Recreational Health

Contra Costa County Environmental Health is responsible for ensuring that all public swimming pools, spas, water recreation attractions and natural bathing places are maintained or operated in compliance with local and state regulations. These regulations are intended to guarantee the protection of public health and safety.

PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS & SPAS

 - Permit Application
 - Fee Schedule
 - Public Swimming Pools Operation and Maintenance Courses

General Information Handouts & Websites

• Public Swimming Pool and Spa Operating Requirements
• Power Outage Procedures for Swimming Pools
• Pool Enclosure Requirements
• Pool Covers
• Handrail Guidelines
• GFCI - (CPSC)
• Pool & Spa Recording Chart
• Guidelines for Construction and Operation of Spray Grounds - CCDEH
• Guidelines for the Installation and Operation of Waterslides at Public Swimming Pools - CCDEH
• Fecal Accident Response - CDC

Advisories

• Swim Diapers - CDC
• MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)
  • Strategies for Reducing the Spread of MRSA
  • Bathing Suit Water Extractor Guidelines . Follow manufacturer's instructions of proper cleaning of the bathing suit water extractor.
  • Contra Costa Health Services - MRSA Information
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
    • MRSA Information
    • MRSA Recreational Water Illness
    • MRSA Fact Sheet
  • Environmental Protection Agency - Registered Disinfectants
• Thunder and Lightning - NLSI
• Draining Pools and Spas - Contra Costa County Public Works
• Pool/Spa/Fountain Resources - Contra Costa County Public Works

Laws & Regulations

• All Pertinent Laws and Regulations - CDPH

Forms

• Pool Plan Check Application Form
• Pool Plan Check Guideline
• Remodel Checklist for Assembly Bill 1020
• State Compliance Form - CDPH

Assembly Bill 1020 Information

AB1020 Pool Safety Law - CDPH
Public pool and spa operators must comply with State Assembly Bill 1020 to help prevent the tragic and hidden hazard of drain entrapments by July 1, 2010 or face closure. AB 1020 passed in October 2009 and followed the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act requiring public facilities have drain covers and devices that prevent a swimmer's hair or body from becoming trapped by suction created by drains. The Virginia Graeme Baker act was named for the 7-year-old granddaughter of former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker after she was trapped underwater by suction from a drain in a hot tub and drowned. Pools with a single main drain that lack both anti-entrapment drain covers and an anti-entrapment device or system will be closed beginning July 1, 2010 until fixed. Pools found in partial compliance will have a 30-day extension to show remaining work will be finished prior to the 2011 season.

• Legislative Update
  • State Compliance Form - CDPH
  • Remodel Checklist for Assembly Bill 1020 Review
• Compliance Information for Assembly Bill 1020 - CDPH
  • Assembly Bill 1020 text
  • Comparison of Virginia Graeme Baker Act & Assembly Bill 1020
• Press Release

Frequently Asked Questions

• Administrative Hearing Process
• Public Swimming Pools

Register a Pool Complaint

• File a Complaint

Helpful Links

• CA Recreational Health Program- CDPH
• Healthy Swimming- CDC
• Recreational Water Illness (RWI) Prevention Week- CDC
• Pool Safely- CPSC

News Release

• Video: New Law Requires Recreational Centers To Retrofit Pool Drains - KTVU
• Press Release: Public Pools Must Meet New Safety Rules or Close

NATURAL BATHING PLACES

Informative Links

• Swim Beach Water Quality Monitoring Program - East Bay Regional Park District
• Beaches and Recreational Waters: Regulations and Guidance - CDPH
• Healthy Swimming - CDC
• Swimmer's Itch - CDC
• Tarballs - NOAA
• Red Tide - CDC
• Blue-Green Algae Blooms - CDPH
• Marine Biotoxin Monitoring Program Shellfish Poisoning/Mussel Quarantine - CDPH