Pool (Recreational Health) Program

Pools and spas must close if any of the following health or safety hazards are present.

• Water temperature over 140°F
• Gate and fence issues
  • Damaged or missing
  • Not self-closing/latching
  • More than 4 inches between openings, holes, or gaps in the enclosure, doors, or glass
• Drain cover issues
  • Damaged, missing, or loose
  • Secondary anti-entrapment device not in place
• Poor water clarity
  • Main drain not visible
  • Algae growth (green pool)
  • Feces, vomit, or blood in water
• Electrical hazards
  • Missing light cover
  • Water in the pool light
  • Exposed deck wiring
  • GFCI missing or not working
• Sharp objects like broken glass are in the pool or enclosure
• Inadequate disinfectants
• Automatic disinfectant feeder not working or missing
• pH reading below 7.2 or above 7.8
• Cyanuric acid level at or above 100 ppm
• Emergency spa shut-off switch not working or missing
• Lacking rescue equipment
  • both life ring and rescue pole with body hook missing
• Pump/recirculation inoperable 
  • missing or not turned on during hours of operation

In responding to a fecal, vomit, blood contamination, near-drowning, or drowning incident the pool operator shall conform to the following disinfection procedures:

1. After a fecal, vomit, blood contamination, near-drowning or drowning incident, the pool operator shall immediately close the affected public pool to pool users. If the public pool is one of multiple public pools
   that use the same filtration system, then all interconnected public pools shall be closed to pool users. No one shall be allowed to enter the public pool(s) until the disinfection procedures have been completed.
2. The pool operator shall remove contaminating material and discharge the contaminating material directly to the sanitary sewer or other approved wastewater disposal process in accordance with State or local requirements. The pool operator shall clean and disinfect the item used to remove the contaminating material.
3. The pool operator shall ensure that the pH of the public pool water is maintained at 7.5 or lower and adjust the pH if necessary.
4. The pool operator shall verify and maintain public pool water temperature at 77°F (25°C) or higher.
5. The pool operator shall ensure that the filtration system is operating while the public pool reaches and maintains the proper free chlorine concentration during the disinfection process.
6. The pool operator shall disinfect the public pool water as follows:
   1.  If the contaminating material is a formed fecal stool or vomit, the pool operator shall maintain the free chlorine concentration in the pool at 2 ppm for at least 25 minutes.
   2. If the fecal material is a diarrheal-stool, the pool operator shall raise the free chlorine concentration in the pool to 20 ppm and maintain that concentration for at least 12.75 hours. If that public pool water contains a chlorine stabilizer such as cyanuric acid, the pool operator shall lower the pH to 6.5 and raise the free chlorine concentration in the public pool to 40 ppm and maintain that concentration for at least 30 hours.
   3. If the contaminating material is blood, the pool operator shall check the free chlorine concentration in the public pool at the time of the incident. If it is below the required minimum free chlorine concentration, the pool operator shall immediately close the public pool until the required minimum free chlorine concentration is achieved.
7. The pool operator shall test the free chlorine residual at multiple sampling points to ensure the proper free chlorine concentration is achieved throughout the public pool water for the entire disinfection time.
8. The pool operator shall replace any affected cartridge filters and shall backwash non-cartridge filters after the disinfection process has been completed. The pool operator shall ensure the effluent is discharged directly to the sanitary sewer or other approved wastewater disposal process in accordance with State or local requirements. The pool operator shall not return the backwash through the filter. The pool operator shall replace the filter media if necessary.
9. The pool operator shall not allow pool users back into the public pool until the disinfection process has
   been completed and the free chlorine concentration and pH of the public pool water have returned to
   normal operating ranges in accordance with sections 65529 and 65530.
10. The pool operator shall immediately document each fecal, vomit, blood contamination, drowning or
    near-drowning incident and maintain records in accordance with section 65523 as follows:
    • The date and time of the incident, the available free chlorine, pool temperature and pH level at the time
      of the incident. This information shall also be documented after the pool operator has completed the disinfection process and again when reopening the pool to public users.
    • Whether the fecal stool was formed or diarrheal.
    • The procedures followed in responding to the contamination incident.
    • The number of pool users in the public pool and the length of time between the occurrence, detection
      and resolution of the incident.

• Any person proposing to renovate, replaster, reconstruct or alter a public pool or its ancillary facilities, mechanical equipment or related piping, shall submit legible plans and specifications to San Mateo County Environmental Health Services for review and written approval prior to commencing the work and in advance of the issuance of any building, plumbing, or electrical permits. At least three sets of plans are required. This Division will retain one copy of the plans.
• A plan approval fee is required. The fee will depend on the extent of the renovation.
• After the plan is approved, field inspections will be made to verify compliance with the plan approval.
• All equipment shall be installed per the manufacturer’s written instructions.
• Pool plan approval does not authorize the violation of any law, ordinance, or regulation, and final approval is subject to field inspection and evaluation.
• Plan approvals are valid for a period of two years from the date of the stamp.

