(Brevard County, Florida) — Florida’s regulations for public swimming pools and bathing places are designed to protect patrons from illness and injury, and cover a wide range of facilities from traditional pools to newer options like floatation tanks. These regulations require annual permitting, routine inspections, and adherence to specific safety standards.
A “public pool” in Florida encompasses conventional pools, spa-type pools, wading pools, special purpose pools, and even water recreation attractions, according to the Florida Department of Health. This definition extends to facilities operated by a variety of entities, including camps, churches, schools, hotels, and homeowner associations.
- Operators of public pools in Florida must comply with Chapter 64E-9 of the Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 514 of the Florida Statutes, and Section 454 of the Florida Building Code.
- Floatation tanks are classified as public pools and are subject to the same regulations.
- All public pools and spas are required to have anti-entrapment systems compliant with American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standards.
- The permit year for public pools runs from July 1 to June 30, with a $50 late fee for renewals.
Regulations and Permitting
Table of Contents
Anyone operating a public swimming pool or related facility in Florida must comply with several sets of regulations, including Chapter 64E-9, Florida Administrative Code; Chapter 514, Florida Statutes; and Section 454 of the Florida Building Code, the Florida Department of Health states. Operating a public pool requires plan approval from both the Florida Department of Health and the local building department, along with the submission of required applications and fees to the Florida Department of Health in Brevard County Environmental Health Services.
Floatation Tanks Included
The definition of a “public pool” is broad enough to include floatation tanks, also known as Epsom salt float tanks, when offered for public use. As such, these facilities are under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Health and must meet the same standards for equipment, design, water quality, and operation as traditional pools, according to the department.
Entrapment Protection Required
Federal law, specifically the Virginia Graeme Baker Act of 2009, mandates that all public pools and spas be equipped with an anti-entrapment system or device that meets standards set by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Information about this law is available on the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission’s website, PoolSafely.gov.
ADA Compliance
For specific questions regarding the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as they pertain to swimming pools, individuals are directed to contact their local building department.
Bathing Place Monitoring
Bathing places, typically freshwater lakes, are monitored monthly for bacteriological water quality. However, the Florida Department of Health no longer permits or inspects these facilities, though they continue to be sampled monthly and the results reviewed by the department.
What This Means for You
These regulations are in place to ensure a safe swimming experience for the public. Pool operators are legally obligated to maintain certain standards, and patrons can be confident that facilities are regularly inspected. For individuals considering using a floatation tank, it’s important to know that these facilities are subject to the same rigorous oversight as traditional swimming pools. If you have concerns about a public pool, contacting the Florida Department of Health or your local building department can help ensure those concerns are addressed.
Keep reading
