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Pool Emergency Phone Laws by State
Pool communication requirements vary widely across the country.
Below is a simple, state-by-state overview based on the regulations and guidelines provided by your local and national code sources. This page is meant to give property owners, HOAs, and community managers a quick reference point. If you need help understanding what applies to your specific pool, our team is always happy to walk you through it.
State-by-State Pool Emergency Phone Requirements
Each state below includes a short description of the communication requirement and the code citation where available. Links are provided to the original sources for further review.
Alabama
Pools must comply with ISPSC 2021 §412.2, which requires a telephone within the pool area or immediately adjacent, capable of direct connection to emergency services.
Citation: ISPSC 2021 §412.2
Arkansas
All pools must have a telephone service conveniently located for emergency use.
Citation: A.C.A. 20-7-109
California
An operating telephone is required as part of the required safety equipment for public pools.
Citation: Title 22 §65540
Colorado
Adopted ISPSC 2021 §412.2. A telephone is required within 20 feet of the pool and capable of dialing emergency services.
Citation: ISPSC 2021 §412.2
Connecticut
A telephone or suitable device must be readily available at all public pools for emergency use.
Citation: 19-13-B33b
Florida
An emergency telephone accessible to the pool area is required. Must be affixed and capable of dialing 911 without coins or codes.
Citation: 64E-9.008
Georgia
Local authorities may require an emergency phone. Many counties adopt ISPSC or local pool codes requiring accessible communication.
Citation: Varies by county
Illinois
The telephone must be accessible with posted emergency numbers.
Citation: 77 Ill. Adm. Code 820.340
Indiana
Requires a working telephone within the pool area or accessible nearby.
Citation: 410 IAC 6-2.1
Iowa
The telephone must be located within an enclosure or building adjacent to the pool and available for emergency use.
Citation: 641—15.4(135I)
Kansas
The phone must be accessible and able to reach emergency services.
Citation: K.A.R. 28-34-2
Kentucky
The telephone or device must be readily accessible at all times for emergency use.
Citation: 902 KAR 10:120
Maryland
Public pools must have a telephone capable of contacting emergency services within the pool enclosure or adjacent area.
Citation: COMAR 10.17.01.21
Michigan
Requires accessible emergency communication within the pool enclosure.
Citation: R 325.2193
Minnesota
The telephone for emergency use must be accessible from the pool deck area.
Citation: 4717.1250
Missouri
The telephone must be accessible within 200 feet of the pool.
Citation: 19 CSR 20-34.040
Nebraska
The emergency telephone must be located within the pool enclosure.
Citation: 178 NAC 2
New Hampshire
An emergency telephone is required with prominently posted numbers.
Citation: Env-Dw 1103.05
North Carolina
The telephone must be within 300 feet of the pool and must use a handset (not push-button) in certain counties. Clear access, signage, and direct dialing to 911 are required.
Citation: 15A NCAC 18A .2530
Ohio
The emergency telephone must be accessible within the pool area.
Citation: OAC 3701-31
Oregon
The telephone must be available and capable of emergency dialing.
Citation: OAR 333-060
Pennsylvania
A telephone must be provided within the pool enclosure or easily accessible from the deck.
Citation: 28 Pa. Code § 18.44
South Carolina
A telephone must be provided accessible to the pool deck and capable of dialing emergency services.
Citation: Reg 61-51
Tennessee
Requires an emergency telephone accessible within the pool area.
Citation: Rule 1200-23-05
Texas
An emergency telephone is required in the pool area or within 200 feet.
Citation: TAC §265.192
Utah
An emergency telephone must be provided within 150 feet of the pool.
Citation: R392-302
Virginia
An emergency telephone is required in the pool area with clearly posted directions.
Citation: 12VAC5-460
Wisconsin
The telephone must be accessible and capable of contacting emergency services.
Citation: DHS 172
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, we're here to help.
