LA Sanitation Releases Guidance for Managing Swimming Pools in Fire-Impacted Areas

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Los Angeles Sanitation released guidance for managing swimming pools in fire-impacted areas, including Pacific Palisades.

Residents should not use their swimming pool until it is in accordance with guidance from the LA County Department of Public Health, according to LA Sanitation.

Debris removal steps will depend on whether or not residents are eligible for Phase 2 of the Debris Removal Program.

For residents who opt in to county-run removal program for Phase 2, it is not advised to proceed with draining the pool—the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is leading the removal program, will remove debris and may utilize water in the pool for dust control.

For residents opting out of Phase 2 and hiring a private contractor, an authorized contractor is responsible for proper removal and disposal of debris from the pool.

For residents who are not eligible for Phase 2 of the removal program (if their home is still standing), it is not advised to drain the pool if it can be properly cleaned, in accordance with Public Health.

This process includes cleaning the pool’s skimmer baskets of debris and the surface of the pool with a net to remove floating debris; brushing the sides and bottom of the pool to loosen contaminants, then vacuuming the pool; checking pH levels and adjusting them to fall between 7.2 and 8.0; checking chlorine levels and adjusting the level to a minimum of 2.0 ppm for a pool and 3.0 ppm for a spa; and ensuring the recirculation system is operating by checking the filter pressure and/or flow meter.

If it is necessary to drain the pool, residents are asked to call 323-342-6268 or 323-342-6201 prior to drainage, to schedule an approved drainage start date. Residents will receive a confirmation with details on when the drainage is approved within one business day, according to LA Sanitation. Pool draining reservations will not be issued within 24 hours of forecasted rain or 48 hours after it rains.

Residents are asked to not discharge pool water to the driveway, gutter or storm drain system because the contaminated water would “discharge directly into the ocean with no treatment.”

To drain the pool, LA Sanitation requires a submersible pump, a hose that connects to the submersible pump and is long enough to reach from the pool to the sewer clean-out, and a filter basket or screen with openings no larger than one-quarter of an inch.

“Open the cover of the sewer clean-out and cover the opening with the screen/filter basket,” LA Sanitation explained. “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, a plumber should be contacted.