What to know
This page includes forms, protocols, and other resources for public health officials and aquatics staff using MAHC recommendations or otherwise working to strengthen their aquatic health and safety programs. Some of these are editable documents, allowing users to customize them to meet their specific needs.
General MAHC resources
Pool Inspection Toolkit
Use our inspection form to conduct inspections based on the MAHC. Our additional inspection form resources help you calculate inspection scores and find MAHC provisions by inspection item. You can also take our pool inspection training and learn about using inspection data.
MAHC Network
Explore webinars and other resources through this community for MAHC users and those interested in learning about the MAHC (hosted by the National Association of County and City Health Officials and sponsored by CDC).
Mini-MAHCs
Interested in what the 2018 MAHC has to say on a specific topic? Check out the Mini-MAHCs, which were developed using the 3rd edition of the MAHC and aggregate code and annex text into concise documents for topics such as Cryptosporidium, pool chemical injuries, diaper changing, and more.
Quick Guides for Health Departments and Operators
Explore these quick guides for health departments and operators (developed by the National Association of County and City Health Officials through a cooperative agreement with CDC).
- Preventing the Spread of Germs in Splash Pads
- Reducing the Spread of Cryptosporidium in Aquatic Venues
- Safely Managing Floatation Tanks
MAHC Search Tool
Search the MAHC rapidly by section number or keyword to find Code text and corresponding Annex text (provided by the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code, CMAHC).
Fatal and Nonfatal Drowning Investigation Form
Create or update your form for investigating drowning events.
Aquatic facility protocols
Aquatic Professionals Toolkit
Explore CDC recommendations for aquatics staff to use when operating and maintaining public aquatic facilities. Topics include chloramines, pool chemical safety, and more.
Responding to Pool Contamination
Explore step-by-step guidance on responding to contamination events, including poop, vomit, blood, and more.
Hyperchlorination to Kill Cryptosporidium
Use step-by-step guidance on hyperchlorinating to kill Cryptosporidium if a public aquatic venue is associated (or suspected to be associated) with a cryptosporidiosis outbreak. (Note: this protocol is identical to that for diarrheal incidents because those are considered high-risk Cryptosporidium contamination events.)
Related publications
D’Angelo EK, Galan DI, Laco JP, Fink T, Skaggs JM, Kunsman C, et al. Strengthening aquatic health and safety: how a pilot program supported local health departments in updating pool codes. J Public Health Manag Pract. 2021;27(4):428-31.
Hlavsa MC, Laco JP, Hill VR, Sheehan PA. 2021 Model Aquatic Health Code (4th edition). [commentary] J Environ Health. 2021;83(9):30-1.
Knight E, Vincent B. All-Inclusive or à la carte? Many routes to adopt the Model Aquatic Health Code. J Environ Health [commentary] 2018;80(9):32–4.
Rainey R, Galan DI, Laco JP. Engaging with the Model Aquatic Health Code at the local level: tools and resources for users from the National Association of County and City Health Officials. [commentary] J Environ Health. 2024;89(9):38-40.
Vander Kelen P, Laco JP, McClenahan S, Fletcher C, Hubbard B. Assessing state partner use of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC): a cross comparison of five states with varying degrees of self-reported adoption status. PLOS Water. 2024;3(8):e0000276.