Program Description

This Recreational Waters Program is responsible for the enforcement of laws and regulations relating to approximately 3,200 public pools in Los Angeles County. This includes swimming pools, spas, wading pools and special purpose pools located at hotels and motels, public and private schools, health clubs, city and county parks, mobile home parks, resorts and organizations, medical faculties, and water theme parks. In addition, the program is responsible for the plan approvals of all new public pools and renovations of existing pools. The program also certifies individuals as Swimming Pool Service Technicians. All individuals engaged in the business of maintaining pools are required to be certified by Los Angeles County.

We are also responsible for monitoring ocean water and contact sport areas and taking appropriate action when water quality criteria are not met or when an incident, such as a sewage spill, occurs. In addition, staff inspect and conduct bacteriological tests at fresh water swim areas.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SERVICES:

• Conduct routine and follow-up inspections at public pools
  
• Respond to public complaints regarding public pools
  
• Evaluate visual quality of water and cleanliness of pool walls, floors, water line tiles, coping, skimmers and deck areas
  
• Test pool water for pH, chlorine residual, alkalinity, and when necessary, cyan uric acid levels, total dissolved solids and calcium hardness


• Evaluate the pool's recirculation and purification system such as filters, pumps, skimmers, main drains, return lines, flow meters, pressure gauges, chlorinators, and acid feeders
  
• Evaluate the maintenance of related pool facilities such as bathrooms, locker rooms, showers, saunas, steam rooms, pool enclosures, and equipment rooms
  
• Review and approve public pool plans for compliance with State law
  
• Conduct field construction inspections at all stages of construction until the pool is complete
  
• Evaluate swimming pool equipment and generate an Approved Pool Equipment List that is used by contractors to choose approved pool equipment
  
• Certify Swimming Pool Service Technicians to service public and private pools in Los Angeles County and issue renewals of certifications
  
• Conduct an ocean water monitoring program which includes ocean sampling, evaluation of ocean monitoring data, posting of results on the Internet and the Beach Advisory and Closure Hotline


• Respond to beach emergencies and issues beach warnings and closures


• Receive and respond to reports of sewage spills from sanitary sewer agencies and the general public


• Conduct inspections and bacteriological monitoring of fresh water swim areas

Beach Advisory and Closure Hotline  1-800-525-5662

To report a sewage spill or if you have any questions on ocean water quality, advisories, closures or other related questions or concerns contact us.

Office Hours : 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Telephone (626) 430-5360

For after hours beach emergencies call the Los Angeles County Operator at (213) 974-1234