Swimming Pool Safety

Community swimming pool with lounge chairs, a table, and an umbrella.

Required Signage

Signs must be clearly visible with letters at least 4 inches high unless otherwise stated:

  • “NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY”
  • “Children should not use the pool without adult supervision” in text at least 1 inch high
    • Only required when no lifeguard service is provided
  • Illustrated diagram with text at least ¼ inch high of Artificial Respiration and CPR Instructions
  • Pool User Capacity
  • Diarrhea Advisory Sign in letters of at least 1 inch high
  • “No Diving” at pools with a maximum depth of 6 feet or less
  • 9-1-1
    • Number of the nearest emergency services, with name and street address of the pool facility, with text not less than one inch
    • “NO USE OF POOL ALLOWED AFTER DARK” if no lights are present
    • “KEEP GATE/DOOR CLOSED” on the exterior side of gates and doors leading into the pool enclosure

For Spa’s

  • “CAUTION” sign for spas in letters at least one inch high
  • Elderly persons, pregnant women, infants, and those with health conditions requiring medical care should consult with a physician before entering the spa
  • Children should not use spa without adult supervision
  • Hot water immersion while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, drugs or medicines may lead to serious consequences and is not recommended
  • Do not use alone
  • Long exposure may result in hyperthermia, nausea, dizziness or fainting
  • “Emergency Shut off Switch” for spas

San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services (EHS) inspects public swimming areas for health hazards. These areas include pools, spas, lakes, lagoons, and waterslides located at apartments, hotels, health clubs, schools, homeowner associations, organized camps, and municipal parks.

Required Safety Equipment

All public swimming areas must include:

  • Minimum five-foot non‐climbable enclosure around the pool or spa
  • Self‐closing, self‐latching gate
  • Life‐saving equipment:
    • Life hook
    • Life ring
    • Anti-entrapment device
  • Approved drain covers/grates meeting current safety standards
  • Locks or alarms on windows and doors leading to pool areas
  • No gaps greater than four inches between fencing
  • Functional recirculation system in good repair
  • Functional underwater pool light
  • All public swimming places (pools, spas, lagoons, waterslides, and lakes) are surveyed and inspected annually for possible health and safety threats, potential drowning hazards, and unsafe water chemistry.
  • For public pools, you need a test kit that can accurately check pH and “free chlorine” in the pool water. To accurately check “free chlorine”, the test kit should use DPD tablets or liquid.

Prevent Drowning

  • Swimming is not suggested when the water is either cloudy or green; poor water clarity can lead to pool closure.
  • Make sure everyone has basic swimming and water safety skills.
  • Use U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets as directed.
  • Learn how to recognize and respond to a swimmer in distress and how to perform CPR.