Wake County pool inspections begin ahead of Memorial Day weekend

Inspectors work to ensure pools are safe before summer season opens

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:36pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph showing the blurred, hazy outline of people enjoying a community pool on a sunny day, with soft, pastel-colored light and water reflections creating a dreamlike, atmospheric scene.As the summer pool season approaches, Wake County's rigorous safety inspections help ensure community pools can open safely and provide residents a refreshing escape from the heat.Wake Forest Today

As warm weather arrives, pool inspectors in Wake County, North Carolina are working to inspect around 1,500 pools at neighborhoods, community centers, apartments, and clubs to ensure they meet safety requirements before they can open for the summer season. The inspections cover water quality, safety equipment, and potential hazards, with a goal of having pools ready by the Memorial Day holiday.

Why it matters

With more communities and subdivisions being built, the number of pools that need to be inspected each year is increasing in Wake County. Ensuring these pools meet safety standards is crucial for protecting public health and preventing accidents, especially as the busy summer swimming season approaches.

The details

Wake County has around 66 inspectors tasked with checking the 1,500 pools across the county. They inspect chlorine and pH levels, as well as look for trip hazards, proper signage, and required safety equipment. Inspections typically take about three days, and pool operators are encouraged to schedule appointments as soon as possible to ensure their pools can open by the Memorial Day holiday. If critical violations are found, a pool cannot open until a secondary inspection is completed and the issues are resolved.

  • Warm temperatures this week have people already thinking about swimming.
  • Pool inspections are underway now ahead of the busy summer season.
  • Most pool operators set a goal to have their pools open by Memorial Day weekend.

The players

Jessica Sanders

Wake County's environmental health program director, overseeing the pool inspection process.

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What they’re saying

“Our number does increase every year with the number of pools we have, but we also have been able to get more inspectors to help with that workload. But we'll do the best we can to get those inspections completed within the time frame.”

— Jessica Sanders, Environmental Health Program Director

What’s next

Inspectors will continue working to inspect all 1,500 pools in Wake County ahead of the Memorial Day holiday, when most pools aim to open for the summer season.

The takeaway

The annual pool inspection process in Wake County is crucial for ensuring public safety as the number of pools continues to grow with new development. By working to complete inspections in a timely manner, officials are helping to prepare for a busy and safe summer swimming season.