Green Pool Cleanup in Cathedral City, CA
A green pool can usually be cleared without draining it. It takes heavy chemicals, a lot of filter run time and a few visits.
- Green pool recovery. Heat grows algae fast, and the city can cite neglected pools as a mosquito risk.
In a heat wave, a pool left alone can turn green quickly. Weekly service helps prevent it.
Cathedral City rules that apply
A new pool or spa, or a pool alteration, needs a building permit from the city. California law also requires at least two drowning-prevention features when the permit is issued for a single-family home. Routine service like chemicals and cleaning needs no permit. A fee schedule on the city site lists $716 for a new pool or spa, but its pages were marked as proposed, so confirm the current fee.
- In R1 (single-family) zones, a pool must be fully enclosed by buildings, fences or walls at least 5 feet high.
- Pool gates must be self-latching, and the city code puts the latch at least 4 feet above the ground.
- All fences and walls must be in place and approved by the building inspector before water is allowed in the pool.
- Pools must be at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines, and cannot sit in a required front yard.
- Pool pump and filter equipment must be at least 10 feet from any property line. The city planner can reduce this if a solid masonry wall at least 5 feet high stands between the equipment and the neighbor.
- State guidance for pool barriers says 60 inches minimum height, no more than 2 inches of gap at the bottom, no gaps that pass a 4 inch sphere, and gates that open away from the pool and self-close and self-latch with the latch at least 60 inches up.
- A new pool at a single-family home needs at least two of the state's listed drowning-prevention features when the permit is issued.
- The city enforces keeping pools in healthy condition (CCMC 13.80.120) and bans mosquito breeding places (CCMC 13.80.165), which covers neglected green pools.
Questions
Can I fill or drain my pool in summer?
Desert Water Agency asks customers to avoid draining and refilling pools from June 1 through October 31, but it is a request, not a rule. Avoid runoff onto the street and fix leaks fast.
Why does my pool turn green so fast here?
Summer highs of about 105 to 107 degrees and strong sun burn off chlorine quickly. Algae grows fast in warm water. The city can also cite a neglected pool as a mosquito risk.