool operators must complete an approved pool operator training course and keep their certificate current. Certificates issued through the former Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) program before July 18, 2026, remain valid until their expiration date; DWEE no longer provides its own Pool Operator Certification program.
 

 This is not a complete list, and other approved options may be available

Policy Statements:

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  1. The fee schedule is a fixed charge and represents reasonable cost estimates for providing the service.

  2. Fees are non-refundable

  3. Fees must be received prior to the issuing of a permit

  4. Check or cash payment should be made to North Central District Health Department or NCDHD

  5. Fees collected under this schedule cover a permit and associated inspections up to 1-year. All permits expire 3/31 of each calendar year.

  6. The Board of Health shall review the schedule annually to maintain appropriate cost recovery.​

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Public Swimming Pool Permit Renewal Late Fees:

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                1.   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.

                2.   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.

                3.   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.

Pool Construction and Modification

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The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) maintains authority over the construction, modification, and improvement of public swimming pools.

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  • Permit Requirements: Plans and specifications for new swimming pools, as well as any modifications or improvements to existing pools, must be prepared by a design professional.

  • Submission Process: All plans and specifications must be submitted to the DWEE in triplicate for review and written approval prior to the beginning of any construction.

  • Engineering Documents: You can access the official construction permit application and related forms through the DWEE Environmental Safety portal or their Forms and Publications library.

  • Regulatory Standards: Construction must comply with state regulations, including the design and engineering standards outlined in Title 178 of the Nebraska Administrative Code.

 

Note on Exceptions: While most modifications require state review, certain maintenance items—such as exact equipment replacements, specific pump repairs, or the installation of authorized controllers—may not require a formal construction permit. Please consult the DWEE Swimming Pool Program page or contact their permitting team directly at (402) 471-8697 for guidance on whether your project requires a submittal.

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https://dee.nebraska.gov/forms/publications-grants-forms/wat300

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