All plans must be drawn to scale, and provide a scale ledger. Renovation may require pool/spa to meet the most current California Code of Regulations, California Building Code, and California Electrical Code.

Information required for plan approval:

• Job Address – address, city, zip code
• Name, mailing address and phone numbers of pool contractor and owner
• A written scope of work explaining what changes will be made to pool/spa
• A simple top view drawing showing the length and width of the pool
• Resurfacing material and color of pool/spa shell: 
  • Pool/spa shell must be white in color
  • The finished pool shell shall be lined with a smooth waterproof interior finish that will withstand repeated brushing, scrubbing, and cleaning procedures. The interior pool finish shall completely line the pool to the tile lines, coping, or cantilevered deck.
  • Tiles with a contrasting color shall be used at:
    • The edge of pool and spa steps
    • The top surface edges of benches in spas
    • Lane markings(not to exceed 12 inches)
    • Water line
    • 4 ½ ft depth
    • Spas may be finished in a light color other than white when approved by Environmental Health Services
    • If materials other than plaster are being considered, a request for approval must be submitted and granted by Environmental Health Services prior to commencing work.
• Depth Markers
  • Depth markers shall be provided on both sides of a swimming pool at the shallowest and the deepest depths, at all breaks in slope, on both ends of the pool and along the perimeter of the pool at distances not to exceed 25 feet.
  • Markers with the universal symbol of no diving (red circle with a slash through it superimposed over the image of a diver) shall be installed whenever water depth is 6ft or shallower. Markers must be slip resistant, durable material resistant to weathering and shall be located adjacent to depth markers on deck.
  • Spas and wading pools shall have a minimum of two depth markers.
  • The depth markers shall be marked in units of feet and inches; the abbreviations “FT” and “IN” may be used in lieu of using the whole word. Numerals shall be a minimum 4 inches in height and of a contrasting color (provide sample with dimensions on plan).
• Break in Slope
  • A pool deeper than 5 feet is required to have a 4 to 6 inch wide straight line of slip-resistant contrasting tile along the floor of the pool where the water depth is 4 ½ feet. Unglazed tile is considered slip-resistant.
  • Note: Markers must be permanent. Painted letters or stick-ons are not permitted.
• Steps, Recessed Steps Ladders and Stairs
  • Means of entry and exit are required if depth is over one foot.
  • Pools with more than one shallow end shall have stairs at each shallow end.
  • Stair risers shall be uniform (max. 12”) and each step tread shall have slip resistant trim tile and comply with Figure 31B-7, and Table 31B-7 of Chapter 31B, Title 24, California Building Code (see reference).
  • Recessed step risers shall be uniform (max. 12”). Treads shall be a minimum five inches and a width of 14 inches. Measure the first riser from the deck to tread.
  • Ladder(s) at deep end of the pool (Pools with a maximum water depth of 4½ ft. or less are not required to have a ladder).
• Handrails 
  • Show side view of handrail(s) over the stairs with the distance from each step tread and deck to the top of the handrail(s).
  • The upper railing surface shall be 28 to 36 inches above the deck and each step tread.
  • The distance between the handrail and riser shall be at least 3” apart.
  • Spa shall have two handrails.
• Main Drains, Equalizer Lines, and Drain Covers
  • When a pool is drained, it is a good time to install VGB approved drain covers and equalizer line covers. All drain covers must be correctly sized in accordance with manufacturer’s specification.
  • All pools should already be in compliance with Virginia Graeme Baker Safety Act (California Building Code, Title 24, Section 3162).
  • All suction drains on public pools must be split or have a safety vacuum release system or automatic pump shut-off system.
  • Direction of flow for the recirculation equipment shall be labeled clearly with directional symbols such as arrows on all piping in the equipment area. Where the recirculation equipment for more than one pool is located on site, the equipment shall be marked as to which pool the system serves.
  • Valves and plumbing lines shall be labeled clearly with the source or destination descriptions.
  • AB 1020 form must be submitted prior to final inspection.
  • Note:
    • Single main drain and/or channel drain shall be split so that the pool shall have at least 2 suction outlets per pump that are hydraulically balanced and symmetrically plumbed through one or more “T” fittings, and that are separated by a distance of at least 3 feet in any direction between 2 suction outlets.
    • Disabling or plugging an equalizer line is not allowed for single equalizer that has not been split properly.
• Coping and Decks if applicable 
  • Coping that is being replaced must extend over the pool wall 1 to 2 inches and not be thicker than 2 ½ inches.
  • The 4ft deck shall extend on both sides and rear of any fixed disabled access assistance device (ADA Lift).
  • The pool’s deck surface shall have a slope of no less than 1% (1/8 inch per foot) but no more than 2% (1/4 inch per foot) away from the pool to a deck drainage system.
  • Indoor/outdoor carpeting or similar products are not approved for swimming or spa pool decks. Any deck material other than concrete must be approved by Environmental Health Services.
• Diving Boards and Platforms if applicable
  • All swimming pools with platforms or diving boards must be reviewed for compliance with the pool code. Platforms and diving boards shall conform to the USA Diving Rules and Codes.
  • If there is an existing diving board, provide scaled top and side view dimensions of the pool.
  • Note: Diving boards and supports must be removed if they are not in compliance with the current codes.
• Lighting
  • When a pool is drained, it is a good time to check and repair/replace the pool lighting. Contact local building department for GFCI requirements.
• ADA lift is required for all major remodels. Refer to ADA for requirements.
• Specifications sheets for all proposed equipment.
• Additional Requirements for Equipment and Plumbing Change:
  • Year the pool was built.
  • Volume of pool.
  • Specification sheets for all proposed equipment.
  • Make and model number of existing equipment and any new equipment that is being installed.
  • Make and model of existing pump
  • Size of suction and return lines going and coming from the equipment room.
  • Plumbing material (PVC, copper etc.)
  • Any other information that pertains to the equipment installation (e.g. AB 1020 Form, etc.)

