*NEW *  Safe-At-Home:  Drowning Prevention

 COVID-19 PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL INFORMATION 

If the pool is closed, see our best practices guidance Voluntary Pool Closures (PDF, 574KB)  for information on keeping the pool water safe and sanitary, and on how to drain the spa to keep it sanitary during extended periods.

The COVID-19 virus is deactivated quickly using Florida rule-compliant chlorine or bromine concentrations in pools and spas, and there is no evidence it can be spread by treated water per the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

CDC Guidance:

See the CDC Considerations for Aquatic Venues:

• Considerations for Public Pools, Hot Tubs, and Water Playgrounds During COVID-19
• Promoting behaviors that prevent the spread of COVID-19
• Maintaining healthy environments
• Maintaining healthy operations
• Preparing for when someone gets sick
• Communication Resources
  • Checklist for Staff (English Poster)
  • Checklist for Staff (Spanish Poster)
  • 5 Safety Steps (English Poster)
  • 5 Safety Steps (Spanish Poster)

Can the COVID-19 virus spread through pools and hot tubs?

There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of recreational waters. Follow safe swimming practices along with social distancing and everyday preventative actions to protect yourself. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools or hot tubs and frequently touched surfaces should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.

Mass gatherings:

Mass gatherings can expose people to other’s respiratory aerosols, and for this reason, all persons in Florida are encouraged to avoid congregating in groups larger than 10, especially for populations at higher risk. Additional guidance can be found on CDC’s COVID-19 page and DOH COVID-19 (PDF, 122KB).

COVID-19 – Florida DOH Information and Guidance

For additional questions, contact the Department’s COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. The Call Center is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Email Inquiries may also be emailed to Florida DOH. 

DOH-St. Johns Environmental Health offers the following services:

• Swimming Pool, Water Feature, and Spa Construction Permits & Inspections
• Nuisance Complaint Investigations
  

As of April 30, 2012, each local Building Department has the sole authority to issue plan approval and construction approval of public swimming pools.  The Department of Health is responsible for issuing operation permits.   OWNER MUST APPLY FOR AND RECEIVE A DOH PERMIT BEFORE OPERATING THE POOL.  We recommend you contact the Department at least 30 days before the planned opening.

DOH Permit Application and Permitting Sequence

• Public Swimming Pool Permit Process
• DH4159 – Application for Swimming Pool Operating Permit
• DH4159 – Application Instructions

Additional forms are available for pick-up at our Service Center or by visiting the Florida Department of Health Public Swimming Pool Program.

Information on Permit & Service Fee’s is available by calling this Service Center.

For more information on rule changes and other hot topics related to this program, please visit the Florida Department of Health’s Public Swimming Pool webpage.

You can view the State Statutes by visiting Online Sunshine Chapter 514: Public Swimming and Bathing Facilities.

Hard copies are also available for review at this Service Center.

Safety Information

*NEW *  Safe-At-Home:  Drowning Prevention

Florida Department of Health’s Office of Injury Prevention – Water Smart Florida

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Healthy Swimming & Recreation

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Recreational Water Illness Outbreak Response Toolkit

Florida Department of Health – Drowning Prevention

Education & Training

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Certification, Training, & Education for Professionals

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Environmental Health Workforce Development Training