California Pool Water Standards

Debris and Dirt

• Public pools are required to maintain clean water that is free of floating materials, including scum, debris or sputum. California also requires that the sides and bottom of the pool receive regular cleaning to remove dirt, slime or algae as necessary. These rules also prohibit animals of any kind in the pool.

Bacterial Content

• California's public swimming pools require regular water tests to ensure that the amount of bacteria in the water does not exceed 200 bacteria per millimeter. These tests also look for coliform bacteria, which is restricted to 2.2 per 100 milliliters of water. Test results are compared from a pair of tests taken consecutively to ensure accurate results.

Chemicals and Clarity

• The chemicals used in California public pools cannot cause irritation to the skin or eyes of swimmers or cause any other unwanted physical effects on swimmers. All pools are required to have an operating purification system that cleans and recirculates the water in the pool. Pools with water that obstructs the view of the main drain from the deck are required to close until the water is clear and written approval is obtained from the agent enforcing the law.

Disinfectants and Acidity

• Public pools that are open for business or in use are required to disinfect their pool water using a chemical that provides a residual disinfecting effect. These chemicals cannot cause the water to drop below a pH value of 7.2 or exceed a pH value of 8.0. Pools are required to maintain a residual concentration of chlorine in the water between 1.0 and 1.5 parts per million, depending on the form of chlorine in use.

Purification Systems

• California law requires operation of the recirculation and filtration systems for each pool while the pool is open for use. The pumping and filtration equipment must maintain the flow of filtered water into and out of the pool at a minimum of 65 percent of the required flow rate.