Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 511-3-5 (Public Swimming Pools, Spas, and Recreational Water Parks)
Georgia pool chemical log requirements
What a Georgia public or semi-public pool must test, the legal ranges, what goes in the log and how long to keep it — every rule with the section of the code. Checked September 19, 2026.
- Test
- At least twice a day while open511-3-5-.22(9)
- Keep the log
- Not set by the rule511-3-5-.22
- Rules
- Public swimming poolGa. Comp. R. & Regs. 511-3-5 (Public Swimming Pools, Spas, and Recreational Water Parks)
2.0 to 10.0 ppm · pools using cyanuric acid, ideal 2.0–5.0
no more than 0.4 ppm
7.2 to 7.8 · ideal 7.4–7.6
60 to 180 ppm
150 to 1,000 ppm
no more than 90 ppm · ideal 30–50
Pool operator record · one month, letter landscape · columns for FC, CC, pH
Sources (3) — every number above is cited
- Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 511-3-5 — Public Swimming Pools, Spas, and Recreational Water Parks — Georgia Department of Public Health, Secretary of State rules
- Rule 511-3-5-.22 — Operation (trained operator, testing, records) — Georgia Department of Public Health
- Guidance for Public Swimming Pool Operators, with the Public Swimming Pool Operator Record — Georgia Department of Public Health
The state rule applies only in counties that had no local pool rules in effect on December 31, 2000 (511-3-5-.02(4)): check with your county environmental health office.
ORP monitoring does not replace testing with a standard test kit.
Legal ranges
| Parameter | Pool | Spa | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free chlorine | 2–10 ppm | 3–10 ppm | 511-3-5-.17 |
| Combined chlorine | at most 0.4 ppm | at most 0.4 ppm | 511-3-5-.17 |
| pH | 7.2–7.8 | 7.2–7.8 | 511-3-5-.17 |
| Total alkalinity | 60–180 ppm | 60–180 ppm | 511-3-5-.17 |
| Calcium hardness | 150–1000 ppm | 150–1000 ppm | 511-3-5-.17 |
| Cyanuric acid | at most 90 ppm | at most 90 ppm | 511-3-5-.17 |
| Water temperature | — | at most 104 °F | 511-3-5-.17 |
Testing frequency
At least twice a day while open (511-3-5-.22(9)). Pools: free chlorine or total bromine and pH tested at least two times daily during the hours of operation.
- Total alkalinity weekly (511-3-5-.22(9))
- Calcium hardness monthly (511-3-5-.22(9))
- Cyanuric acid every two weeks if stabilized chlorine is the main disinfectant, otherwise monthly (511-3-5-.22(9))
What the log must show
- Water chemistry test results and corrective actions at each operator visit
- Chemicals used and the amounts
- Contamination incidents, in a separate log
- Signature of the trained operator or responsible person (DPH operator record)
Keep it Not set by the rule (511-3-5-.22). The rule requires operator records but sets no retention period. The CDC's model code recommends three years.
What the inspector checks
- The operator record, signed
- The trained operator's current certificate
- Disinfectant and pH inside the ranges
- Main drain covers or marker tile visible
- Chemical feeder working
When the pool must close
- Water tests outside the ranges of rule .17 — the operator must close the pool
- Disinfectant below the minimum or pH out of range
- Chemical feeder not working
- Main drain not visible
- Fecal contamination
Who may operate the pool
A trained operator with a current certificate from an approved course (CPO, AFO, LAFT or CPT, list revised May 2025), who visits at least twice a week.
The state rule applies only in counties that had no local pool rules in effect on December 31, 2000 (511-3-5-.02(4)): check with your county environmental health office.
ORP monitoring does not replace testing with a standard test kit.
Log Georgia readings on your phone
Every reading checked against the ranges above, the corrective action recorded, and the Georgia sheet filled for the inspector.
Sources
- Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 511-3-5 — Public Swimming Pools, Spas, and Recreational Water Parks — Georgia Department of Public Health, Secretary of State rules
- Rule 511-3-5-.22 — Operation (trained operator, testing, records) — Georgia Department of Public Health
- Guidance for Public Swimming Pool Operators, with the Public Swimming Pool Operator Record — Georgia Department of Public Health
This page summarizes the state code; your county or city health department may add requirements. It is not legal advice.