North Carolina Lighting Guide for Public
Swimming Pools, Spas and Wading Pools
Pool lighting is an important safety standard that most do not consider when
thinking about a public swimming, spa or wading pool. North Carolina regulates
lighting at swimming pools under the Public Swimming Pool Rules 15A NCAC 18A
.2524. Lighting can make the difference between a safe or dangerous environment.
Remember these swimming pool regulations when considering operating during the
evening or at night.
1. All swimming pools, spas, and wading pools are required to have daytime
operating hours unless lighting requirements are met. Lighting shall be
provided at all swimming pools, wading pools and spas that operate at night.
2. Lighting requirements for North Carolina require 10 ft candles of light on
the pool deck and inside of the swimming pool for Night Swimming. 10 ft
candles would be equivalent to the lighting provided at your desk in an office
or in your bathroom.
3. Lighting fixtures on the deck or in the pool should be enough and of the
design so that all parts of the pool, water, signage, decking, etc. are clearly
visible.
4. The floor of the pool shall be clearly visible with provided lighting.
5. Activities or events held at the swimming pool must comply with the NC
lighting requirements. This includes but is not limited to: swim meets, “movie
nights”, pool parties, adult nights, etc.
For additional lighting questions,
contact Mecklenburg County
Health Department at 980-3141620.
Mecklenburg County Health Department
December 2016