10 NYCRR Subpart 6-1 (State Sanitary Code, swimming pools)
New York pool chemical log requirements
What a New York public or semi-public pool must test, the legal ranges, what goes in the log and how long to keep it — every rule with the section of the code. Checked September 19, 2026.
- Test
- At the start, during and at the end of each swimming period10 NYCRR §6-1.11(c)(5); §6-1.29
- Keep the log
- 12 months10 NYCRR §6-1.21(c)
- Rules
- Swimming pool10 NYCRR Subpart 6-1 (State Sanitary Code, swimming pools)
0.6 to 5.0 ppm · at least 1.5 when pH is between 7.8 and 8.2
no more than 8.2 · form DOH-1323 shows 7.2–7.8 for chlorine pools
no more than 0 ppm · cyanuric acid and stabilized chlorine are prohibited
80 to 120 ppm
Report on operation of swimming pool (DOH-1323 fields) · one month, letter landscape · columns for FC, TC, pH
Sources (4) — every number above is cited
- 10 NYCRR Subpart 6-1 — Swimming Pools — New York State Department of Health
- 10 NYCRR § 6-1.11 — Treatment (disinfection, pH, cyanuric acid) — New York State Department of Health
- 10 NYCRR § 6-1.21 — Operator and operating records — New York State Department of Health
- Form DOH-1323, Report on Operation of Swimming Pool — New York State Department of Health
New York bans cyanuric acid and every stabilized chlorine (dichlor, trichlor) in regulated pools.
New York City has its own code (Health Code Article 165) on top of the state rule.
Legal ranges
| Parameter | Pool | Spa | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free chlorine | 0.6–5 ppm | 1.5–5 ppm | 10 NYCRR §6-1.11(c)(1) |
| pH | at most 8.2 | 7.2–7.8 | 10 NYCRR §6-1.11(c)(1) |
| Cyanuric acid | at most 0 ppm | at most 0 ppm | 10 NYCRR §6-1.11(c)(4) |
| Total alkalinity | 80–120 ppm | 80–120 ppm | 10 NYCRR §6-1.19(c)(2) |
| Water temperature | — | at most 104 °F | 10 NYCRR §6-1.25(b) |
Testing frequency
At the start, during and at the end of each swimming period (10 NYCRR §6-1.11(c)(5); §6-1.29). pH and free and total chlorine (or bromine) tested and recorded at the beginning, during and at the end of each swimming period — at least three times a day on form DOH-1323. Electronic monitors may be used in addition to the test kit, not instead of it.
What the log must show
- pH, free and total chlorine (or bromine) at each test
- Everything asked by form DOH-1323, Report on Operation of Swimming Pool
- The operator's signature (on the form)
Keep it 12 months (10 NYCRR §6-1.21(c)). Daily operation records on forms approved or furnished by the State Commissioner of Health, kept at the facility for 12 months.
What the inspector checks
- Form DOH-1323 (or an approved equivalent) for the last 12 months
- Free chlorine at least 0.6 mg/L (1.5 above pH 7.8), never above 5.0
- No cyanuric acid in the water
- Pool bottom visible
- A qualified water treatment operator for pools over 3,000 sq ft or on gas chlorine
When the pool must close
- Disinfectant below the minimum residual (a public health hazard)
- Pool bottom not visible
- Any cyanuric compound found: the pool is closed, drained and refilled
Who may operate the pool
Pools over 3,000 square feet of surface, or disinfected with gas chlorine, must be run by a qualified swimming pool water treatment operator (a Department of Health course or an adequate course of instruction).
New York bans cyanuric acid and every stabilized chlorine (dichlor, trichlor) in regulated pools.
New York City has its own code (Health Code Article 165) on top of the state rule.
Log New York readings on your phone
Every reading checked against the ranges above, the corrective action recorded, and the New York sheet filled for the inspector.
Sources
- 10 NYCRR Subpart 6-1 — Swimming Pools — New York State Department of Health
- 10 NYCRR § 6-1.11 — Treatment (disinfection, pH, cyanuric acid) — New York State Department of Health
- 10 NYCRR § 6-1.21 — Operator and operating records — New York State Department of Health
- Form DOH-1323, Report on Operation of Swimming Pool — New York State Department of Health
This page summarizes the state code; your county or city health department may add requirements. It is not legal advice.