Our Swimming Pools and Bathing Places Program ensures swimming pools and bathing places regulated by the Florida Department of Health are operated in a safe and sanitary manner to minimize the risk of disease and injury.
Swimming pools, water parks, and spas open to the public are permitted and inspected. Chapter 64E – 9 F.A.C. is the rule which contains the requirements for the permitting and operation of these facilities.
Constructing a Public Swimming Pool
Before starting construction for a new pool construction or making modifications to an existing one, you must apply for a permit with DOH-Duval.
After we receive the completed application, you will receive a letter from us that allows the local building authority to proceed with its permitting process.
The local building authority, such as the City of Jacksonville Building Department, is the agency that reviews and permits all public swimming pool, spa, and bathing places in Duval County. You can contact the building department by calling:
- City of Jacksonville: 904-630-1100
- City of Atlantic Beach: 904-247-5813
- City of Neptune Beach: 904-270-2400
- City of Jacksonville Beach: 904-247-6235
- City of Baldwin: 904-266-5030
After initial approval, you must renew your permit annually.
Exemptions
In certain circumstances, condominium pools may be exempt from some of the public pool rules. If your condominium complex has 32 or fewer units, you can submit an application that will exempt you from permitting requirements if your pool meets the water quality requirements.
A complex with more than 32 units can also request an exemption. Exemption is not automatic; you must submit an application along with supporting documentation. For more information, call 904-253-1280.
Entrapment Prevention
Section 514.0315, Florida Statutes, 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
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
On December 19, 2008, a law went into effect that requires retrofit actions to prevent entrapment drowning and injury at all public pools in the United States.
Pool Closures
Sometimes swimming pools are closed due to fecal accidents. Such incidents are a concern and an inconvenience to both pool operators and patrons. Pool operators should carefully explain to patrons why the pool needs to be closed in response to a fecal accident. Understanding that pool closure is necessary for proper disinfection and protection of the health and safety of swimmers is likely to promote support rather than frustration. Pool closures allow chlorine to kill germs and help prevent recreational water illnesses (RWIs).
For recommendations what to do in cases of fecal incidents, view the Fecal Accident Response Recommendations for Pool Staff.