Program Description
This Recreational Waters Program is responsible for the enforcement of laws
and regulations regarding approximately 16,000 public
pools in Los Angeles County. These include swimming
pools, spas, wading pools and special purpose pools. 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 pool are required
be certified by Los Angeles County.
The Program is
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. The program is also responsible for
inspecting and conducting bacteriological tests at fresh
water swim areas.
Program responsibilities:
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Conducts routine and follows-up inspections at
public pools;
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Responds to public complaints regarding public
pools;
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Evaluates visual quality of water and cleanliness
of pool walls, floors, water line tiles, coping,
skimmers and deck areas;
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Tests pool water for pH, chlorine residual,
alkalinity, and when necessary, cyanuric acid
levels, total dissolved solids and calcium hardness;
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Evaluates the pool's recirculation and purification
system such as filters, pumps, skimmers, main
drains, return lines, flowmeters, pressure gauges,
chlorinators and acid feeders;
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Evaluates
the maintenance of related pool facilities
such as bathrooms, locker rooms, showers, saunas,
steam rooms, pool enclosures and equipment rooms;
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Reviews
and approves public pool plans for compliance with
State law;
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Conducts field construction inspections at all
stages of construction until the pool is complete;
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Evaluates swimming pool equipment and generates an
Approved Pool Equipment List that is used by
contractors to choose approved pool equipment;
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Certifies
Swimming Pool Service Technicians to service public
and private pools in Los Angeles County and issues
renewals of certifications.
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Conducts an ocean water
monitoring program which
includes ocean sampling,
evaluation of ocean
monitoring data, posting
of results on the
Internet and a hotline.
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Responds to beach
emergencies and issues
beach warnings and
closures.
-
Receives and responds to
reports of sewage spills
from sanitary sewer
agencies and the general
public.
-
Conducts inspections and
bacteriological
monitoring of fresh
water swim areas.
Beach Advisory and Closure Hotline
Call 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