Electrical Power Outage Public Swimming Pools and Spas

Rolling blackouts or other unexpected events may occasionally cause a loss of electrical power. During a power outage, steps should be taken to  ensure the safety of the swimming pool and/or spa at your facility.

Power outage during daylight hours of operation:

1. Close pool immediately, all bathers must be directed out of the pool and away from the water.
2. Turn recirculation systems off.
3. Turn any additional pool-related electrical equipment off.
4. Leave a light or small appliance (radio) turned on so you can quickly tell when power has been restored.

Power outage during nighttime hours of operation:

1. Close pool immediately, all bathers must be directed out of the pool and away from the water.
2. Check the bottom of the pool with a flashlight to ensure all bathers are out of the water.
3. Check restrooms for anyone who may have fallen or become injured in the dark.
4. Follow the daylight hours guideline above Steps 2 – 4.

After the power is restored:

1. Turn the recirculation system on in stages if more than one pump is involved in the system.
2. Test water chemistry to ensure water quality standards are met.
3. Re-set all timer clocks for lighting and recirculation systems.
4. Ensure the spa emergency shut-off switches are working properly.
5. Once you have verified that all pool equipment is operating properly and that the water quality is satisfactory, the pool can be reopened.

California Code of Regulations (Section 65525) and California Health and Safety Code (Sections 116040 and 116043) require public pool water be recirculated and maintained in a sanitary, healthful and safe manner during hours of operation whenever the pool is in use and at all times to maintain the pool water clean, clear and at proper chemistry.