Swimming Pool Update

This letter is to provide you with information on how you should be ready to respond to the projected power outages we are facing, and to inform you of some of the specific health and safety items that will result in the closure of a pool or spa. Attached is a copy of the recommended procedures for power outages at public pools. These procedures were prepared by staff and discussed with state and local health officials. I strongly recommend that you review the attached document and develop an emergency response plan for power outages for each of your pools. This plan should include defined steps to be completed during outages and identification of the individual(s) responsible for implementing the procedures. Recognize that operation requirements for public swimming pool utilize circulation, chlorination, acidity, and clarity to insure public health protection and a safe swimming environment. Simply stated, state law requires that pool circulation equipment be operating whenever a public pool is open.

This past year, the Division staff ordered 167 pools closed, with the absence of chlorine residual being the most common cause for closure. The staff do not take pleasure in closing a pool or spa, and hope that providing you with the list of violations resulting in mandatory pool closure will make both of our jobs easier. Division policy states: "If any of the following violations are observed and cannot be immediately corrected by the operator, close the pool, note the reason for closure on an official inspection report, post a pool closure sign, and call the office to have the closure logged:

• No free chlorine residual.
• pH below 7.2 or above 8.0.
• Loose, missing, or broken drain cover.
• Missing rescue equipment, especially the body hook.
• Missing or inoperative automatic chlorinator.
• High turbidity or algae accumulation (main drain not clearly visible).
• Pump off or inoperative during pool hours.
• Loose, missing, or improperly secured pool light.
• Wading pools not retro fitted with dual drains.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Division at 925 646-5225 if you have questions or would like additional information. The recommended procedures for responding to power outages will also be posted on our new website, www.cocoeh.org, in the immediate future. You can also contact our office through our email address, cocoeh@hsd.cccounty.us. Closing a pool during the swim season is always difficult but necessary, and your preparing for power outages and implementing the response if an outage occurs is equally difficult.

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