In 2026, commercial pools in Indiana face several changes, including stricter operator requirements in some counties, new legislation for senior communities, and updated safety, maintenance, and water quality standards based on the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). Key changes for 2026 include:
Legislation and Operational Rules
- Certified Pool Operators (CPO): Some areas, such as Marion County, have adopted new ordinances requiring at least one Certified Pool Operator (CPO) on staff for public aquatic facilities, with stricter permit and fee requirements.
- Operational Documentation: There is a heightened focus on maintaining written safety and sanitation plans, including updated maintenance logs, staff training records, and emergency protocols.
- Senior Community Pool Exemption: Indiana House Bill 1428 allows senior neighborhoods (55+) to operate pools larger than 2,000 square feet without a lifeguard, provided the pool is no deeper than six feet and lacks diving boards, diving wells, or water slides.
- Lifeguard Exception for Seniors: If these senior neighborhoods set specific “visiting hours” for minors (under 18), a lifeguard must be present during those times, and children are banned otherwise.
Safety and Technical Standards
- Updated Safety Codes (MAHC): 2026 sees the continued phase-in of the 5th edition of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), influencing state and local health departments regarding design, operation, and injury prevention.
- Barrier and Entrapment Protection: Regulations are being updated to clarify barrier heights and gate latching, particularly for public pools, to ensure they are distinct from residential codes.
- Water Quality Standards: New guidelines place a strong emphasis on reducing pathogens like Cryptosporidium and minimizing chemical hazards.
For further commercial pool questions/information please contact your Local/County Health Department (for operations/health) and the State Department of Health (for program guidance).
How Barton Pool Company can assist you:
- Does your property have on file the required main drain certificates proving that your pool is in compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act that is required by law?
- Do your main covers have compliant hardware? Are the screws secured and not stripped or rusty?
- Barton Pool Company can install new main drain covers/inspect cover hardware. This can be done during a drain and clean, which is our recommendation. Draining and cleaning is the fastest and least expensive way to get your pool clear and balanced.
- We can dive the pool (pool diver fee applies in addition to standard labor rates) to replace main drain covers/inspect cover hardware. In order to dive, the pool water must be clear and 75 degrees or higher.
- We can provide components of the required safety package:
- Rescue tubes/rings, hooks, ropes
- Backboards, straps, and head immobilizers
- First-aid kits
Please contact us to learn more about main drain cover certifications and how Barton Pool Company can assist you.
Barton Pool Company
6849 Hawthorn Park Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46220
317-735-2323, ext 1 (service)
