Swimming facility inspections and investigations are performed by the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) on behalf of the Illinois Department of Public Health. Chapter 38-41 of the Code of Ordinances of Cook County, Illinois outlines information about:

  • Swimming pool inspection
  • Reinspection of a swimming pool
  • Certification of swimming pool managers

CCDPH recently reiterated ordinance requirements to Cook County property owners with State-licensed swimming pool facilities, specifically highlighting the section on the certification of pool managers:

“Certification of Swimming Facility Managers – Certification Required. On or before May 1, 2009, all Swimming Facilities operated within suburban Cook County, with the exception of facilities operated to serve residents of buildings with fewer than six residential units, shall be managed by an individual who has a current certification of successful completion of a training program in Swimming Facility management issued by the State of Illinois or by another organization offering an equivalent training program as determined by the Department. Proof of such certification shall be provided to the Department as part of its annual inspection.”

 

Impact on Cook County Community Associations

To comply with the ordinance, board members and property managers for Cook County condominium, homeowner (HOA) and townhome associations with a State-licensed swimming facility would be required to:

  • Designate a pool manager that can be a board member, property manager, or on-site maintenance employee.
  • Designate a pool manager that is available immediately or as needed to apply and fulfill the requirements of the license to operate a swimming pool facility in Illinois.
  • Designate a pool manager that can oversee the daily operation and maintenance of the swimming facility.
  • Designate a pool manager that can coordinate with third-party vendors and contractors to maintain and repair swimming facility equipment.
  • Designate a pool manager who will be available to communicate and appear on behalf of the property for possible adjudication and administrative hearings.

In order to demonstrate compliance with the ordinance, association pool managers will need to provide appropriate Cook County Department of Public Health officials with their:

  • Name
  • Direct contact information
  • Certificate of completion as a Certified Pool Operator as outlined by the State of Illinois

Associations should also consider having two pool managers in the event one is unavailable or no longer a unit owner/association employee.

 

Fine and Violations

The Cook County ordinance also outlines violations for noncompliance:

“Violation of the certification requirement set forth in this section shall subject the owner and operator of the Swimming Facility to a penalty of $500.00. An owner or operator who commits a second or subsequent violation of this section shall be subject to a penalty of $1,000.00 and shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. Failure to correct a violation within 30 days of the Department’s inspection shall constitute a second violation.”

You can view the Code of Ordinances of Cook County, Illinois section on swimming facilities here: https://library.municode.com/il/cook_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIGEOR_CH38HEHUSE_ARTIIBOHE_S38-41SWFA

 

Legal Resource

Do not hesitate to contact our law firm if your Cook County community association:

  • Has questions regarding the impact of the Cook County ordinance on your swimming pool facility
  • Has received notice that your current pool manager system is not compliant with the Cook County ordinance
  • Has received a violation notice from Cook County

Please call 855-537-0500 or visit www.ksnlaw.com.

Since 1983, KSN has been a legal resource for condominium, homeowner, and townhome associations. Additionally, we represent clients in real estate transactions, collections, landlord/tenant issues, and property tax appeals. We represent thousands of clients and community associations throughout the US with offices in several states including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

 

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