Missouri Pool Emergency Phone Law

Yes — Missouri rule 19 CSR 20-34.040 requires a phone accessible within 200 feet of the pool.

Citation: 19 CSR 20-34.040

The Requirement

Missouri requires the emergency telephone to be accessible within 200 feet of the pool.

Citation: 19 CSR 20-34.040

What This Means for Your Property

200 feet is a fairly generous radius, so many properties can use a phone in a nearby clubhouse or office as long as it is clearly marked and within that distance.

Copper Landline Retirement Status in Missouri

Carriers across the U.S. are retiring traditional copper landlines. If your pool emergency phone still relies on a copper line in Missouri, that service can go dark without warning — which is why many properties are switching to cellular emergency phones.

Carrier	Status	Retirement Date
AT&T	Active retirement program	Not yet announced

Data provided by CHNLSYNC Copper Retirement Tracker .

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is an emergency phone required at pools in Missouri?

Yes — Missouri rule 19 CSR 20-34.040 requires a phone accessible within 200 feet of the pool.

Does the Missouri requirement apply to HOA and apartment pools?

In most cases, yes. Missouri's pool phone requirement generally applies to any public or semi-public pool, which typically includes HOA, condo, and apartment community pools, not just commercial facilities. Confirm with your local health department if you're unsure how your specific pool is classified.

Can a cellular emergency phone satisfy this requirement in Missouri?

Generally yes — most states, including Missouri, don't require a traditional landline specifically. A dedicated cellular emergency phone that reliably dials emergency services without extra steps is typically an acceptable way to meet the requirement, particularly for pools that don't already have phone lines run to the deck.

Who enforces this requirement in Missouri?

Enforcement is usually handled by the state or local health department (or a building/safety code office) as part of routine pool inspections and licensing, sometimes with extra rules added at the county level. If you're unsure which office covers your property, your local health department is the best place to start.

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Need Help With Compliance in Missouri?

SouthEast Telephone installs and monitors cellular emergency pool phones nationwide and can help you meet Missouri's requirements.

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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.

Emergency Pool Phone Service Offer Details

Limited time offer; subject to change; available to new (no SoutheastTelephone services within past 30 days) and existing SoutheastTelephone Service customers in good standing with SoutheastTelephone Service who meet eligibility requirements. Offer subject to 36 month agreement. Taxes and fees extra in select states. Additional charge for equipment. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Paperless Billing required. Restrictions apply.

Get Help Choosing the Right Solution

Not sure which requirements apply to your pool, elevator, or fire system? Need help replacing a landline? We're here to make it easy. Our team can answer questions, review your local requirements, and recommend the best setup for your property.

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Have a question? Need support? Want to review communication requirements for your area? Send us a message, and a team member will get back to you as soon as possible.