LA County Department of Public Health - EH

Operation and Maintenance of Public Pools

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 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 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 8.0 (Recommended level 7.4 - 7.6).
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 1.5 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).

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.

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.