Existing law requires the State Department of Public Health to adopt and enforce regulations relating to public swimming pools. Existing law provides various building and safety standards for public swimming pools, as defined. Existing law requires that every person or entity operating or maintaining a public swimming pool do so in a sanitary, healthful, and safe manner. Existing law requires county health officers to enforce department regulations and authorizes a county health officer or any department inspector to enter the premises of a public swimming pool and investigate for violations, as specified. A violation of these provisions is a misdemeanor.
Existing law requires a public wading pool to have at least 2 circulation suction outlets per pump that are hydraulically balanced and symmetrically plumbed through one or more "T" fittings, as specified. Existing law requires a public wading pool suction outlet to be covered with antivortex grates or similar protective devices, as specified. Existing law requires a public swimming pool to be equipped with anti-entrapment devices or systems that comply with the ANSI/APSP-16 performance standard or successor standard designated by the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission. Existing law also requires a public swimming pool with a single suction outlet that is not an unblockable suction outlet to be equipped with at least one specified device or system designed to prevent physical entrapment by pool drains.
This bill would require a public swimming pool constructed on or after January 1, 2025, to comply with the standards and requirements of the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (act) . The bill would require an existing public swimming pool to be retrofitted to comply with the act whenever a construction permit is issued to alter the public swimming pool. Under the bill, to the extent that the above-described existing requirements for public wading pools and public swimming pools conflict with the act, the requirements of the act would prevail.
This bill would require a person or entity that owns or maintains a public swimming pool, as defined, to ensure that there is an operating telephone on or adjacent to the pool deck, available and conspicuously labeled for emergency use, at all times. By expanding the definition of a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Statutes affected:
AB2384: 116064.2 HSC, 116064.2 HSC
04/08/24 - Amended Assembly: 116064.2 HSC, 116064.2 HSC