Public Pool Program

The Public Pool Program provides inspections of Berkeley's public pools to ensure adherence with appropriate health and safety standards.  Public pools in the City are inspected twice each year.  Year-round facilities, such as the YMCA, are monitored three or more times for compliance with the State Pool Code.  Follow-up inspections are performed if a pool does not meet the minimum standards.  All new and remodeled public pools are required to submit plans for review and compliance with the State H&SC and the State Building Standards Code.  They must also pass a pregunite and equipment inspection prior to opening.

Common Problems:

• Algae - Green cloudy water and/or dark green or black spots on pool shell.

          Causes:

           A.  Insufficient chlorine
           B.  Not following routine maintenance.
           C.  Plaster in bad condition.

           Remedies:
           
            A.   Superchlorinate
            B.  Adjust pH between 7.2 - 7.6.
            C.  Brush spots with algae brush
            D.  Use approved algaecide

• Cloudy water - Water appears murky or cloudy.
  
  Causes:
  
  A.  Algae.
  B.  Inefficient recirculation and/or filtration.
  C.  Improper chemistry.
  D.  Presence of calcium particles.
  
  Remedies:
  
  A.  Inspect or service recirculation equipment for proper size and operation.
  B.  Adjust pH between 7.2 - 7.6.
  C.  Maintain chlorine level between 1.0 - 1.5 ppm.
  D.  Check water balance.

• Scaling - White, gray or brownish deposits on tile, railings, and the pool shell.
  
  Causes:
  
  A.  Calcium deposits caused by excessively hard water.
  B.  Accumulation of dissolved solids.
  
  Remedies:
  
  A.  Adjust pH between 7.2 - 7.6.
  B.  Use scale or iron remover with a brush to remove scaled deposits on plaster and tile.
  C.  Check water balance.

• Eye burns and chlorine odors:
  
  Causes:
  
  A.  Improper pH
  B.  Combined chlorine
  
  Remedies:
  
  A.  Shock treat
  B.  Adjust pH between 7.2 - 7.6
  C.  Maintain proper levels of pH, total alkalinity, and free chlorine residual.

Enforcement Program:

This program is mandated by both the State Health and Safety Code and the Berkeley Municipal Code (BMC).  A partial list of enforcement activities includes administrative hearings to suspend or revoke pool facility permits, closure, assessing reinspection fees to pool facilities that require more service because they fail to meet the minimum standards, and issuing citations for many BMC infractions.

Do you need assistance or wish  to report a complaint?

Complete an on-line Request for Service form, or phone Environmental Health at (510) 981-5310 and TDD (510) 981-6903, or send an email to envhealth@ci.berkeley.ca.us.

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Division on Aging / Environmental Health / Mental Health / Public Health

Health & Human Services Division of Environmental Health 1947 Center Street, Third Floor Berkeley, CA 94704 TEL: (510) 981-5310 FAX: (510) 981-5305 TDD: (510) 981-6903 Email: envhealth@ci.berkeley.ca.us