In the Florida summer, warm weather, and lots of sunshine are every pool-owner’s dream. Unfortunately, not all of them will be able to enjoy their pool for long, as the State of Florida has some strict laws regarding the opening of their outdoor pools. In this article, we’ll tell you when you can legally swim in your pool, and how you can help ensure its safe operation.
Table of Contents
The Basics
To start, let’s cover the basics; what are outdoor pools?
Outdoor pools are any kind of pool that is not covered or surrounded by any kind of fence. They include both above-ground and below-ground pools. Outdoor pools can be any size, as long as they’re at least 5′-6′ wide and 10′ deep. Some of the more popular types of pools that are available for rent are:
- Spas
- Fishing Pools
- Picnic Pools
- Kiddie Pools
- Children’s Swimming Pools
- Sandbox Pools
There are also some more exotic varieties of pools that are only available for rent; we’ll discuss these later in the article.
Outdoor Pools Are Generally (But Not Always) Legal To Own
Now that we’ve got the legalities out of the way, we can move on to the fun stuff: when can you swim in your pool?
The good news is that, in general, you can swim in your pool any time you like. The bad news is that, in general, you can swim in your pool any time you like, with some exceptions. The exceptions depend on whether you live in a rural or an urban area, whether or not you have permission from the owner of the land on which your pool is located, and whether or not you have a pool liner.
Here’s the general rule: if you follow these simple steps, you can enjoy your pool without the fear of breaking any law or ordinance.
1. Make Sure Your Pool Is Appropriately Fenced
One of the most important things to consider whether you’re planning on swimming in your pool or just using it for a day or two in the summertime is how you want to fence it. There are several options to choose from: pickets, welded-wire, or vinyl. (For more information, see our guide to choosing the right pool fence.)
You’ll also need to decide how you want the fence to look. There are several different styles to choose from, including:
- Traditional (wooden posts with a screen-like mesh for fencing)
- Modern (metal poles with a plastic shield for fencing)
- Antique (wooden posts with a slatted wood panel for fencing)
- Gothic (wooden posts with stone or brick facings for fencing)
- Ranch (wooden posts with an exposed log seat for fencing)
2. Check With The Fire Marshal
You’ll also need to decide whether or not you want to keep your pool open during the day. If so, the next question is: how much do you want to charge for daily access? Rates vary from $10 to $25 a day, with most municipalities imposing a charge. (For more information, see our guide to hiring a pool manager.)
Some cities and counties have additional regulations regarding the opening of public pools – you may need to get a permit from the city or county governing body in order to be able to use your pool. It is also advisable to get in touch with the local fire marshal or police department and find out whether or not they have any concerns regarding the safety of your pool.
3. Get Approval From The Landowner
If you’re borrowing the pool from someone else (most commonly a neighbor), then you’ll need their permission to use it. This should not be a problem as long as you follow the proper protocol. For instance, you need to stop by and introduce yourself to the landowner, then ask if they have any complaints regarding the use of their pool. (If they do, you may need to convince them that you’re the right person to have their permission.)
You may want to offer them some sort of deal – such as free pool service for a certain period of time – to get the ball rolling. Make sure to tell them how long you will need the pool for and when you will be back to give it another go–round. (For more information, see our guide to getting the most from your pool service contract.)
4. Choose The Right Clothing
As we’ve established, it’s legal for you to swim in your pool any time you like. But that doesn’t mean it’s advisable. After all, you’ll be outside in the open air, so it’s important to dress appropriately. (For more information, see our guide to dressing comfortably in the pool.)
Loose, breathable fabrics are best for swimmers, and they should be easy to remove should you feel at any time that you’re not comfortable in the water. (For more information, see our guide to choosing swimwear.)
5. Consider Installing A Pump
If you’re planning on using your pool often, then it’s important to consider whether or not you want to install a pool pump. Not all cities allow for public pools to be connected to the city’s water supply, so it’s up to you whether or not you want to go this way. (For more information, see our guide to installing a pool pump.)
Pumps are great for getting rid of the excess water, so you’ll have more time to enjoy the pool. They also save on pool maintenance by taking the strain off of the pump itself. (For more information, see our guide to installing and maintaining a pool pump.)
6. Keep Records
Keeping track of who’s using the pool and when is important when you’re trying to keep track of how much you’ve used it. (For more information, see our guide to keeping records of pool usage.)
You should also keep track of any damage to the pool itself. This is important to ensure that insurance will cover any accidents or mishaps that happen while you’re using the pool. (For more information, see our guide to insurance coverage relating to pools.)
7. Regular Cleaning
Finally, it’s important to clean the pool after every use. This prevents the growth of algae and other types of unsightly bacteria that can ruin your pool experience. (For more information, see our guide to cleaning swimming pools.)
To ensure that your pool remains clean, you should clean it every two weeks with fresh water. If you’d like to do some DIY cleaning, then you can use a solution of one part chlorine and nine parts water. Just remember: over-chlorination can cause eye irritation and damage to the throat and lungs. So use caution when using this type of cleaner.
Now that you’re equipped with the basics of swimming in your pool, it’s time to have some fun. You can increase your enjoyment by investing in some good quality accessories, such as a spa, hammock, or lounge chair. (For more information, see our guide to having fun in the pool.)