Rules and Regulations
Public pool and spa operators must follow all state laws and regulations. Contra Costa Environmental Health inspects public pools annually and upon reports of concern. All public pools must have a public health permit, which must be renewed annually. Permits can only be terminated or inactivated if the pool is removed or demolished.
Permit holders must keep at least two years of pool records on file and show them to anyone upon request. Pools must comply with disability access laws if they are in these categories:
- Public accommodations (such as hotel or motel pools).
- Municipal pools (such as city or school pools).
Reporting and responding to emergencies
You must clear the pool immediately and call Environmental Health at 925-608-5500 within 24 hours if:
- There is an injury, drowning or death.
- Blood, feces or vomit enters the water.
- You suspect cases of waterborne illness or water contamination (within five days, two or more people report having diarrhea after swimming).
Close the pool immediately if there are equipment or power failures, water chemistry problems or any other unsafe conditions.
Public pools and spas should have an emergency plan for responding to injuries and accidents. Accidents could include chlorine off-gassing (chemical controllers), adverse weather and power disruptions.
Safety and cleanliness
- Post all required safety signs.
- Keep a water test kit on hand to measure available free disinfectant, pH and cyanuric acid (if used).
- If a pool or spa charges direct fees for use, trained lifeguards must be on duty whenever it is open. Use the lifeguard record keeping checklist.
- Properly clean and store towels or swimwear after use if your pool or spa provides them.
- You must maintain clean and safe facilities near the pool, such as restrooms and showers.
- You must maintain safety equipment, such as fencing and covers.
- Features such as drain covers, pool covers, handrails, safety signs and enclosures around pools must follow design specifications.
- Animals are not allowed, except service animals.