How to Inspect Your Pool

🧒 Children Aged 1–4 Years

For toddlers and preschoolers, the leading causes of death is:

Drowning: The top cause of death in this age group in Florida. WHY! In Florida if you contact the county or a YMCA they will teach you kids to swim for free!

Incorporating references to the Florida Building Code (FBC) Section 454 and Florida Statutes (FS) Chapter 515 regarding pool safety:

This guide will walk you through essential inspection steps while referencing key Florida codes that help protect homeowners and children

1. Measure Average Depth and Capacity

Start by calculating your pool’s average depth:

(Shallow End Depth + Deep End Depth) ÷ 2

This helps determine your pool’s volume, which influences chemical use, pump sizing, and safety planning. You’ll also need this measurement when choosing covers, liners, and safety devices.

(Length’ x Width’ = Square Feet X Depth = Cubic Feet X 7.48 (gallons per cubic foot) = Volume in Gallons)

2. Choose the Right Pool Cover

Your pool’s size and shape affect which seasonal or safety cover is appropriate.

  • Solar covers conserve heat.
  • Winter covers protect from debris and damage.
  • Safety covers help prevent unauthorized or accidental access.

Tip: Safety covers can assist in meeting the barrier requirements of Florida Statute § 515.27, which mandates a physical barrier for all residential pools to reduce drowning risks.

3. Inspect the Pool Liner

A pool liner protects your pool’s structure and keeps water clean.
Inspect for:

  • Cracks, wrinkles, or fading
  • Signs of algae or chemical imbalance
  • Loose or damaged edges

Vinyl and reinforced plastic liners are most common in residential pools and provide long-term durability.

4. Prioritize Pool Safety

Comply with FBC Section 454.2 and FS Chapter 515

Florida has strict pool safety requirements for residential and public pools.
Key safety standards include:

Florida Building Code (FBC), Section 454.:

  • Requires proper construction, circulation systems, fencing, and signage for residential and public pools.
  • Mandates anti-entrapment drain covers, pool enclosure specifications, and accessibility rules.

Florida Statutes Chapter 515 (Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act):

  • Requires one or more of the following safety features for residential pools:
    • Enclosure (fence) at least 4 feet high with a self-latching gate
    • Approved safety cover
    • Door alarms on access points
    • Self-closing, self-latching doors with release mechanisms

5. Check Toys and Accessories

Accessories enhance pool fun, but safety comes first:

  • Use goggles to protect eyes from chlorine.
  • Inspect floats, water wings, and swim belts regularly for leaks or damage.
  • Store toys safely away from the pool area to prevent unsupervised access.

6. Plan for Regular Maintenance

Routine inspection also includes:

  • Testing pH and chlorine levels
  • Checking pump, filter, and skimmer operation
  • Ensuring clear water and clean surfaces

Proper maintenance reduces equipment strain and extends your pool’s lifespan.

Final Notes

Whether you’re a homeowner or home inspector, pool inspection should always include safety code compliance. Knowing your pool’s dimensions, structure, and safety features helps you avoid accidents and maintain legal standards under Florida law.

  • Barriers per FS § 515.27
  • Drain safety per FBC 454.2.5
  • Pool alarm requirements if no barrier is present

Why We Need the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board

Brought to you by FloridaContractor.com ~ Richard Elzey

Protecting the Public from Unqualified Contractors

The most fundamental purpose of the CILB is consumer protection. Florida residents deserve to hire contractors who are:
– Properly trained
– Technically competent
– Financially responsible
– Ethically bound by state law

Without the CILB, homeowners could easily fall victim to unlicensed or unqualified workers, leading to unsafe structures and costly legal disputes.

Setting the Standards for Professional Licensing

To maintain high standards, the CILB requires that contractors:
– Pass state-level exams
– Prove work experience
– Show financial stability
– Maintain continuing education

This ensures Florida’s builders stay current with the Florida Building Code, industry trends, and safety regulations.

Enforcing Disciplinary Action

When a contractor fails to meet standards—whether it’s through poor workmanship, unethical practices, or licensing fraud—the CILB can:
– Issue fines
– Suspend or revoke licenses
– Mandate corrective education

This accountability system filters out the bad actors, safeguarding the integrity of the entire construction industry.

Elevating the Industry’s Reputation

A strong licensing board fosters public trust. Homeowners, businesses, and even out-of-state investors are more likely to work with licensed Florida contractors because:
– Licensure is proof of professionalism
– It signals a commitment to excellence
– It assures legal and financial protection

This credibility helps licensed contractors win more bids and grow their businesses.

