El Paso Countyís swimming pools and spas will start having regular inspections again beginning April 1, when El Paso County Public Health reinstates its public swimming pool and spa education and inspection program.There are an estimated 152 public pool and spa facilities in El Paso County. Proper pool and spa maintenance can help prevent gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases that may spread through improperly maintained pool water.The El Paso County Board of Health approved the reinstatement in November.ìIndustry support for the reinstatement of the program has been very positive, and we are excited to be involved with this important service to our community,î said Tom Gonzales, El Paso County Public Healthís director of environmental health.At the end of 2008, the public pool and spa education and inspection program was suspended due to budget challenges. Public Health has been collaborating with the National Swimming Pool Foundation in Colorado Springs to provide effective, low-cost training to staff.ìI feel itís important to reinstate the program to assure the quality of pools, spas and the safety of our visiting guests,î said George James, owner of the Dillon Motel in Manitou Springs.The goals of the program are to increase education and outreach to the community and to stakeholders in the pool/spa industry; and to protect the health and safety of pool and spa visitors.Pool and spa owners will be assessed fees as part of the program.
- Plan reviews, including pre-operational inspections – $241
- Inspections, year-round pool/spa facilities (includes two regular inspections) – $181
- Inspections-seasonal pools/spa – $106
- Follow-up inspections – $43/hour
- Additional services – $43/hour
