Guidance For Managing Swimming Pools in Fire Impacted Areas in the Palisades

Guidance For Managing Swimming Pools in Fire Impacted Areas in the Palisades

Read the full LASAN release here. 

Residents should not use their swimming pool until it is cleaned properly in accordance with
guidance from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Debris removal steps
shall be based upon whether residents participate in the Phase 2 Government Run Debris
Removal Program, as identified below.

Note, if you have a septic tank or do not have a connection to the City’s sewer system, hire a
professional pool service company for guidance on draining and refilling your pool.

For residents who OPT IN to the Phase 2 Government Run Debris Removal Program:

• It is not advised to proceed with draining your pool.
• The Army Corps of Engineers will remove debris and may utilize the water in the pool for
  dust control.
• If water remains after Phase 2 removal is complete, draining of the pool should follow the
  protocols below.

For residents who OPT OUT of the Phase 2 Government Run Debris Removal Program:

• The resident’s authorized contractor is responsible for proper removal and disposal of
  debris from the pool.
• Draining of the pool should follow the protocols below.

For residents who are NOT ELIGIBLE for the Phase 2 Government Run Debris Removal
Program:

• It is not advised to drain the pool if it can be properly cleaned in accordance with LA
  County Department of Public Health guidelines. This includes:
              ○ Clean the skimmer baskets of debris and skim water surface of the pool with a
                  pool net to remove floating debris
              ○ Brush the sides and the bottom of pool to loosen contaminants, then vacuum
                  pool 
              ○ Check pH and adjust level between 7.2 and 8.0.
              ○ Check free chlorine level and adjust level to a minimum of 2.0 ppm for a pool and
                 3.0 ppm for a spa.
              ○ Ensure the recirculation system is operating properly by checking filter pressure
                 and/or the flow meter.
• If it is necessary to drain the pool, follow the protocols below.
  
  City of LA Protocol for Swimming Pool Drainage:
   
• Prior to beginning drainage, fill out this form or call 323-342-6268 or 323-342-6201
  to schedule your approved drainage start date. You will receive a confirmation
  with details on when the drainage is approved within 1 business day.
• Do not discharge pool water to the driveway, gutter or storm drain system because the
  contaminated water will discharge directly into the ocean with no treatment
• Ensure that all debris has been removed from the pool
  • Pool Draining Steps: (Note that a professional pool service company can complete this
    process, or the supplies can be purchased at a home supply store)
  • Find the sewer clean-out (how to find your sewer clean out)
  • Required Equipment:
         ■ Submersible pump - up to 1 horsepower (HP) or 50 gallons per minute
            (GPM) capacity
        ■ Hose that connects to the submersible pump and is long enough to reach
           from the pool to the sewer clean-out
        ■ Filter basket or screen with openings no larger than ¼-inch
  • Open the cover of the sewer clean-out and cover the opening with the
    screen/filter basket.
  • Lower the pump into the deepest area of the pool, near the drain and place the
    hose discharge into the sewer clean-out. As you drain, monitor flow into the
    clean-out port to ensure water doesn't back up into your home's sink and shower
    drains. If back-up does occur, stop and contact a plumber.
• No pool draining reservations will be issued within 24 hours of a forecasted rain event, or
  within 48 hours beyond the end of the rain event
• After draining your pool, refill it as soon as possible*. Direct sunlight can damage your
  pool's exposed plaster. It may take a few days for the fresh water to reach the proper
  chemical levels, so check the levels daily for a week and add chemicals as needed.
  Check pool-chemical levels daily for a week. It may take several days for fresh water to
  reach the proper chemical levels.

*You may be eligible for a Sewer Service Charge (SSC) adjustment if you fill your pool during the winter rainy season (typically from October through April). To request an adjustment, contact the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Bureau of Sanitation at 1-800-540-0952 or fill out and submit a Residential SSC Request for Adjustment.