|
Public Swimming
Pools & Bathing Places
Swimming pools, water parks, and bathing places are sources for
year-round family fun in Florida and places to cool off during the
hot summer months. Although the risks are low, they can also be
sources of waterborne diseases like E. coli and Cryptosporidium.
Although chlorine is effective against many diseases that can get
into recreational waters, overcrowding in pools and water parks can
rapidly reduce chlorine levels. A few disease organisms like crypto
are resistant to chlorine.
Many disease outbreaks in pools and water parks are caused by
young children having bowel movements while in the water. The fecal
material from these accidents can contain disease organisms that
will spread rapidly if the chlorine levels are low or if they are
resistant to disinfectants. If there is an accident at a public
pool, please follow the
CDC's " Fecal Accident Response"
For this reason our Environmental Specialists conduct routine
inspections of all licensed public pools a minimum of twice a year,
to monitor compliance with disinfection levels, water chemistry and
safety requirements.
Rules for public swimming pools are contained in
Chapter 64E-9 F.A.C. Pool operators are required to maintain a
DAILY log on pool chemistry and operation, form
DH 921.
Virginia Graeme Baker Act - Federal Rule (Effective December 19,
2008)
11/7/2008 - New Information from the Consumer Product Safety
Council (CPSC):
- CPSC is aware of the concern about having covers on the
market and available for installation.
Specifically by size:
a. IF an 8" round cover is needed - CPSC rep stated they expect
compliance by December 20, 2008
b. IF a 9"x9" square cover is needed - CPSC expects compliance
by December 20, 2008
c. IF 12"x12" cover is needed - CPSC expects compliance by
deadline
d. IF 18"x18" and larger cover is needed - CPSC is aware there
is no product on the market yet but manufacturers are telling
them covers will be coming
- With regard to the larger sized covers, (d) above, CPSC
representative stated that they want to see a good faith effort
toward compliance, so a 'paper trail', something indicating
contact with a manufacturer, an order with a company even if a
backorder. CPSC understands timing is an issue and that
competition will be intense.
- Special Purpose Pools, like endless pool, swim-in-place
pool, etc, must comply with Act unless given formal relief by
CPSC.
- All covers must carry the official symbol "VGB" starting
November 12, 2008 although there are a few covers that were
manufactured during the summer carrying 'ASME' as a marking.
List of Permitted Pools
(Excel / updated 8/3/2009)
Florida Pools Inspection Database
Please contact our environmental engineering office when
making any changes to your pool or equipment: 239-274-2200.
Use the
chemical feeder change- out form,
pool resurfacing form, or for any other changes, the application
for modification to your existing pool, form
DH 914.
Return to Environmental
Health Home Page |
