Wednesday, June 20, 2012

New Commercial Laws for Pool Builders in Florida

Under a brand new law that just took effect in Florida in April of 2012, pool builders that are constructing public facilities must now work with local building department for permits and inspections. Florida pool builders will now have to deal with several building departments instead of just dealing with the county’s health department.

This law is a result of a piece of legislation that is attempting to streamline Florida’s health department. Before this new law was passed, the health department oversaw the construction and operation of over 37,000 public pools.

What exactly are the Changes for Commercial Pool Builders?

This new law will change how local the government and commercial pool builders will do business. The director of government and public affairs for the Florida Swimming Pool Association Jennifer Hatfield, stated, “I think that in the short term, there will likely be a learning curve, and that learning curve will vary based on the building department."

Here are some of the important changes for pool builders:
  • Pool builders will now have to deal with several building departments instead of just dealing with the county’s health department
  • The department may adopt and enforce rules, to protect the health, safety, or welfare of persons by setting sanitation and safety standards for public swimming pools and public bathing places
  • The department may not establish by rule any regulation governing the design, alteration, modification, or repair of public swimming pools and bathing places which has no impact on sanitation and safety of persons using public swimming pools and bathing places
Make sure your pool company is up to date on all the local/state laws before you hire them. If you would like to know more about swimming pool builders in Tampa, please contact your local Tampa Pool Builders, Tropical Pools and Pavers.