An Open Letter to Idaho Legislators and City Council Members: It's Time Idaho Regulates Swimming Pools

To our Idaho State Legislators and City Council Members across the Treasure Valley:

As a locally-owned business with over 30years of experience in the swimming pool industry right here in Idaho, we’ve seen our fair share of "chip seal season" and the unique challenges our climate poses to swimming pools. But today, we’re writing about something much more critical than seasonal maintenance. We are writing about a growing safety gap that puts every Idaho family, child, and tourist at risk.

Safety is always number one! It’s a phrase we live by at Idaho Pool Remodeling. Whether we are working with homeowners looking for swimming pool renovations near me or helping a commercial facility with a complete overhaul, safety is the foundation of everything we do.

However, as of July 1, 2025, Idaho took a step backward. With the enactment of HB 202, our state eliminated statewide health and safety regulations for public swimming pools. This means that, currently, Idaho has zero statewide oversight for the very places our children learn to swim and our families go to cool off during those scorching Boise summers.

Is your pool missing the "pop" and the peace of mind it had when it was new? It should have both. But without a standardized safety code, we are operating in a wild west of water safety.

Idaho: An Island of Zero Oversight

When you look at a map of the Pacific Northwest and our neighbors to the north, Idaho stands out: and not in a good way. We have become an "island" where the basic safety standards found in every surrounding state simply don't exist at the state level.

Let’s look at the facts. Every single state surrounding us maintains rigorous, statewide standards to protect their citizens:

1. Washington (WAC 246-260): Our neighbors to the west have a comprehensive system for pool and spa design, construction, and operation. They require permits and regular inspections to ensure public health is never a second thought.
2. Oregon (OAR 333-060): Oregon mandates licensing for public aquatic facilities and enforces strict construction standards with recurring inspections to keep their water safe and clean.
3. Montana (ARM 37.115): Even in the Big Sky Country, they recognize the need for licensing and mandatory safety upgrades for public pools and spas.
4. Utah (R392-302): Utah maintains state-level health regulations that provide a clear framework for pool operators to follow.
5. Nevada: They have adopted the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) statewide, with local health districts like the Southern Nevada Health District providing even stricter enforcement.

And it’s not just our fellow states. Look north to Canada. Every single province: from British Columbia and Alberta to Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec: regulates pools at the provincial level. They understand that water safety isn't a "local preference" issue; it’s a public health necessity.

The Danger of the Regulatory Vacuum

By removing these standards, Idaho has essentially said that the safety of a child in a Nampa pool or a tourist in a McCall resort is less important than it is just across the border. Without a statewide code, we are left with a patchwork of local ordinances: or in many cases, nothing at all.

(And let’s be honest, expecting every small city council to become experts in hydraulic entrapment and chemical sanitation overnight is a tall order!)

As one of the leading pool remodeling companies near me, we often receive calls for swimming pool inspections. Homeowners and facility managers want to be safe, but they need a clear, consistent standard to follow. When we perform commercial pool remodels, we adhere to the highest industry standards because it’s the right thing to do, but not every contractor or operator will do the same without oversight.

The Solution: Adopting PHTA-2

We aren't just here to point out problems; we’re here to offer a solution that fits the Idaho way of life. We believe the state: or at the very least, our local city councils: should adopt the PHTA-2 standard.

The PHTA-2 (American National Standard for Residential and Public Pool/Spa Safety) is the gold standard in our industry. Why is it better for Idaho than other models like the MAHC (Model Aquatic Health Code)?

• It’s Practical: PHTA-2 is designed by industry experts who understand the nuts and bolts of pool operation.
• It Aligns with Building Codes: It integrates much more cleanly with Idaho’s existing building codes than more bureaucratic alternatives.  In the upcoming International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ICC Code) PHTA-2 will be directly referenced.
• It’s Industry-Backed: It focuses on the most critical safety elements: anti-entrapment, barrier requirements, and proper sanitation.
• It is Up to Date: PHTA-2 just underwent a limited update to better align with the latest water quality standards.  MAHC wont be updated for the next 5 years.

We already provide Certified Pool Operator (CPO) training to help professionals understand these safety protocols. But training is only half the battle; we need the force of law to ensure these standards are applied across the board.

Why Our Leaders Must Act Now

When a pool is neglected or built without oversight, the results can be devastating. We aren't just talking about cloudy water or "missing pop" in the aesthetics. We are talking about sharp edges, suction hazards, and chemical imbalances that lead to real-world injuries.

Our families deserve to know that when they jump into a public pool in Boise, Meridian or Post Falls that the water is safe and the equipment is up to code. Our tourists: who bring vital revenue to our state: expect a level of safety that matches what they have at home.

Idaho shouldn't be the exception; we should be the example.

As one of the most trusted pool restoration companies in the region, we are calling on our legislators and city council members to:

1. Acknowledge the gap: Recognize that the current lack of statewide oversight is a safety liability.
2. Adopt PHTA-2: Implement this practical, industry-backed standard at the local level immediately.
3. Restore Inspections: Partner with health districts to ensure that "public" really means "safe."
4. Regulate ALL Public Pools: This includes Hotels, Motels, Apartments and not just water parks or municipal pools.

A Message to Our Neighbors

If you are a homeowner or a facility manager, don't wait for the law to catch up. You can take steps today to ensure your pool is safe. Whether you need a consultation or expert witness for a construction defect or you're ready to bring an old pool back to life with a modern remodel, we are here to help.

We love this state, and we love this industry. Let’s work together to make sure Idaho’s pools are the safest in the West!

Ready to make your pool safe and beautiful again? Give us a call at 208-495-5047. We’re here to help you navigate these changes and keep your backyard (and our community) safe!

Stay safe and keep swimming,



The Team at Idaho Pool Remodeling