No Lifeguard Sign
Where no lifeguard service is provided, a sign shall be posted stating, "NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY". The sign shall state in letters at least 1 inch (25 mm) high, "Children should not use pool without adult supervision."
Public Pool Operations and Maintenances
- Every pool and spa must be under the supervision of a person who is fully capable of and shall assume responsibility for compliance with all requirements relating to pool maintenance, operation, and safety to bathers. Any person servicing a public or private pool or spa must be certified as a Swimming Pool Service Technician by this Department. If you hire a pool company to service your pool, ask to see the pool service technician's certification card with his individual name on it
- The pumps, filters and all related parts of the pool water purification system shall be kept in operation at all times when a pool or spa is available for use
- The recirculation and purification system shall be operated as long as necessary, and maintained so as to keep the pool water in a clean and clear condition. Under no circumstances shall the pool be used if the main drain is not clearly visible from the deck. Such a pool must be closed and not be reopened until the water is clean and clear, and upon specific written approval by this Department
- The pH of pools and spas shall be maintained between 7.2 and 7.8 (Recommended level 7.4 - 7.6). Please check our Recommended Chemical Levels section.
- The free chlorine residual of pools and spas not using stabilizers must be at least 1.0 ppm at all times. For pools and spas using stabilizers, the free chlorine residual must be at least 2.0 ppm at all times. A chlorine test kit should be available that measures free chlorine residuals (DPD type) and the readings should be recorded in a log (Recommended free chlorine residuals, Pools 2.0 - 3.0 ppm, Spas 3.0 - 4.0 ppm). Please check our Recommended Chemical Levels section.
- All pools and spas must maintain operational, an approved automatic chlorinator
- Floating scum or debris shall not be allowed to accumulate in the pool. The sides, bottoms and decks, of pools and spas shall be kept clean and free of slime and algae
- The whole pool area including bathroom facilities, shall be kept sanitary and free of litter and debris
- Animals shall not be permitted in the pool or pool area
- All parts of the pool and spa and related facilities and equipment shall be maintained in good repair
- When pool equipment is changed or replaced, the change or replacement shall first be approved by this Department unless the replacement is an exact duplicate or equivalent.
- All suction drain covers must be secured so they are removable only with tools. Pools with broken or missing drain covers should not be used. Broken or missing drain covers must be replaced at once
- If in the opinion of the enforcing agent, a pool or spa is maintained or operated in a manner which creates an unhealthful, unsafe or unsanitary condition, the pool or spa may be closed. Such a pool shall not be reopened until all corrections are made and only upon specific written approval of the enforcing agent
Recommended Chemical Levels
All readings are in parts per million unless otherwise indicated.
Note: Currently, the legal minimum free chlorine residual in public pools in California is 1.0 ppm for pools not using stabilizer (cyanuric acid) and 2.0 ppm for pools using stabilizer.
| Min. | Ideal | Max. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free chlorine residual Pools | 2.0 | 2.0 - 3.0 | Per Label to 10.0 |
| Free chlorine residual, Spas Wading pools and Spray Grounds | 3.0 | 3.0 - 4.0 | Per Label to 10.0 |
| Bromine, Pools | 2 | 4.5 - 6.5 | Per Label to 22.0 |
| Bromine, Spas Wading pools and Spray Grounds | 4 | 6.5 - 7.5 | Per Label to 22.0 |
| Oxidation-reduction Potential (ORP) | 650 mV | - | 900 mV |
| pH | 7.2 | 7.4 - 7.6 | 7.8 |
| Cyanuric acid | 0 | 30 - 50 | 100 |
| Total alkalinity | 80 | 100 - 150 | 180 |
| Calcium Hardness | 150 | 200 - 300 | 500 |
| Copper | 0 | 0 | 0.3 |
| Iron | 0 | 0 | 0.2 |
| Total dissolved solids: Swimming pools | 300 | - | 2,000 over start |
| Total dissolved solids: Spa pools | 300 | - | 1,500 over start |
Safety Signs and Equipments
REQUIRED SIGNS. All signs shall have clearly legible letters or numbers not less than 4 inches high, unless otherwise noted, fixed to a wall, pole, gate or similar permanent structure in a location visible to all pool users.
Artificial Respiration and CPR Sign
An illustrated diagram with text at least 1/4 inch high of artificial respiration and CPR procedures shall be posted.
Emergency Sign
The emergency telephone number, the number of the nearest emergency services and the name and street address of the pool facility shall be posted.
Pool Capacity Sign
A sign shall indicate the maximum number of pool users permitted for each pool. The pool user capacity of a spa pool shall be based on one pool user for every 10 square feet of pool water surface area. The pool user capacity for all other pools shall be based on one pool user for every 20 square feet of pool water surface area. Pool user capacity requirements do not apply to wading pools or spray grounds.
No Diving Sign
Signs shall be posted in conspicuous places and shall state, "NO DIVING" at pools with a maximum water depth of 6 feet or less.
Spa Caution Sign
At every spa, a precaution sign shall be posted with the following language:
Elderly persons, pregnant women, infants and those with health conditions requiring medical care should consult with a physician before entering a spa.
Children should not use spa without adult supervision.
Hot water immersion while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, drugs or edicines may lead to serious consequences and is not recommended.
Do not use alone.
Long exposure may result in nausea, dizziness or fainting.
Spa Emergency Shut-off Switch Sign
At every spa which requires an emergency shut-off switch, the switch shall be labeled with a sign stating "Spa Emergency Shut-off Switch".
Keep Closed Sign
A sign shall be posted on the exterior side of gates and doors leading into the pool enclosure area stating, "KEEP CLOSED".
Diarrhea Notice Sign
A sign in letters at least 1 inch (25 mm) high and in a language or diagram that is clearly stated shall be posted at a public pool which states that persons having currently active diarrhea or who have had active diarrhea within the previous 14 days shall not be allowed to enter the pool water.
Life Ring
Every swimming pool shall have a life ring at least 17" in diameter which is readily accessible. A 3/16 inch rope equal in length to at least the width of the pool shall be attached to the life ring.
If the pool exceeds 75ft. in length or 50ft. in width, a life ring must be provided at least on two opposing sides of the pool.
Body Hook
Every swimming pool shall have a readily accessible body hook permanently attached to a pole of at least 12 ft. in length.
If the pool exceeds 75ft. in length or 50ft. in width, a body hook must be provided at least on two opposing sides of the pool.
Report a Problem
If you observe code violations or would like to report an issue you may call the call center at (888) 700-9995 or to the Recreational Waters program at (626) 430-5360 or File a Complaint Online. In addition, inquiries can also be emailed to rhealth@ph.lacounty.gov