Safety Issues
Pool Safety Program

This program focuses on the inspection of swimming, wading and spa pools used by the public. The Specialist will conduct unannounced routine inspections of pools throughout the year.

Should you have any questions or require further information about these requirements, please call the Environmental Health Division at (714) 667-3600. If you have questions regarding a specific public pool, please contact the Supervisor in charge of your area.

Some potentially hazardous conditions could lead this Agency to order a public swimming, spa or wade pool closed. These include:

• Loose, damaged, or missing main drain covers. Drowning and injuries have occurred when users became entrapped by the suction produced from the drain in the bottom of spas, wade pools and swimming pools.
   

• Pool water which is so cloudy that the main drain at the bottom of the pool is not visible. Drownings and near drownings have occurred when children have fallen into a dirty, cloudy pool and the child could not be located in time to effect a rescue.
   

• Missing or inaccurate water depth markers. Serious injuries can occur when bathers dive into a pool which is inaccurately marked.
   

• Nonfunctional recirculation system. If the recirculation system is broken and/or under repair, it is not possible to maintain the pool water in a clear, disinfected, and bacteriologically safe condition for any length of time. It is vital that pool water be maintained clear and disinfected.
   

• The pool fencing/enclosure is in disrepair. A pool which is not adequately fenced may be easily accessible to small children. Proper fencing is the primary means to prevent drowning by hindering access to the pool by small children. Changes to existing fencing or the installation of a new enclosure must receive approval from this Agency prior to the start of construction.
   

• Human fecal contamination in the pool. Outbreaks of disease have been associated with pool water contaminated with feces. When fecal matter or a dead animal is observed, the pool shall be immediately closed. Follow the steps outlined in the following notice: Contaminated Pool Procedures.

Should any of these situations occur at your pool, take immediate action to correct the problem in order to ensure a safe environment for pool users.

The circumstances and authority for pool closure can be found in Section 65545 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. Should conditions require that the pool be officially closed for use by this Agency, the pool owner/operator will be notified, in writing, on an Official Pool Inspection Report. The pool site may be posted with one or more pool closure signs. It is the responsibility of any pool owner or operator to ensure that a pool that has been closed by this Agency is not used and to immediately correct the hazard. A closed pool will not be reopened for use until the violations have been corrected and written approval is obtained from this Agency.

Should you have any questions or require further information about these requirements, please call the Environmental Health Division at (714) 667-3600. If you have questions regarding a specific public pool, please contact the Supervisor in charge of your area.

Pool Operational Requirements
A person who wants to construct a public pool must submit their plans to the Plan Check Section. A Plan Check Specialist reviews the plans to ensure that the pool is in compliance with the California Health and Safety Code. The Plan Check Specialist will follow the pool through its final construction inspection. Upon completion, the pool is assigned to a district Specialist.

The following is a summary of some of the important regulations enforced by this Division. If you have any further questions, please contact the Environmental Health Division at (714) 433-8000.

1. A level of at least 1.0 ppm chlorine residual, or 1.5 parts per million (ppm) chlorine residual must be present if cyanuric acid is used in the pool's water chemistry. Cyanuric acid readings should not exceed 100 ppm and shall be tested for by the operator at least once per month.

2. An approved working disinfectant device (automatic chlorinator) is required. Continuous feeding of disinfectant and pool filtration are required during the hours the pool is available for use.

3. The pH is to be maintained between 7.2 and 8.0.

4. Pool cannot be used if water is not clean and clear.

5. Safety and rescue equipment that is readily accessible at every swimming pool.

   1. Body hook attached to a light, strong pole at least 12 feet in length.

   2. Life ring attached to a 3/16 inch line long enough to span the maximum width of the pool. (Minimum exterior diameter of ring to be 17 inches)

6. Safety signs (posted in plain view from the nearby deck).

   1.  

WARNING - NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY   CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 14 SHOULD NOT USE POOL WITHOUT AN ADULT IN ATTENDANCE

2. Diagrammatic illustrations of artificial respiration procedures.

3. Emergency phone number of the nearest emergency rescue service. The "911" emergency number, which is in effect for police, sheriff, fire and paramedic response, is recommended.

7. The operator needs to maintain daily operating records.

8. Drain covers need to be secured and removable only with tools and must be designed to prevent physical entrapment or a suction hazard.

9. Safety rope and buoys need to be maintained in the pool area if the pool is equipped for fastening such equipment.

10. The spa pool maximum water temperature is 104º Fahrenheit (40º Celsius).

11. The following warning sign must be posted adjacent to all spa pools:

Should you have any questions or require further information about these requirements, please call the Environmental Health Division at (714) 667-3600. If you have questions regarding a specific public pool, please contact the Supervisor in charge of your area.