Public Swimming Pools

• DH4159: Application for Swimming Pool Operating Permit
• DH4159: Application Instructions

---

pool plans

Chapters 514 and 553, Florida Statutes, require an application for an operating permit must be submitted to the Florida Department of Health before the building department can issue a construction or modification permit for a public pool.

The building department cannot issue a certificate of completion or occupancy until the Florida Department of Health issues the operating permit. 

Public Swimming Pool Permit Process

We recommend you contact the Department at least two weeks before the planned opening. Program office staff is available in Tallahassee at 850-901-6517 to answer any questions.  

• Where to Send Pool Plans Map

• DH4157: Pool Owner/Operator Verification of Entrapment Safety Features
• DH4158: Bathing Place Bacteria Advisory
• DH4159: Application For Swimming Pool Operating Permit – formerly DH918
• DH4159: Application For Swimming Pool Operating Permit Instructions
• DH921: Monthly Swimming Pool Report
• DH1704: Application for Swimming Pool Exempt Status – more than 32 units
• DH4065: Application for Swimming Pool Exempt Status – 32 units or less
• DH4080: Application for Variance from Chapter 64E-9, F.A.C. – swimming pools and bathing places
• Public Pool Resurfacing Notification Form
• Public Pool Lighting Certification Form

Epsom salt float tank(s) fall under the jurisdiction and regulation responsibilities of the Florida Department of Health, as pools.

Detailed criteria for public pool construction design, equipment requirements, pool operation, and water quality may be found in the Florida Building Code, under section 454 Swimming Pools and Bathing Places, 454.1 Public swimming pools and bathing places, and in Chapter 64E-9, F.A.C., Public Swimming Pools and Bathing Places.

The Department has statewide, approved specific criteria and requirements, through the code variance process allowed by law, for epsom salt float tank manufacturers and specific site installations.

The manufacturer of equipment, which is not included on the statewide list, must submit a aariance application and supporting engineering information to the Florida Department of Health for consideration by the Advisory Review Board.

A DOH permit to operate the float tank is required, and some require building department pool or electrical permits so confirm this with your city or county building department.

The following manufacturers have been granted specific code section variances for their float tank or float room for statewide use, and the variances include requirements for the float tank owners too:

• Royal Spa Float Tank Final Order Granting Petition for Permanent Variance
• Royal Spa Corp Float Tanks – Statewide Variance
• 3385 Superior Float Tanks – Statewide Variance
• Application #3060 – Floataway Epsom Salt Float Tank Products – Statewide Variance Request

To ensure compliance with both state codes, facility owners may need engineering assistance from the device manufacturer for installation and approval of an eepsom salt pool.

• NSF Float Tank Microbial Water Test
• MgSO4 NSF WQTD Report

Section 514.0315, F.S., requires all public swimming pools and spas to be equipped with an anti-entrapment system or device that complies with American Society of Mechanical Engineers/American National Standards Institute Standard A112.19.8, or any successor standard.

All new pools and spas are required to use a gravity drainage system that uses a collector tank. The law provides the owner or operator of a public pool or spa several options for pools and spas built before January 1, 1993.  

• Verification Form for Entrapment Protection – DH 4157
• Safety Checklist for Safety Vacuum Release System
• Safety Checklist for Suction Limiting Vent System

View tips on preventing fecal accidents and response procedures, as well as help in determining the time frame and how much liquid chlorine should be added to your pool to sanitize and re-open the pool after an accident.

• Fecal Incident Response Guidelines

Healthy swimming provides information on recreational water illnesses and what the public, health professionals, and pool facility operators can do to prevent their transmission.

U.S. EPA Ultraviolet Disinfectant Guidance Manual – 2006 (publication #EPA 815-R-06-007)

ANSI Certified Lab’s product listing websites for NSF/ANSI Standards

National Disease Outbreaks Report – associated with treated recreational water nationally for the period 2000-14.

An individual who services a public pool by maintaining the cleanliness, water quality, and chemical balance of public pools shall be certified.

