Public Swimming Pools and Spas Recreational Health Program
Public Pools and Spas FAQs During Shelter-in-Place Order
The California Blueprint for a Safer Economy restricts public indoor pools/spas, with limited exceptions, from use unless the county is in the Orange or Yellow Tier. Outdoor pools/spas may operate in all Tiers, but must follow the applicable guidance. Until authorized by the Health Order and the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, amusement parks are not authorized to operate.
All pool/spa operations must comply with the relevant guidance for Gyms and fitness centers, Outdoor recreation, including campgrounds and playgrounds, and/or Hotels and lodging. Routine or required maintenance of indoor pools and spas may, and should, still occur.
- YES. Routine maintenance including cleaning, chemical balancing and adjustments only.
- Not maintaining the chemical balance and filtration may pose other health risks to you and to the community.
YES. We are encouraging plans for replasters and small remodels to be submitted electronically by emailing [email protected]. Physical plans for new construction can be dropped off at our front lobby Monday-Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Please follow all posted signage regarding social distancing protocols at the lobby, including wearing a face covering.
YES. Please call (408) 918-3400 to schedule your pool construction inspection. A Construction Project Safety Protocol is required at each construction site please refer to the current Health Order for the further information.
Visit the County's COVID-19 FAQ webpage.
The recreational health program routinely inspects public swimming pools, including spa pools, hot tubs, and water slides to ensure the public is protected from injury and illness.
In addition, the recreational health program conducts necessary bacteriological and chemical analyses of swimming pool water, reviews the onsite water re-circulation and safety equipment, conducts plan reviews for new and remodeled pools and spas, and issues permits.
*NEW* Maintain Disinfection and pH Levels to Avoid Pool Closure
The Recreational Health program works to prevent the spread of communicable diseases at public recreational water sites, such as pools and spas, and to ensure they are free of safety hazards. This is accomplished through regular inspections of these sites and by communicating standards to the owners and operators of these sites. In some cases, the inspectors may find a condition as an imminent health hazard and order a pool closed for the safety of the users. For instance, California Public Pool Regulations consider INADEQUATE DISINFECTION and IMPROPER pH as two of the conditions requiring these sites to be closed by the local enforcing agent. See Attachments section below for more information regarding required disinfection and pH levels.
Steps of Healthy Swimming
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/steps-healthy-swimming.html
Chemical Irritation of the Eyes and Lungs
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/rwi/chemical-irritants.html
Pool Chemical Safety Use
Plan Submittal Information
Attachments
Additional Information
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