Pools and Spas

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).

List of Permitted Pools in Charlotte County (78 KB; pdf)

Florida Pools Inspection Database

Healthy Swimming Website

Guidelines For The Proper Care & Maintenance of Public Swimming Pools (15 KB; pdf)

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 Environmental Health office before making any changes to your pool or equipment: 941-624-7200.

Application for Public Swimming Pool Operating Permit (90 KB; pdf)

Pool & Spa Main Drain Cover Replacement Form (82 KB; pdf)

Drain Covers that are FLORIDA Code Compliant (151 KB; pdf)

Installation of Entrapment Protection Verification Form (82 KB; pdf)

Safety Checklist for Safety Vacuum Release System (47 KB; pdf)

Safety Checklist for Suction Limiting Vent System (30 KB; pdf)

Chemical Feeder Change Form (37 KB PDF)

Application for Swimming Pool Exempt Status >32 Units (2 MB; rtf)