Encouraging Continuous Learning and Advancement

Florida’s building standards are always evolving. Through mandated continuing education, the CILB encourages contractors to stay ahead of:
– Code updates
– New materials and technologies
– Legal changes
– Safety best practices

This continuous learning approach helps the industry stay innovative and compliant.

Conclusion: The Backbone of Florida’s Construction Future

The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board isn’t just a gatekeeper—it’s the foundation for a safer, more professional, and more trusted construction industry in Florida.

If you’re a contractor in Florida, the CILB isn’t your obstacle. It’s your advantage.

Contractors Institute is here to help you every step of the way. Visit us at ContractorsInstitute.com to learn how to become licensed, stay compliant, and grow your career.

Why Every Home Inspector Should Join a Professional Association Like InterNACHI or ASHI

I’m not a big fan of most Associations, but becoming a home inspector is more than just completing training and getting certified—it’s about continually improving your knowledge, building trust with clients, and staying up-to-date with the latest industry standards. One of the best ways to do this is by joining a professional home inspector association, such as InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) or ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors).

1. Credibility and Trust

Clients want to know they’re hiring someone who is professional, ethical, and qualified. Being a member of InterNACHI or ASHI instantly boosts your credibility. These associations have strict codes of ethics and standards of practice that members must follow, showing potential clients that you’re committed to quality.

2. Ongoing Education

Both InterNACHI and ASHI offer excellent continuing education resources. This is essential in an industry where codes, standards, and technologies always evolve. Whether it’s mold assessment, advanced electrical inspections, or infrared thermography, these associations offer certified courses that sharpen your skills.

3. Marketing Support

Need help growing your business? InterNACHI and ASHI offer marketing tools, logos, pre-written reports, templates, and even customizable brochures and business cards. InterNACHI, for example, has a “Buy Back Guarantee” program that members can use to help close deals with confidence.

4. Peer Networking and Mentorship

Associations connect you with a nationwide (and sometimes global) network of fellow inspectors. This means access to forums, local chapter meetings, and mentorship opportunities—crucial if you’re just starting out or facing a tricky inspection situation.

5. Discounts and Tools

Members often enjoy discounts on inspection software, tools, insurance, and more. These savings can easily cover the cost of membership.

6. Professional Standards

InterNACHI and ASHI both set high standards for performance. Membership keeps you aligned with the industry’s best practices and helps you avoid liability issues by inspecting homes the right way.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about a long-term career in home inspection, joining InterNACHI or ASHI is one of the smartest moves you can make. It’s an investment in your reputation, your education, and your business growth.

Florida is Eliminating ALL Professional Boards

No more, Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, NO ELECTRICAL Board, no engineers, they’re all gone. Florida is the NEW WILD WEST! Do whatever you like! LOL

Go look for yourself… HB 1461

In April 2025, the Florida House of Representatives filed a substantial committee amendment to House Bill 1461 (HB 1461), titled “Department of Business and Professional Regulation.” This amendment proposes significant changes to Florida’s approach to occupational and professional licensure, including the elimination of nearly all boards and commissions that regulate professions under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This change would notably affect the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), which oversees the real estate profession in the state.

Misapplication of FUNDS

Misapplication of construction funds. Any person who receives payment on account of improving
real property must use the funds to pay for all amounts then due and owing. If a person knowingly uses
funds paid on account of a particular job, without paying the funds to subs, suppliers, and/or laborers
whose funds are due for the work paid, is guilty of misapplication of construction funds. This crime is
a felony.

I think a lot of contractors don’t understand this….

Another Contractors Bites the Dust!

February 2025 – Florida CILB Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes from the Construction Industry Licensing Board ( CILB )NEW LAWS 2025

This the the monthly Newsletter for the CILB. (Construction Industry Licensing Board). Here is who attended the meeting, what the results of the meeting and all disciplinary persons. Go to the Electrical Contractors Licensing Board for the ECLB Newsletter and information.

448.112, Florida Statutes, which states:  

448.112 Heat illness prevention.— 

(1) LEGISLATIVE INTENT.—It is the intent of the Legislature that this section educates employers and employees who work in extreme heat to prevent illness and death caused by heat exposure. 

(2) APPLICABILITY.— 

(a) This section applies to employers in industries where employees regularly perform work in an outdoor environment, including, but not limited to, agriculture, construction, and landscaping. 

(b) This section does not apply to an employee required to work in an outdoor environment for fewer than 15 minutes per hour for every hour in the employee’s entire workday. 