Required Field Inspections

1. Field consultation of proposed work (optional with additional charge)
2. Pre-construction inspection
3. Pre-deck inspection
4. Pre-plaster inspection to verify split main drains, split equalizer lines, and sump verification. For field fabricated sump, make sure VGB compliant drain covers are available at the time of inspection, or an additional inspection may be required.
5. Final inspection

Note: Any construction work done without the required inspections may result in additional work and inspection, including removal of plaster to verify plumbing requirements, and delay in permit issuance.

Authority cited:
California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Section 116064.2
California Building Code, Title 24, Section 3108B, Section 3109B, Section 3110B, Section 3111B, Section3112B, Section 3113B, Section 3115B

Effective January 1, 2017

Facility owner(s) that would like to demolish its pool/spa must fill out a San Mateo County Recreational Health Application, and pay the applicable Pool/Spa Minor Remodel Fee. A copy of the local Building Department Demolition Permit and a copy of the inspection report/building card must be submitted along with the application. Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed within 30 business days. If any of the necessary documents are missing, the approval process will be delayed. After the application is approved, an inspection will be conducted to verify that the pool/spa is
destroyed, and all equipment is removed from use. Your Environmental Health Services permit will be inactivated, and the account for the pool/spa will be closed.

Floating Pool Covers 

• The pool must be segregated from all dwelling units by an approved fence or enclosure. Floating pool covers are not permitted at courtyard pools or in other situations where there is no fence or enclosure between the living units and the pool.
• The pool must be under the supervision of management personnel or other responsible person(s) who has sole access to the pool area when it is not open for use. The pool area must be locked to prevent any usage of the pool when the cover is in place. The pool may not be re‐opened for use until the pool cover has been removed from the pool and properly stored by the responsible party.
• The pool cover, when not in use, must be completely removed, rolled up, and stored at least four feet away from the pool. In the case of spa pools, the cover must be physically removed from the immediate premises to prevent bathers from re‐covering the spa pool.
• The pool cover must meet current American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) labeling
  requirements

Safety Covers

• The pool cover must meet current American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) requirements for safety covers.
• The cover must be installed and used according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Provisions must be made for the stair handrail and deep end ladder so that they are retractable when the cover is in place.

Stretch Covers

• Tie down anchors must be designed so that they are fully recessed into the deck and not a tripping hazard.
• The pool must be under the supervision of management personnel or other responsible person(s) who has sole access to the pool area when it is not open for use. The responsible party must remove and store the pool cover before opening the pool for use.

On Deck Unit with On Deck Track 

• All retracting mechanisms and their associated housing must be located a minimum of 4 feet back
  from the pool edge.
• Tracks located on the deck surface must be designed to be trip‐resistant and not exceed a height of 5/8 inch. The track must be of contrasting color to the deck surface. The track must be installed far enough away from the coping so as not to interfere with the handhold of the coping. Screws used to secure the track to the deck must be countersunk.
• The activating switch must be installed so that the operator has a clear view of the entire pool surface.
• The activating switch must be a “dead man” type switch where the cover will stop once the key is
  released.
• The mechanism must be designed so that the cover will return to the open position if it encounters an obstruction while closing.
• Provisions must be made to ensure that only responsible parties have keys to operate the pool
  cover mechanism. Children should not be allowed to operate the pool cover mechanism.

