N.J.A.C. 8:26, Public Recreational Bathing (readopted June 13, 2023)
New Jersey pool chemical log requirements
What a New Jersey 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
- Every 2 hours while openN.J.A.C. 8:26-7.7(a)
- Keep the log
- 3 yearsN.J.A.C. 8:26-8.9(a)
- Rules
- Swimming poolN.J.A.C. 8:26, Public Recreational Bathing (readopted June 13, 2023)
1.0 to 10.0 ppm · ideal 2.0–4.0
no more than 0.2 ppm
7.2 to 7.8
no more than 100 ppm · minimum 10 when used
Bound pool log · one day per page · columns for FC, CC, pH
Sources (1) — every number above is cited
- N.J.A.C. 8:26 — Public Recreational Bathing (readopted, effective June 13, 2023) — New Jersey Department of Health
New Jersey's combined chlorine limit (0.2 ppm) is half of most states'.
Specially exempt facilities (HOAs, hotels…) are exempt from lifeguard rules only: the chemistry rules still apply.
Legal ranges
| Parameter | Pool | Spa | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free chlorine | 1–10 ppm | 2–10 ppm | N.J.A.C. 8:26 Appendix C |
| Combined chlorine | at most 0.2 ppm | at most 0.2 ppm | N.J.A.C. 8:26 Appendix C |
| pH | 7.2–7.8 | 7.2–7.8 | N.J.A.C. 8:26 Appendix C |
| Cyanuric acid | at most 100 ppm | at most 100 ppm | N.J.A.C. 8:26 Appendix C |
| Water temperature | — | at most 104 °F | N.J.A.C. 8:26-4.3(a) |
Testing frequency
Every 2 hours while open (N.J.A.C. 8:26-7.7(a)). Disinfectant level and pH every two hours during operating hours.
- Cyanuric acid weekly (outdoor pools) (N.J.A.C. 8:26-7.7)
- Water clarity daily (N.J.A.C. 8:26-7.7)
What the log must show
- Time and date of each chemical test and its results
- Initials of the person who tested
- Bather load, water clarity, water temperature and weather conditions
Keep it 3 years (N.J.A.C. 8:26-8.9(a)). A bound log kept for at least three years.
What the inspector checks
- The bound log of the last three years
- Disinfectant within range at every test
- Combined chlorine at 0.2 ppm or less
- The trained pool operator's certificate and weekly visits
When the pool must close
- Pools: close immediately if the disinfectant residual is not within the range
- Spas: close for disinfectant or pH out of range
Who may operate the pool
A trained pool operator (TPO) certified by a body listed in Appendix A (PHTA among them), visiting at least once a week.
New Jersey's combined chlorine limit (0.2 ppm) is half of most states'.
Specially exempt facilities (HOAs, hotels…) are exempt from lifeguard rules only: the chemistry rules still apply.
Log New Jersey readings on your phone
Every reading checked against the ranges above, the corrective action recorded, and the New Jersey sheet filled for the inspector.
Sources
- N.J.A.C. 8:26 — Public Recreational Bathing (readopted, effective June 13, 2023) — New Jersey Department of Health
This page summarizes the state code; your county or city health department may add requirements. It is not legal advice.