The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has adopted Chapter 31B, Public Swimming Pools, of the California Building Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 [California Building Code, chapter 31B]) which provides standards for the installation, renovation, alteration, addition, relocation, and replacement of a public swimming pool or its ancillary facilities, mechanical equipment, and related piping. Specifically, HCD announced acceptance of the amendments into Title 24 on June 1, 2022, in INFORMATION BULLETIN 2022-03.

Go to https://www.hcd.ca.gov/docs/information-bulletin-2022-03.pdf

Go to https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/CBC2019P4/chapter-31b-dph-public-pools

Beginning January 1, 2023, Chapter 31B will be enforced by HCD or HCD-approved  local enforcement agencies in all mobilehome and special occupancy parks throughout the state.

This amendment ends previously conflicting state and federal signage mandates, as addressed by WMA Service and Industry member attorney Terry R. Dowdall. WMA members may recall that previously, signs stating that children “shall” be accompanied by an adult were required. This mandatory supervision law was invalidated in US v. Plaza Mobile Estates as a violation of “familial status” housing rights. The new law changed “shall’ to “should.” Children “should” be accompanied by an adult, and cannot be required to be accompanied.

The new sign regulations under the Building Code, CHAPTER 31B, SECTION 3101B, et seq. require the following:

3120B.1 General

All signs shall have clearly legible letters or numbers not less than four inches (102 mm) high, unless otherwise required in this section, affixed to a wall, pole, gate or similar permanent structure in a location visible to all pool users.

3120B.2 Pool User Capacity Sign

A sign shall indicate the maximum number of pool users permitted for each pool.

3120B.2.1 Spa Pool

The pool user capacity of a spa pool shall be based on one pool user for every ten square feet (0.929 m2) of pool water surface area.

3120B.2.2 Other Pools

The pool user capacity for all other pools shall be based on one pool user for every 20 square feet (1.858 m2) of pool water surface area.

Exception: Pool user capacity requirements do not apply to wading pools or spray grounds.

3120B.3 No Diving Sign

Signs shall be posted in conspicuous places and shall state, “NO DIVING” at pools with a maximum water depth of six feet or less.

3120B.4 No Lifeguard Sign

Where no lifeguard service is provided, a sign shall be posted stating, “NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY.” The sign also shall state in letters at least one inch (25 mm) high, “Children should not use pool without adult supervision.”

Exception: “No lifeguard sign” requirement does not apply to spray grounds that have no standing water.

3120B.5 Artificial Respiration and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Sign

An illustrated diagram with text at least one-quarter inch (6 mm) high of artificial respiration and cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures shall be posted.

3120B.6 Emergency Sign

The emergency telephone number 911 with numbers not less than four inches (102 mm) high, the number of the nearest emergency services and the name and street address of the pool facility with numbers and text not less than one inch (25 mm) high shall be posted.

3120B.7 Warning Sign for a Spa Pool

A warning sign for spa pools shall be posted stating, “CAUTION” and shall include the following language in letters at least one inch (25 mm) high:

Elderly persons, pregnant women, infants and those with health conditions requiring medical care should consult with a physician before entering the spa.

Children should not use spa without adult supervision.

Hot water immersion while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, drugs or medicines may lead to serious consequences and is not recommended.

Do not use alone.

Long exposure may result in hyperthermia, nausea, dizziness or fainting.

3120B.8 Emergency Shut Off

In letters at least one inch (25 mm) high, a sign shall be posted at the spa emergency shut off switch stating, “EMERGENCY SHUT OFF SWITCH.”

3120B.9 No Use After Dark

Where pools were constructed for which lighting was not required, a sign shall be posted at each pool entrance on the outside of the gate(s) stating, “NO USE OF POOL ALLOWED AFTER DARK.”

3120B.10 Keep Closed

A sign shall be posted on the exterior side of gates and doors leading into the pool enclosure area stating “KEEP GATE CLOSED ” or “KEEP DOOR CLOSED”.

[DSA-AC] Additional requirements may apply. Refer to Chapter 11B for accessibility provisions applicable to public accommodations, commercial buildings and public housing.

3120B.11 Diarrhea

The pool operator shall post at the entrance area of a public pool a sign in letters at least one inch (25 mm) high that clearly states that persons with diarrhea and persons who have had diarrhea within the prior 14 days shall not enter the pool water. ■