To be certified an individual must demonstrate knowledge of public pools. Examples of such knowledge include: pool cleaning, general pool maintenance, make-up water supply, bacteriological, chemical and physical quality of water, water purification, testing, treatment, and disinfection procedures.

To ensure that the pool technicians are knowledgeable, technicians shall attend a minimum 16 hour training course of national recognition that is approved by the Florida Department of Health and pass a Department-approved test. 

Section 514.075, F.S., allows the owner or owner’s direct employee to operate a pool without being certified, and allows a pool servicing contractor who is licensed under Chapter 489, F.S. 

Any individual or organization that wishes to provide a lifeguard or swimming instructor training and certification course in the state of Florida must use a nationally recognized aquatic training program or equivalent, as defined in 64E-9.008(2)(a)2, F.A.C.

• Approved Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor Programs (pdf version)
• Approved Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor Programs (Word version)

For information on submitting your lifeguard or swimming instructor training and certification program for verification of equivalence  standards, please contact the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Environmental Health, 850-901-6493.

DOH Public Pool Briefings and Statewide Public Pool List

2023 Florida Building CODE, 8th edition

Checklists for Public Pool Plan Review

• IWF Checklist – FBC 8th Edition
• Pool Slides and River Rides Checklist – FBC 8th Edition
• Pool Checklist – FBC 8th Edition
• Spa Checklist – FBC 8th Edition
• Special Purpose and Resistance Pools Checklist – FBC 8th Edition
• Wading and Water Activity Pools Checklist – FBC 8th Edition
• DBPR Florida Building

Florida Statutes

• Chapter 514, F.S. – Public Swimming and Bathing Facilities

Florida Administrative Code

• 64E-9, F.A.C., effective 7-20-2016 and .004 – effective 6-11-2023
• 64E-9.004, F.A.C., revision – effective 6-11-2023
• FBC Swim-Up Bar building code revision – updated 2023
• FAC 64E-9 Letter – Rule Revision Bulletin
• DCEH 24-001 Memo Amendment Rule Revisions 64E-9.004 Test Kit

Virginia Graeme Baker Federal Pool and Spa Safety Act

On December 19, 2018, a law went into effect that requires retrofit actions to prevent entrapment drowning and injury at all public pools in the United States. 

• Pool Owner/Operator Verification of Entrapment Safety Features
• Code Compliant Drain List
• Consumer Product Safety Commission Pool Safety Information
• Safety Vacuum Release System Testing Guide

At what temperature should I operate my pool or spa?

​To prevent heat stroke, Florida requires that swimming pools (or spa pools) with heaters operate at a maximum temperature of 104° F.

Spa pool rules must also state that the maximum use is 15 minutes. A clock must be visible from the spa pool. There are no other temperature requirements.

The Florida Department of Health does not have a recommended temperature range, as the “ideal” temperature depends upon many factors. These include the activity, age of the patrons, the difference in temperature between the water and surrounding air, and personal preference. It is considered something best worked out between the pool patrons and management.

Does the state have a rule against children in diapers going in public swimming pools?

​Florida has no specific rule against children in diapers entering public swimming pools. The use of swim diapers is recommended for children who are not toilet trained.

Can service dogs go into public swimming pools or the pool area?

Service animals are allowed onto the pool deck, but ​not into the pool. While service dogs are generally allowed to accompany their owners​. Anywhere the public would normally be allowed to go, they may be excluded under certain conditions, such as a threat to the health and safety of others. ​

The Florida Department of Health considers any animal in a public pool a public health threat.

How do I change the ownership records for a public swimming pool or spa?

Complete sections 1 and 2 of form DH415. Note any additional changes in the remarks section.

Send the signed and dated form to the Florida Department of Health office in the county that the pool is located in. This must be done within 30 days of the ownership change or a fee will be assessed.

What determines when public swimming pools can remain open?

Pool owners can choose when their pools can be used. There are no required hours that a public swimming pool must be open. However, it cannot be open at night unless the pool and pool deck have proper lighting for the safety of patrons.

The lighting above and below water must be approved by the local building department after a professional conducts a field test. Then, “night swimming approved” will be noted on the pool permit. Florida code defines night swimming as 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise.

Pool hours must be posted on the rules sign.