In 2023, there was legislation surrounding swimming pool safety via the Residential Swimming Pool Act. This Legislature acknowledges that drowning is the main cause of death in young children, along with elderly persons, in the state of Florida. Having constant adult supervision is the key to reducing the number of drowning incidents. The intent of the Legislature is that all new residential swimming pool, spas and hot tubs must be equipped with at least one pool safety feature as specified. Here we share what those options are and how they can be useful to assuring swimming pool safety. The Department of Health is responsible for the information on drowning prevention and responsibilities of pool ownership and adopting a nationally recognized drowning presentation education program for the public and person violating the safety requirements.
An approved safety pool cover is one means of protecting against accidental drownings. This can be controlled either manually or power-operated and must meet the performance standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials. Providing a barrier is another way to have the proper coverage. Homeowners can add in a fence, dwelling or non dwelling wall that obstructs access to the swimming pool. An exit alarm is another great option that means a device is installed that makes audible, continuous alarm sounds when any door or window which permits access from the residence to the pool area without any barrier or cover.
It is important that your swimming pool provider provides you with all the necessary information to ensure you are following safety protocols. In order to pass your final inspection and receive your certificate of completion, a residential pool much meat at least one of the below requirements as per provided by the State.
– The pool must be isolated from access to a home by an enclosure that meets the pool barrier requirements.
– The pool must be equipped with an approved safety pool cover;
– All doors and windows providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with an exit alarm that has a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dB A at 10 feet;
– All doors providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor; or
– A swimming pool alarm that, when placed in a pool, sounds an alarm upon detection of an accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water.
Your team will share which option may be best for your home and completed swimming pool. For more information on these requirements and important Legislatures, visit here.
