Rules For Public Pools

It is the responsibility of the pool owner to provide for the proper maintenance of the pool. This includes:

  1. Operation records - The operator of a pool shall keep a daily record of information regarding chlorine residual, pH, and maintenance procedures. If cyanuric acid is used, the cyanuric acid concentration shall be measured monthly and records shall be kept of such testing (Section 65523, 65529)
  2. Chlorine - A free chlorine residual of at least 1.0 part per million (ppm) shall be maintained. (For exception, see #3) (Section 65529)
  3. Cyanuric acid - If cyanuric acid or a mixture of cyanuric acid and chlorine (chlorinated isocyanurate) is utilized, a free chlorine residual of at least 1.5 ppm shall be maintained. The cyanuric acid content of the pool shall not exceed 100 ppm. The cyanuric acid concentration shall be measured monthly and records shall be kept of such testing. (Section 65529)
  4. pH - The pH shall be maintained between 7.2-8.0, however, for best results, it is recommended that the pH not exceed 7.8 (Section 65529)
  5. Test kits - Appropriate test kits for measuring the pH, disinfectant concentration, and, when used, concentration of cyanuric acid shall be provided at each pool. (Section 65529)
  6. Supervision - There shall at all times be a person on the premises who is charged with the supervision of the pool and all pool equipment. (Section 65521)
  7. Chlorinator & filter - A chlorinator & filtration system that has been approved for use by the Department shall be utilized. AUTOMATIC CHLORINATION EQUIPMENT SHALL BE IN OPERATION WHENEVER POOL IS OPEN. NO HAND CHLORINATION EXCEPT FOR SUPER CHLORINATION. (Section 2-9040, 2-9041, 2-9036, 65525)
  8. Maintenance of equipment -All equipment associated with the circulation, filtration, and purification of the pool water shall be kept in good repair. (Section 65535
  9. Cleanliness and maintenance of pool - All parts of a pool, including the deck, shall be kept clean, free from slime and algae, and shall be kept in good repair. (Section 65535)
  10. Maintenance of restrooms (as required) - Restrooms and fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair. Soap and toilet paper shall be provided in dispensers. (Section 65535)
  11. Communicable Disease - All employees or patrons of a pool who are suspected of having a communicable disease (cough, sores, cold, etc.) shall be excluded from using the pool. (Section 65541)
  12. Closure - If in the opinion of the enforcing agent, a pool is maintained or operated in a manner which creates an unhealthful, unsafe, or unsanitary condition, the pool may be closed by the enforcing agent. Unhealthful, unsafe or unsanitary conditions include, but are not limited to the failure to meet clarity, disinfection, pH, safety or bacteriological standards. Such a pool shall not be reopened until the violation is corrected and upon specific written approval of the enforcing agent. Section 65545)
  13. Safety and rescue equipment - Safety and rescue equipment shall include the following:
    1. Provide a life ring with an attached length of rope of sufficient length to span the maximum width of the pool. The life ring must be readily accessible to pool users.(Section 65539-e)
    2. Provide a body hook permanently attached to a pole at least 12 ft. in length. The rescue pole must be readily accessible to pool users. (Section 65539-e)
    3. Post a legible sign with a diagrammatic illustration of artificial respiration procedures. (Section 65539-d)
    4. Post a legible emergency telephone number on a sign by the pool (9-1-1 is recommended).(Section 65539-d)
    5. Post a legible sign stating the maximum occupant capacity in the pool in letters at least 4" high. The maximum occupant capacity for a swimming pool shall be one bather for every 20 sq. ft. of pool surface area and for a spa pool one bather for every 10 sq. ft of spa surface area. (Section 2-9025-a)
    6. Post a legible spa precaution sign stating the following languages:
      • CAUTION
      • Elderly persons, pregnant women, infants and those with health conditions requiring medical care should consult with a physician before entering a spa
      • Unsupervised use by children under the age of 14 is prohibited.
      • Hot water immersion while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, drugs or medicines may lead to serious consequences and is not recommended.
      • Do not use alone.
      • Long exposure may result in nausea, dizziness or fainting. (Section 2-9025-d)
    7. Post a legible "NO DIVING ALLOWED" sign in letters at least 4" high.(Section 2-9025-b)
    8. At every spa which requires an emergency shut-off switch, the switch shall be labeled with a legible sign stating "SPA EMERGENCY SHUT-OFF SWITCH". (Section 3-680-13)
    9. All required signs must be clearly visible from the pool deck. (Section 65539)
  14. Chemical Safety Recommendations - Care should be taken in the handling and storage of all swimming pool chemicals. The materials should be stored separately from one another and should NEVER be mixed in order to prevent harmful chemical reactions from occurring.(Pool chlorine and pool acid, if mixed, will produce chlorine gas, which, if inhaled, could be fatal.) The following safety precautions should be followed:
    • NEVER mix an inorganic sanitizer (ex. Calcium Hypochlorite) with an organic sanitizer ex. trichlor, dichlor, Aquabrome.) 
    • NEVER store oxidizers (ex. chlorine, bromine) next to corrosives (ex. muriatic acid, sodium bisulfate). 
    • NEVER add water to dry sanitizers - add dry chemicals to plenty of water 
    • ALWAYS FOLLOW LABEL INSTRUCTIONS 

    Chemicals should never be added directly into the pool while it is open for use. Time should be allowed for the chemicals to circulate throughout the pool before allowing swimmers to enter. All chlorine should be added to the pool through the automatic chlorinator.