DeKalb health inspectors busy inspecting pools before Memorial Day weekend

TUCKER, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Many families are counting down the days until they can jump in the pool over Memorial Day weekend.

Before anyone gets in a public pool in DeKalb County, though, a health inspector needs to first check it out.

The county has about 850 public pools that have to go through an annual inspection before opening for the season. Pools at hotels, in subdivisions and at city parks are among those that need permits. The DeKalb County Board of Health is trying to keep up with the long list of locations hoping to open in time for Memorial Day Weekend. They have about two dozen health inspectors and just brought on ten interns that will start helping with inspections.

“We’re going to do our best but there’s no guarantee that we’ll be able to get to everybody in time,” said Erick Nickens, spokesperson for the DeKalb County Board of Health. “With 850 pools there are only so many you can get around to in a day.”

He said people submitting paperwork and permit fees late are reasons they might not get an inspector out in time. Inspectors look for critical items like a landline that can be used to make calls in an emergency and emergency equipment that can be used to rescue someone in the water.

“We have to check and double check to make sure that’s in place because it’s a matter of life or death,” said Nickens.

Inspectors are also checking the chlorine levels, looking for gates that self-latch and making sure there is proper signage in place.

There is no deadline for inspections but without one, a public pool in DeKalb County is not allowed to open.

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