Swimming Pools & Whirlpools

Marathon County Health Department licenses and annually inspects indoor and outdoor public pools to verify all pools meet the code requirements outlined in SPS 390 of Design and Construction of Public Swimming Pools and DATCP Chapter ATCP 76 Pools. Some basic code requirements sanitarians inspect for are proper signage of pool rules, capacity, operational recirculation system, accurate daily testing logs, and all other safety and health regulations.

Pool operators are required under Marathon County Ordinance to collect and submit pool water samples for testing. The pool water samples are brought to the Marathon County Public Health Laboratory for analysis. The Laboratory tests the water samples for bacteria. Pools failing the laboratory testing are temporarily closed until adequate shock chlorination is completed.

Pool operators are also required to maintain specific documentation on site to ensure proper and safe operation of their pools. Below you can find copies of all required documentation.

Pool License Application (.pdf)

Pay your license renewal online

Other Pool Information

• Lifeguard Staffing Plan
• ATCP 76 Safety, Maintenance, and Operation of Public Pools and Water Attractions
• Monthly Report - Swimming Pool Operation
• DSPS Equipment Replacement Referral
• Required Contents of Biohazard Kit
• Example Drain Cover Information
• Required Contents of First Aid Kit
• Example DSPS Statement
• Swimming Pool Death or Injury Report
• Fecal Incident Response Guidelines
• Swimming Pool Fecal Incident Report
• Formed Fecal Incident Guidelines
• VGBA Drain and Equalizer Cover Replacement Log
• VGBA Fact Sheet

Campgrounds & Recreational and Educational Camps

Marathon County Health Department licenses and annually inspects all permanent and temporary (such as fairs or festivals) campgrounds to verify compliance with DATCP Chapter ATCP 79 Campgrounds. Some of the basic code requirements sanitarians inspect for are proper sanitary waste disposal, garbage handling, and sanitation. Recreational and Educational camps are also inspected annually for compliance with DATCP Chapter ATCP 78 Recreational and Educational Camps.

Campground License Application (.pdf)

Special Event Campground License Application (.pdf)

Recreational and Educational Camps Application (.pdf)

Pool, Campgrounds, and Recreational/Educational Camp Inspection Reports

To view Pool, Campground, and Recreational/Educational Camp establishment inspection reports, please visit the inspection report website. 

• “Priority item” means a violation which is directly related to hazards associated with foodborne illness or injury. “Priority item” includes items such as cooking, reheating, cooling, or handwashing.
• “Priority foundation item” means a violation which supports or enables one or more Priority items to limit hazards. “Priority foundation item” includes an item such as personnel training, necessary equipment, formal food processing plans, documentation or record keeping, and labeling.
• “Core item” means a violation that is not designated as a priority item or a priority foundation item.  “Core item” includes an item that usually relates to general sanitation, operational controls, sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs), equipment design, or general maintenance.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact the Marathon County Health Department by sending an email to our Sanitarians (email), or by calling (715) 261-1900. If you would like to file a complaint, request, or report, doing so will create a public record that is subject to disclosure pursuant to Wisconsin public records law.

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