Sub‐Surface Unit with Under‐Coping Track

• The cover must completely retract into the housing unit.
•  When the cover is retracted, the housing cover must be completely flush with the pool deck and form a handhold which extends 1 to 2 inches over the edge of the pool and not exceed 2 inches in thickness.
• The track located under the coping must be designed and installed so that the total thickness of the coping does not exceed 2 inches.
• The sub‐surface housing compartment must drain to an approved disposal system through an air gap. It must not be directly connected to any sewer or deck drain system.
• The activating switch must be installed so that the operator has a clear view of the entire pool surface.
• The activating switch must be a “dead man” type switch where the cover will stop once the key is
  released.
• The mechanism must be designed so that the cover will return to the open position if it encounters an obstruction while closing.
• Provisions must be made to ensure that only responsible parties have keys to operate the pool
  cover mechanism. Children should not be allowed to operate the pool cover mechanism.

Canopy Type

• Columns and all supporting mechanisms for the canopy must be located at least 4 feet back from the pool edge when the cover is retracted.
• The activating switch must be installed so that the operator has a clear view of the entire pool surface.
• The activating switch must be a “dead man” type switch where the cover will stop once the key is released.
• The mechanism must be designed so that the cover will return to the open position if it encounters an obstruction while closing.
• Provisions must be made to ensure that only responsible parties have keys to operate the pool
  cover mechanism. Children should not be allowed to operate the pool cover mechanism.

All public pools and spas must meet the requirements of the California Health and Safety Code and the California Code of Regulations. Pools and spas must have continuous filtration and disinfection the entire time that they are open to the public. Filtration and disinfection must also extend beyond the pool and spa operating hours for as long as needed to maintain clarity and to maintain disinfection in the pool or spa.

If the power to the pool or spa goes out, the pool operator must ask all patrons to exit from the water and close the pool and/or spa immediately. 

When the power comes back on, pool operator must ensure that the disinfectant level and the pH is within the legal range
before allowing patrons to re-enter the water. The filtration must have operated long enough to clear the pool. The main drains of the pool must be visible, and the pool water must be clean.

Public Pools 

• Free Chlorine: 1.0-10.0 ppm without cyanuric acid/chlorine stabilizer |
  2.0-10.0 ppm or higher if there is cyanuric acid/chlorine stabilizer
• pH: 7.2 to 7.8 (7.4 to 7.6 ideal)

Public Spas, Wading Pools, and Spray Grounds

• Free Chlorine: 3.0-10.0 ppm
• pH: 7.2 to 7.8 (7.4 to 7.6 ideal)

1. What is the definition of a public pool?
   California Code of Regulations (Title 22), Division 4, Chapter 20, Section 65503 states, …all public pools and public pool sites, including, but not limited to:
   • Amusement park pools
   • Apartment house pools
   • Bed and breakfast inn pools
   • Campground pools
   • Club pools
   • Commercial pools
   • Condominium pools
   • Health or fitness club pools
   • Homeowner association pools
   • Hotel pools
   • Licensed day care facility pools
   • Medical facility pools
   • Mineral springs pools
   • Motel pools
   • Municipal pools
   • Public or private school pools
2. When will lock boxes be installed?
   Environmental Health Services installed lock boxes in 2019.
3. Do I need to pay for the lock box?
   No, there is no charge for the lock box.
4. Where will you place the lock box?
   In general, we will place the lock box at a pool’s front gate. If you have a specific location to place the lock box, email your request to envhealth@smcgov.org. EHS will file your request and contact you prior to installation.
5. What does the lock box look like?
   EHS’ lock box will have a San Mateo County seal affixed to the front surface. Most of the lock boxes will hook onto the pool fence. There is an option to mount lock boxes to
   a wall. However, EHS will not drill on your property.
6. Will EHS use a drill to install a lock box on my property?
   No, EHS will not drill on your property. A lock box will be provided to you for installation if it needs to be mounted to a wall.
7. Who will have access to the lock box code?
   Only EHS staff will have access to the lock box code
8. If I currently have a lock box installed, can I give EHS the code to the lock box?
   Yes, you may provide EHS with the current lock box code. However, please notify your inspector if the code changes in the future
9. Will EHS share the lock box code with the Fire Department?
   EHS will not share the lock box code with the Fire Department.
10. How do I know if EHS currently has a copy of my pool keys?
    Contact your pool inspector. You may find your inspector’s name on your last pool inspection report. Your pool reports are normally emailed to you after each inspection
11. Where and how can I drop off my keys?
    Please hold onto your keys until you are contacted. EHS may already have a set of your keys. If you would like to drop off keys at EHS’ office, please place your keys in an envelope
    and write your facility’s name and address on each set of keys, including pool gate, equipment room, and any ancillary area keys.
12. Which facility does not require a lock box to be installed?
    In general, EHS will not install lock boxes at facilities that do not require key access, or always have onsite staff to provide access. Examples of facilities that may not need a
    lock box include: public schools, hotels/motels, community pools, nursing homes, retirement homes, fitness clubs, or country clubs, etc.