New Year Brings New Swimming Pool Fees

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Fees are going up for operators of Illinois public swimming pools for the first time in almost 40 years.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck says the higher fees will allow more inspections and quicker responses to complaints, injuries and outbreaks of illness. The new fees take effect with the start of the new year. They result from legislation enacted in August.

Fees depend on the size of the pool. Schools and cities pay nothing unless their pools have features such as water slides and spray pools. Non-profit organizations such as YMCAs pay minimal fees.