Did you get a pool notice? Read below for more information!

The Challenge

If left unmaintained, a single swimming pool has the potential to produce millions of mosquitoes in one month. Pools that produce mosquitoes are a public health risk. Controlling mosquitoes in non-functional pools is a year-round challenge and requires significant effort and planning to remain mosquito-free.

With more than 2,100 known defunct pools, the District needs cooperation from residents to either keep these pools clean or drain them completely dry. While many pools are clean and functional, some are not. Having an out-of-service pool may require multiple compliance checks from the District every year. This process can be resource-intensive for the District as well as inconvenient for residents.

The Solution

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility. All residents must make sure their swimming pools are clean and functional, or are clean and dry and do not pose a public health risk by producing mosquitoes.

The use of long-term mosquito management strategy for pools includes a working pump and filtration system, and a regular chemical treatment schedule.

The District provides support programs for residents, such as providing assistance with mosquito control while a pool is being restored to a clean and functional state.

Support Programs

1.) I got a pool notice but my pool is clean*. Now what?

*A clean and functional pool has a working pump and filtration system and has a regular chemical treatment schedule. Water must be clear with little to no algae or debris.

• Photo confirmation: Our system isn't flawless and sometimes picks up dark bottom pools, shade, pool covers or other yard objects as dirty pools. The resident can confirm the condition of the pool by sending a picture to the District via email (info@avmosquito.org) or text (661-387-2300). The resident must respond back within one week with a photo of the pool that includes the current notice in the foreground. The pool must be clean*.

2.) My pool is dirty/out-of-service. What should I do?

•  Short-term Pesticide Treatment: A clean and functional pool is the best way to stay mosquito-free. The District does offer pesticide treatments as a short-term solution for residents who are in the process of restoring their pool to a clean and functional state. The District will work with the resident to provide chemical control for up to six months as long as the resident is actively pursuing a permanent solution.

3.) My Pool is empty and dry*. Is that okay?

*An empty and dry pool is kept completely dry and free of debris, year-round. The District needs confirmation throughout the year to ensure no water has been left to collect at the bottom. Confirmation can be completed two ways:

• Photo confirmation: The resident can confirm the condition of the pool by sending a picture to the District via email (Leann@avmosquito.org) or text (661-387-2300). The resident must respond back within one week with a photo of the pool that includes the current notice in the foreground. The pool must be empty and completely dry.
• Schedule a Physical Inspection: When a physical, on-site confirmation is scheduled, the District will send out a vector control specialist to visit the property and confirm the pool's condition. The District may request multiple inspections a year, which will be scheduled in advance through phone, or email. Residents must respond within one week of receiving an inspection request from the District. 

Physical Inspections are being done with a no-contact approach due to Covid-19.

4.) Mosquito Fish Program :

The mosquito fish, Gambusia affinis, is a topminnow from North America that is used around the world to control mosquito larvae. These fish are a low-maintenance, long-term treatment strategy to prevent the development of mosquitoes in non-functional, partially-filled swimming pools, ponds or yard features. The resident can pick up the fish, free of charge from the District. Click here for the District address. The resident is responsible for reporting to the District if the fish die or are unsuccessful.