Public Swimming Pools & Bathing Places
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. 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.
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 dh921.
Download a list of Permitted Pools HERE (updated 3/14/2008)
Please contact our environmental engineering office when making any changes to your pool or equipment: 239-274-2200.
Use the chemical feeder change- out form, pool resurfacing form, or for any other changes, the application for modification to your existing pool, form dh914