(c) This section is supplemental to all related industry-specific standards. 

(3) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term: 

(a) “Acclimatization” means the temporary adaptation of a person to work in the heat which occurs when a person is gradually exposed to heat over a 2-week period at a 20 percent increase in heat exposure per day. 

(b) “Drinking water” means potable water. The term includes electrolyte-replenishing beverages that do not contain caffeine. 

(c) “Employee” means a person who performs services for and under the control and direction of an employer for wages or other remuneration. The term includes an independent contractor and a farm labor contractor as defined in s. 450.28(1). 

(d) “Employer” means an individual, a firm, a partnership, an institution, a corporation, an association, or an entity listed in s. 121.021(10) which employs individuals. 

(e) “Environmental risk factors for heat illness” means working conditions that create the possibility of heat illness, including air temperature, relative humidity, radiant heat from the sun and other sources, conductive heat from sources such as the ground, air movement, workload severity and duration, and protective clothing and equipment worn by an employee. 

(f) “Heat illness” means a medical condition resulting from the body’s inability to cope with a particular heat level. The term includes heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, and heat stroke. 

(g) “Outdoor environment” means a location where work activities are conducted outside. The term includes indoor locations such as sheds, tents, greenhouses, or other structures where work activities are conducted inside, but the temperature is not managed by devices that reduce heat exposure and aid in cooling, such as air conditioning systems. 

(h) “Personal risk factors for heat illness” means factors specific to an individual, including his or her age; health; pregnancy; degree of acclimatization; water, alcohol, or caffeine consumption; use of prescription medications; or other physiological responses to heat. 

(i) “Recovery period” means a cool-down period to reduce an employee’s heat exposure which aids the employee in cooling down and avoiding the signs or symptoms of heat illness. 

(j) “Shade” means an area that is not in direct sunlight. 

(k) “Supervisor” has the same meaning as in s. 448.101. 

(4) RESPONSIBILITIES.—An employer of employees who regularly work in an outdoor environment shall implement an outdoor heat exposure safety program that has been approved by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Health and which, at a minimum: 

(a) Trains and informs supervisors and employees about heat illness, how to protect themselves and coworkers, how to recognize signs and symptoms of heat illness in themselves and coworkers, and appropriate first-aid measures that can be used before medical attention arrives in the event of a serious heat-related illness event. 

(b) Provides preventive and first-aid measures, such as loosening clothing, loosening or removing heat-retaining protective clothing and equipment, accessing shade, applying cool or cold water to the body, and drinking cool or cold water, to address the signs or symptoms of heat illness. 

(c) Implements the following high-heat procedures, to the extent practicable, when an employer, a manager, a supervisor, or a contractor determines that the outdoor heat index equals or exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit: 

1. Make available an effective voice, observational, or electronic communication system that allows an employee to contact an employer, a manager, a supervisor, a contractor, or an emergency medical services provider if necessary. 

2. Provide a sufficient amount of cool or cold drinking water at a location that is quickly and easily accessible from the area where employees work to accommodate all employees throughout the workday. 

3. Ensure that each employee takes a 10-minute recovery period within every 2 hours that the employee works in an outdoor environment under high-heat conditions. The recovery period may be concurrent with a meal period required by law if the timing of the recovery period coincides with a required meal period. 

(5) DRINKING WATER—An employer shall ensure that a sufficient quantity of cool or cold, clean drinking water is at all times readily accessible and free of charge to employees who work in an outdoor environment. The drinking water must be located as close as practicable to the areas where employees work. If drinking water is not plumbed or otherwise continuously supplied, an employer must supply a sufficient quantity of drinking water at the beginning of the workday so that each employee has at least 1 quart of drinking water per hour for every hour in the employee’s entire workday. An employer may supply a smaller quantity of drinking water at the beginning of the workday if the employer has adequate procedures in place to allow the employee access to drinking water as needed so that the employee has at least 1 quart of drinking water per hour for every hour in the employee’s entire workday. 

(6) ACCESS TO SHADE.— 

(a) When a supervisor determines that the outdoor heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the employer shall maintain one or more areas with shade which are open to the air or offer ventilation or cooling at all times in the area where employees are working. The amount of available shade must be able to accommodate all of the employees participating in a given recovery period in a manner that does not place them in physical contact with one another. 

