Swimming Pools

The public swimming pool program is designed to protect the public from the risk of disease and injury at public swimming pools and bathing places. Public pools include conventional pools, spa-type pools, wading pools, special purpose pools, or interactive water features. Bathing places are typically freshwater lakes that are monitored on a monthly basis for bacteriological water quality. Public pools may be located at apartment complexes, condominiums, hotels/motels, mobile home/RV parks, assisted living facilities or other recreational complexes.

Environmental Health inspectors conduct routine inspections of all licensed public pools at least twice a year to monitor compliance with disinfection levels, water chemistry, and safety requirements. Additional inspections may be conducted in response to citizen complaints.

Effective October 1, 2014, the Florida Department of Health must be made aware of any proposed public swimming pool construction (new or modification) prior to applying for a construction permit. The permitting process is currently handled through our office in conjunction with our Central Office. For more information, please see the public swimming pool permit process (167 KB PDF) or contact our office at DOHCollierEH@FLHealth.gov.

• DH4157 Pool Owner/Operator Verification of Entrapment Safety Features
• DH4159 (Formerly DH918) Application For Swimming Pool Operating Permit
• DH4159 Application For Swimming Pool Operating Permit Instructions

Pool Operator’s Certificate

All public swimming pools are required to have either: (1) a nationally recognized Pool Operator’s Certificate as well as the Collier Pool Operator’s Certificate as required by Collier County Ordinance 66-116, or (2) a Collier County or State of Florida issued swimming pool contractor’s license.

At this time, the Florida Department of Health in Collier County is not offering the Pool Operator’s Certification course. Individuals who are interested in taking a course may select from the listing at this link. Please contact these organizations regarding any fees, scheduling, etc. Once you have successfully passed your exam, bring your certificate along with acceptable photo identification and fee of $20 to our office. We will issue your Collier County Pool Operator’s Certificate, which will be valid for three years from the date of issuance.

Alternatively, individuals may take our Pool Operator’s certification exam. A study guide is available at this link or in our office. Exam scheduling is handled by calling our office at 239-252-5530. The exam fee is $20 and must be paid prior to or at the time of examination. Results are generally available within one week of examination. If you successfully complete the exam by earning 70% or higher, you will be issued a Pool Operator’s Certificate, which will be valid for 3 years from the date of issuance.