30 Years of Exceptional Experience
Pool Emergency Phone Laws by State
A free, easy-to-read reference guide to pool emergency phone requirements across the United States — built for property managers, HOAs, and apartment communities.
Pool communication requirements vary widely from state to state. Below is a simple, state-by-state overview based on the regulations and code sections cited by each jurisdiction, built as a quick reference for property owners, HOAs, and community managers. If you need help understanding what applies to your specific pool, the pool-phone specialists at SouthEast Telephone are happy to walk you through it.
State-by-State Pool Emergency Phone Requirements
Each entry below includes a short summary of the communication requirement and the code citation where available. Select a state for a full breakdown, FAQs, and what it means for your property.
No states match your search.
| State | Citation | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Full details → | ISPSC 2021 §412.2 | Alabama pools must comply with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) 2021, §412.2, which calls for a telephone located within the pool area or immediately adjacent to it, capable of connecting directly to emergency services. |
| Arkansas Full details → | A.C.A. 20-7-109 | Arkansas law requires all public pools to provide telephone service that is conveniently located for emergency use. |
| California Full details → | Title 22 §65540 | California requires an operating telephone as part of the mandatory safety equipment for public swimming pools. |
| Colorado Full details → | ISPSC 2021 §412.2 | Colorado has adopted ISPSC 2021 §412.2, requiring a telephone within 20 feet of the pool that is capable of dialing emergency services. |
| Connecticut Full details → | 19-13-B33b | Connecticut requires a telephone or suitable communication device to be readily available at all public pools for emergency use. |
| Florida Full details → | 64E-9.008 | Florida requires an emergency telephone accessible to the pool area. It must be affixed in place and capable of dialing 911 without needing coins or an access code. |
| Georgia Full details → | Varies by county | Georgia does not set one statewide rule; local authorities may require an emergency phone, and many counties adopt ISPSC or their own pool codes requiring accessible communication. |
| Illinois Full details → | 77 Ill. Adm. Code 820.340 | Illinois requires the pool telephone to be accessible, with emergency numbers posted at or near the phone. |
| Indiana Full details → | 410 IAC 6-2.1 | Indiana requires a working telephone within the pool area, or accessible nearby, for emergencies. |
| Iowa Full details → | 641—15.4(135I) | Iowa requires the emergency telephone to be located within an enclosure or building adjacent to the pool and available for emergency use. |
| Kansas Full details → | K.A.R. 28-34-2 | Kansas requires the emergency phone to be accessible and able to reach emergency services. |
| Kentucky Full details → | 902 KAR 10:120 | Kentucky requires the emergency telephone or device to be readily accessible at all times the pool is in use. |
| Maryland Full details → | COMAR 10.17.01.21 | Maryland requires public pools to have a telephone capable of contacting emergency services, located within the pool enclosure or an adjacent area. |
| Michigan Full details → | R 325.2193 | Michigan requires accessible emergency communication within the pool enclosure. |
| Minnesota Full details → | 4717.1250 | Minnesota requires the emergency telephone to be accessible from the pool deck area. |
| Missouri Full details → | 19 CSR 20-34.040 | Missouri requires the emergency telephone to be accessible within 200 feet of the pool. |
| Nebraska Full details → | 178 NAC 2 | Nebraska requires the emergency telephone to be located within the pool enclosure. |
| New Hampshire Full details → | Env-Dw 1103.05 | New Hampshire requires an emergency telephone with prominently posted emergency numbers. |
| North Carolina Full details → | 15A NCAC 18A .2530 | North Carolina requires the emergency telephone to be within 300 feet of the pool. In certain counties, the phone must use a handset rather than push-button-only operation. Clear access, signage, and the ability to dial 911 directly are all required. |
| Ohio Full details → | OAC 3701-31 | Ohio requires the emergency telephone to be accessible within the pool area. |
| Oregon Full details → | OAR 333-060 | Oregon requires the emergency telephone to be available and capable of dialing for emergency services. |
| Pennsylvania Full details → | 28 Pa. Code § 18.44 | Pennsylvania requires a telephone within the pool enclosure or easily accessible from the deck. |
| South Carolina Full details → | Reg 61-51 | South Carolina requires a telephone accessible to the pool deck that is capable of dialing emergency services. |
| Tennessee Full details → | Rule 1200-23-05 | Tennessee requires an emergency telephone accessible within the pool area. |
| Texas Full details → | TAC §265.192 | Texas requires an emergency telephone in the pool area, or within 200 feet of it. |
| Utah Full details → | R392-302 | Utah requires an emergency telephone within 150 feet of the pool. |
| Virginia Full details → | 12VAC5-460 | Virginia requires an emergency telephone in the pool area with clearly posted directions for its use. |
| Wisconsin Full details → | DHS 172 | Wisconsin requires the emergency telephone to be accessible and capable of contacting emergency services. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all states require an emergency phone at the pool?
Most states require some form of accessible emergency communication at public and semi-public pools, though the exact wording varies — some cite a specific distance from the pool, others simply require the phone to be "accessible" or "readily available." Always check the specific citation for your state above, and confirm with your local health or building department, since counties can add stricter rules.
Does this apply to HOA and apartment community pools?
In most states, these requirements apply to any pool classified as public or semi-public, which typically includes HOA, condo, and apartment community pools — not just commercial or municipal facilities. If you manage a shared-use pool, it is safest to assume the requirement applies to you.
Can I use a cellular phone instead of a landline?
In nearly every state listed here, a dedicated cellular emergency phone satisfies the requirement, as long as it can reliably dial emergency services without extra steps like access codes. Cellular units are increasingly common since many properties no longer have traditional phone lines run to the pool area.
Who enforces these pool phone requirements?
Enforcement typically falls to your state or local health department, or in some states a building/safety code office, usually as part of routine pool inspections and licensing. Some states delegate the exact requirement to counties, so always confirm locally.
What happens if my pool phone isn't compliant?
Non-compliance can result in a failed inspection, a required corrective action before reopening, or in some jurisdictions a fine — specifics vary by state and county. The most common issues are a phone that is not working, is not accessible without a key, or is placed farther from the pool than the applicable code allows.
Need Help Understanding Your Local Rules?
Pool regulations change often, and counties sometimes adopt additional requirements. If you're unsure what applies to your property, the team at SouthEast Telephone is here to help.
Information is provided for general reference only and is not legal advice. Codes change; always verify current requirements with your state or local building or health authority before making compliance decisions.