(b) If an employee exhibits mild to moderate signs or symptoms of heat illness, the employer must relieve the employee from duty, provide him or her with access to shade for at least 15 minutes or until such signs or symptoms of heat illness have abated, and monitor the employee to determine whether medical attention is necessary. If such signs or symptoms do not abate within such time period, the employer must seek medical attention for the employee in a timely manner. If an employee exhibits serious signs or symptoms of heat illness, the employer must immediately seek medical attention for the employee and provide first-aid measures. 

(c) If an employer can demonstrate that it is unsafe or not feasible to provide an area with shade, the employer may provide alternative cooling measures as long as the employer can demonstrate that such measures are at least as effective as an area with shade in reducing heat exposure. 

(7) TRAINING.—An employer shall provide annual training on heat illness which has been approved by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Health to all employees and supervisors in the languages understood by a majority of the employees and supervisors. Each employee who regularly works in, or who is in the process of acclimatization to, an outdoor environment must participate in the training provided by the employer. Training materials must be written and available in English and in the languages understood by a majority of the employees and supervisors. Supervisors shall make such written materials available upon request. 

(a) Training on all of the following topics must be provided to all employees who work in an outdoor environment: 

1. The environmental risk factors for heat illness. 

2. General awareness of personal risk factors for heat illness and how an employee can monitor his or her own personal risk factors for heat illness. 

3. The importance of loosening clothing and loosening or removing heat-retaining protective clothing and equipment, such as nonbreathable chemical-resistant clothing and equipment, during all recovery and rest periods, breaks, and meal periods. 

4. The importance of frequent consumption of cool or cold drinking water. 

5. The concept, importance, and methods of acclimatization. 

6. The common signs and symptoms of heat illness, including, but not limited to, neurological impairment, confusion, or agitation. 

7. The importance of an employee immediately reporting to the employer, directly or through a supervisor, if the employee or a coworker exhibits signs or symptoms of heat illness, and the importance of receiving immediate medical attention for those signs or symptoms. 

8. The importance of following the employer’s outdoor heat exposure safety program and related high-heat procedures. 

(b) Training on all of the following topics must be provided to all supervisors before they are authorized to supervise employees who work in an outdoor environment: 

1. Information that must be provided to employees. 

2. Procedures that must be followed to implement an outdoor heat exposure safety program. 

3. Procedures that must be followed when an employee exhibits or reports any signs or symptoms of heat illness. 

4. Procedures that must be followed when transporting an employee who exhibits or reports any signs or symptoms of heat illness to an emergency medical services provider in a timely manner. 

(8) RULEMAKING.—The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in conjunction with the Department of Health, shall adopt rules to implement this section, including, but not limited to, approved training programs, approved trainers, and a certification process to acknowledge an employer’s compliance with the training requirements established by this section. 

Florida Introduces New Law Overhauling Contractor Licensing

Suppose you’re a contractor and haven’t had time to stay updated on the latest contracting developments in Florida. In that case, you should know that the state has introduced significant changes to contractor licensing regulations.

What’s new, and how does it affect you?

Key Updates
The majority of these changes focus on transferring authority from local jurisdictions to the state. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Most contractors will now transition from local to state registration.
  • Licensing and registration processes will be centralized at the state level.
  • Certain certifications will become voluntary.

For contractors, this centralization could simplify operations, making it easier to work across different areas of the state. However, it also means local governments will have less regulatory oversight.

Voluntary Licensure for Specialty Contractors
Starting July 1, 2025, licensure for the following specialty categories will become voluntary:

  • Structural work: Carpentry, masonry, screen enclosures, aluminum structures, precast or prestressed concrete, and steel.
  • Marine work: Seawalls, bulkheads, docks, and pile driving.
  • Installations: Doors, windows, garage doors, solar heating rooftops.
  • Hurricane protection, plaster, and lath work.

This change, originally set for July 2024, has been delayed to July 2025 but does not impact the primary licensing requirements.

What Does This Mean for Contractors?
The goal of these updates is to streamline the industry, improve efficiency, and make it easier for contractors to work statewide. However, the true impact of the new regulations will depend on how the state implements and enforces them.

Stay informed and ensure your business is prepared for these changes as they take effect.

FL. Certified Swimming Pool Contractors Scope of Work 2025

A bill to be entitled 1 An act relating to pool/spa contractors; amending s. 2 489.105, F.S.; revising the definition of the terms 3 “commercial pool/spa contractor,” “residential 4 pool/spa contractor,” and “swimming pool/spa servicing 5 contractors”; providing an effective date. 6 7 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

Get your Swimming Pool Contractors License

Florida swimming Pool contractor
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