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Contact Information
Los Angeles County
Department of Public Health
Environmental Health
Recreational Waters Program
5050 Commerce Drive
Baldwin Park, CA  91706
(626) 430-5360 
 Fax: (626) 813-3016
 Email: rhealth@ph.lacounty.gov
RECREATIONAL WATERS PROGRAM

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:

  • Conducts routine and follows-up inspections at public pools;

  • Responds to public complaints regarding public pools;

  •  Evaluates visual quality of water and cleanliness of pool walls, floors, water line tiles, coping, skimmers and deck areas;           

  • Tests pool water for pH, chlorine residual, alkalinity, and when necessary, cyanuric acid levels, total dissolved solids and calcium hardness;

  • Evaluates the pool's recirculation and purification system such as filters, pumps, skimmers, main drains, return lines, flowmeters, pressure gauges, chlorinators and acid feeders;
  •  Evaluates the  maintenance of related pool facilities such as bathrooms, locker rooms, showers, saunas, steam rooms, pool enclosures and equipment rooms;

  •  Reviews and approves public pool plans for compliance with State law;

  •  Conducts field construction inspections at all stages of construction until the pool is complete;

  •  Evaluates swimming pool equipment and generates an Approved Pool Equipment List that is used by contractors to choose approved pool equipment;

  •  Certifies Swimming Pool Service Technicians to service public and private pools in Los Angeles County and issues renewals of certifications.

  • Conducts an ocean water monitoring program which includes ocean sampling, evaluation of ocean monitoring data, posting of results on the Internet and a hotline.

  • 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
 

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