Department of Public Health

Water Quality:

Swimming Pools & Spas

Permits to Operate

Plan Check

Construction Guidelines

Construction plan approval requirements (pdf)
Pool/spa data sheet (pdf)

Pool Regulations

State pool code (pdf)
SF Health Code Article 15

Pool Heater Requirement for Boiler Permit (pdf)

Daily Operations & Maintenance Fact Sheets (pdfs)

Hazardous Materials Registration (pdf)

Safety Signs & Equipment (pdf)

Pool Covers

Healthy Swimming Tips (pdf)

File a Complaint (see email address in last paragraph)

The San Francisco Swimming Pool Program is mandated by state and local laws. The San Francisco Health Code requires all public pools and spa pools to be licensed and have a valid Permit to Operate. It is the objective of the Swimming Pool Program to ensure that all public swimming pools and spas are properly constructed and operated in a safe and sanitary manner.

The first objective is accomplished through a Plan Review Process that when completed results in approval of the Permit to Operate. Information presented on this page is provided to help you submit the necessary documents to obtain a plan review approval and building permit.

The second objective is accomplished through a Swimming Pool and Spa Pool inspection program. The specific regulations that govern how public pools and spa pools are operated are contained in State laws and are applied uniformly throughout the State. Routine inspections are conducted throughout the year as well as on a complaint basis to ensure that all public swimming pools and spas are operating in a safe and sanitary condition.

The routine inspection of swimming pools and spa pools includes the following elements:

Evaluation of the water clarity and cleanliness of pool walls, pool bottom, waterline tiles, coping, skimmers and pool deck.
Test pool water for pH, free chlorine residual, alkalinity and when necessary cyanuric acid, calcium hardness, and total dissolved solids.
Evaluation of the pool’s recirculation and disinfection system including filters, pumps, skimmers, main drain, return lines, flow meter, pressure gauges, disinfection system and acid feeders.
Evaluation of the general maintenance of related pool facilities such as bathroom facilitates, locker rooms, showers, saunas, steam rooms, pool enclosure and equipment room.

Swimming is a popular recreation activity and most people swim safely each year without accident or illness. By following simple sanitary practices and using common sense, you may reduce your chances and other pool users’ chances of becoming ill or injured. Please look at the tips for healthy swimming provided by the Centers for Disease Control and other information on safe swimming practices

Report any of the following situations:

Unable to see pool bottom
Main drain grate missing or broken
Lack of daily maintenance to the pool
Chemical balance not maintained
Unsanitary locker rooms or showers
Other Conditions, please specify

If you have a concern about a public pool, please contact us by email, and please be sure to provide a telephone number, your name, and a description of the pool, including address.