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It's a New Day in Public Health.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Pools and Spas

Contact Us

  •  941-624-7200
  •  

    Mailing Location

    1100 Loveland Boulevard 

    Port Charlotte, FL 33980

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 (crypto). 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. Environmental Engineering inspects pools over 100,000 gallons as well as water parks. All other pools are inspected by the Environmental Health section

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 (3 MB; rtf).

Florida Law requires that all public pools and spas be equipped with anti-entrapment drain covers and a device or system that protects against entrapment.

Please contact the Environmental Public Health office before making any changes to your pool or equipment: 941-624-7200

Additional Information