Recreational Health Program

The Community Services staff inspects more than 1,500 public swimming pools and spas annually within the County. These inspections are conducted to ensure that the required safety standards and pool water quality are maintained in all pools available to the public. A public swimming pool is any pool, wading pool, or spa that serves more than 3 families and includes pools at: condominiums, apartments, home owner associations, clubs, gyms, and community centers. Plans and specifications for construction of proposed pools/spas are evaluated prior to construction to ensure that all public pools are constructed in compliance with minimum construction and safety standards. Complaints and reports of illness related to water recreational facilities are also investigated as part of this program.

A swimming pool, wading pool, or spa may be closed for one or more of the following reasons:

• A safety hazard such as the bottom drain cover is missing or not secured.
• Required safety signs are not posted or are not easily visible. 
• Required safety equipment including a body hook and life ring are not readily available or not maintained.
• The water fails to meet clarity such that the main drain is not clearly visible from the deck.
• Adequate disinfection is not provided, such as no free chlorine residual.
• A fecal accident has occurred and appropriate disinfection and filtration must be provided.
• The water quality is not in acceptable ranges to provide adequate disinfection.  The pH is not between 7.2 and 8.0 or the conditioner/stabilizer level is above 100 ppm.
• Recirculation/filtration equipment is not operating properly.
• Gates and fencing are not maintained.  Gates do not self-close and latch or fencing is not secure to prevent entrance.
• The pool or spa does not have a valid permit to operate from Environmental Health.
• The spa water temperature exceeds 104°F.
• The spa emergency shut off switch does not function properly to shut off the pumps to the spa.

Click here for a listing of pool, spa and wading pool closures.

If you have any other questions about these or any other requirements related to the operation of public pool, spa or wading pool, please call 805 654-2814.

Detailed operational requirements are provided in the Swimming Pool Operation Guide

If you have a complaint regarding a public swimming pool, please leave your name, phone number, the location of the pool, and a brief description of the complaint at the number below; or send an email by clicking the icon below.