Bathing Establishment with Pool (Annual & Seasonal)

You need a permit to install, run or build any pool in New York City. This rule comes from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. This includes pools owned by City agencies, businesses or private groups. Examples are:

• Public or private schools
• Companies
• Hotels
• Motels
• Camps
• Apartment buildings
• Condos
• Country clubs
• Gyms
• Health clubs

Exemptions

You do not need this permit if:

• The pool or sauna is in a one or two family home and is for noncommercial use by the people living there.
• It is a float tank or relaxation tank used by one person at a time.
• The pool is used only for religious purposes (ritual immersion).
• The spa pool is used for medical therapy or rehab under medical care.

Permit types

There are two types of permits: annual and seasonal. They have the same rules but different end dates and fees:

• Annual permit: Ends on April 30
• Seasonal permit: Ends on November 1

A Renewal Certificate, Form 401, is sent to the facility when the permit ends. You must renew it to meet the New York City Health Code rules.

• Get an NYC ID: You should get an NYC ID. This helps you manage your business online through the MyCity portal. Make sure your NYC ID and your online licensing email are the same.

• Review requirements: Look at all the rules to get a permit to run a bathing place with a pool.
  Instructions to apply for a Bathing Establishment with Pool permit

• Contact the NYC Health Department: Before you start, contact the NYC Health Department, Office of Public Health Engineering for help with your documents and plans.
  
  NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)
  Office of Public Health Engineering/Building Water Supply
  42-09 28th Street, CN-56
  Long Island City, NY 11101
  Email: phe@health.nyc.gov
  Phone: 718-786-6004

• Complete PHE Form 88: PHE Form 88 (PDF)

• Complete PHE Form 100: PHE Form 100 - Application for Approval of Plans and Specifications (PDF)

• Complete NYS Form 1309: NYS Form 1309 - Engineering Reports for Swimming Pool Plans

• Write a cover letter: Include a short description of the facility, building type and usage. Talk about the proposed system and work to be done.

• Get a sewer discharge permit: Get this from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Pool wastewater must go through the NYC sewer system. Send a copy of the Permission Letter to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Office of Public Health Engineering.

• Get subsurface connection approval: Get permission from the NYC DEP. Send a copy of the Permission Letter to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Office of Public Health Engineering.

• Get approval for underwater lights: If the pool has underwater lights, get an Approval Letter or an Electrical Inspection Completion Certificate from the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB).

• Prepare engineering plans: Get plans prepared, signed and stamped by a New York State licensed engineer or architect. Submit two copies with the application.
  NYS Form 1309 - Engineering Reports for Swimming Pool Plans

• Get a Certificate of Occupancy: Get this from the DOB showing approval for pool or bathing establishment use. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Acceptance is okay.
  Learn more about the Certificate of Occupancy.

• Prepare manufacturers' specifications: Get one set of specifications for pumps, flow meters, chemical feeders, etc., signed and stamped by a New York State licensed engineer or architect. Submit one copy with the application.

• Prepare hydraulic calculations: Get one set of hydraulic calculations prepared by a New York State licensed engineer or architect. Submit one copy with the application.

• Complete a pool safety plan: After construction, complete a pool safety plan detailing policies and procedures for normal operation and emergencies. The plan must include:

  • A description of how pool users will be supervised

  • Preventing injuries

  • Plans for emergencies, injuries and other incidents

  • Appling first aid and getting help
    
    Submit and get approval from the Office of Public Health Engineering. Keep the approved plan accessible at the facility for inspection.

• Get lifeguards' CPR certificates: Get copies of CPR certificates for lifeguards who will supervise bathers.
  NYS lifeguard CPR certification information

• Complete a pool operator's course: Provide proof of successful completion of a course approved by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
  Swimming pool operator course and certification information

• Provide proof of insurance: Submit proof of workers' compensation and disability insurance, including the insurance carrier's name, policy number and expiration date. If exempt, submit Form CE-200 stamped by the Workers' Compensation Board. The certificate must list the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as the Certificate Holder.
  New York State Workers' Compensation

• Refer to the requirements checklist: Check the basic documentation and other requirements needed to apply for a permit from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).
  Requirements checklist - all DOHMH permits

• Pay outstanding fines: Pay all outstanding fines for Health Code violations before applying for or renewing a permit. Review and pay fines at 66 John St., 10th floor, New York, NY 10038, or online at nyc.gov/citypay (select option #6). Fines can also be paid in person at the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Citywide Licensing Center (appointment required) or online.
  Pay outstanding fines online
  
  NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
  Licensing Center
  42 Broadway
  New York, NY 10004
  Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov

• Provide a valid email address: A valid email address is required if applying online. Your NYC ID must use the same email address as the online licensing system.

List of permit fees

• Permit application fee: $1980.00
• Renewal fee: $245

List of accepted payment methods

• Personal check (payable to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, accepted in person)
• Certified check (payable to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, accepted in person)
• Company check (payable to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, accepted in person)
• Government check (payable to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, accepted in person)
• Money order (payable to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, accepted in person)
• American Express (accepted online or in person)
• Discover (accepted online or in person)
• Mastercard (accepted online or in person)
• Visa (accepted online or in person)

You can check on your application by calling the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Public Health Engineering.

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DoHMH)
Office of Public Health Engineering/Building Water Supply
42-09 28th Street
CN-56
Long Island City, NY 11101
Email: phe@health.nyc.gov
Phone: 718-786-6004

• The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) checks if the pool is safe and stable.
• An architect or engineer checks if the pool is safe when it is empty and full.

To view Health Codes for this permit: www.nyc.gov/healthcode. Select Article 165.

Important: Getting a DOHMH permit does not cover all rules. You must get all other permits and licenses needed by other City and State agencies. If you do not follow these rules, your DOHMH permit may be suspended until you show proof of compliance.

• Get an NYC ID: Effective November 15, 2023, all online applicants need an NYC ID. If you are a current user of the NYC Health online licensing system, your NYC ID must use the same email address.
• Gather documents: Gather all required documents and make electronic versions of each. You will need to upload them individually. Accepted file types are PDF, JPG, GIF, PNG, XLS, XLSX, DOC, DOCX, VSD and TXT.
• Select permit type: Choose the type of permit you are applying for and fill in the required fields. When asked, upload each supporting document one by one.
• Make payment: Pay with a credit or debit card to complete the application.

• Review requirements: Look at all the rules to get a permit to run a bathing place with a pool. Complete an application form and make copies of all required documents.
  Instructions and application to apply for a Bathing Establishment with Pool Permit

• Complete the application form: Complete the application form and gather all required supporting documents.
  NYC Health Department permit application form (PDF)

• Make an appointment: Schedule an appointment to submit your application, payment and required documents to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.
  
  NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
  Licensing Center
  42 Broadway, Lobby
  New York, NY 10004

• You can renew online using the NYC Online Licensing system.
• You need to register first.
• You cannot renew if you have unpaid fines. You can pay fines online before renewing.

To renew online for the first time: You need the Personal Identification Number (PIN) found on your Renewal Notice. The PIN links your records to one online account. You only need to use your PIN once for each permit or license.

If you do not have your Renewal Notice: You can get your PIN by completing an online PIN Request Form or by calling 311.

• PIN Request Form

• You can renew your permit in person at the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Citywide Licensing Center.

• If someone else renews for you, they must present an Authority to Act on your behalf.

  • Appointments are required.
  • Authority to Act Form (PDF)

NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
Licensing Center
42 Broadway, Lobby
New York, NY 10004

• Follow the instructions on your Renewal Notice to renew by mail.