Drowning deaths and injuries can occur in just a few minutes. The best way to ensure that your pool is a safe haven for swimmers is to adhere to Florida pool laws.

Florida state law requires that residents with swimming pools keep and maintain a barrier (fence and/or wall) restricting access to the swimming pool from the residence or yard. This barrier should be at least four feet high and include self-latching devices on all gates. When a wall of your home is utilized as part of this pool barrier, one of two things needs to occur. The wall should include self-closing, self-latching devices or an exit alarm on all doors and windows providing direct access to the swimming pool. This alarm must make an audible, continuous sound any time one of these access points is open.

Also keep in mind that, under Florida state law, swimming pools are defined as structures with as little as two feet of water and heated swimming pools and spas should not exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit. If a swimming pool is operational at night, it should also provide adequate lighting for safety. Additionally, all public pools must comply with the Federal regulations which set the standards for drain covers and suction fittings, but in the interest of safety, it behooves all of us to do the same.

If you have any questions or concerns, the swimming pool experts at SE Pool & Spa on Dixie Freeway in New Smyrna Beach would be more than happy to help.