Pools, Spa Pools and Bathing Places

The Department of Health is responsible under Chapter 514, Florida Statutes, for the routine surveillance of water quality and safety at all public swimming pools. To protect the public health the department has adopted sanitation and safety standards for public pools in Chapter 64E-9, Florida Administrative Code and enforces those rules through the issuance of operating permits and inspections.

Inspections

Environmental Health Engineering assists local building departments with their review of the application and plans for the construction permit of new or modified public swimming pool facilities in Nassau County. These different facilities include swimming pools, therapy spas, wading pools, interactive water features as well as special water park attractions. Once these facilities are permitted by the local building departments and constructed, a final engineering inspection is conducted prior to issuance of the operating permit. These inspections assure compliance with the applicable standards and that all of the equipment is functioning as originally designed.

Staff routinely inspect public swimming pools and spas which serve hotels, condominiums, apartment buildings and other public facilities. Inspections are conducted to check on such items as water chemistry, safety equipment and the recirculation equipment.

Where do I send my pool plans?

As of April 30, 2012, each local Building Department has the sole authority to issue plan approval and construction approval of public swimming pools. Owners must apply for and receive a Department of Health permit before operating the pool.

Bathing Places

The bacteriological water quality of public bathing places is also monitored by the Department. There are very few beaches, lakes, streams, rivers or springs that meet Florida's criteria for approved bathing places, due to our climate's high median temperature and the possibility of infection from microorganisms.

For more information please visit the Florida Department of Health Swimming Pools website.