Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law | March 6, 2025 | Florida Law
What’s better than a refreshing dip in the pool on a hot summer day? And if you have a pool in your own backyard, it’s even better. There’s nothing quite like relaxing on a floating raft in your private oasis or watching the kids splash and play together.
However, owning a pool comes with responsibilities. Accidents can happen, especially if you’re not careful. Florida’s above-ground pool regulations might seem like a hassle to meet, but they are in place for a reason — to protect you, your loved ones, and anyone else who visits your property.
Barrier Requirements: Keeping The Little Ones Safe
One of the most important aspects of Florida’s above-ground pool laws is the requirement for a barrier around your pool. Whether that barrier is a gate, fence, or something else, this crucial safety measure prevents young children from wandering into the pool area unsupervised and potentially getting hurt.
Pool barriers in Florida have to meet these criteria:
- Height: Barriers must be at least four feet high, so they are difficult for kids to climb over.
- Spacing: The barrier must have no gaps larger than four inches so kids can’t squeeze through.
- Gates: Any gates in the barrier must be self-closing or self-latching to ensure they close securely every time they’re used.
- Location: They must enclose the entire pool area, including any decks or patios surrounding the pool.
Though this regulation is primarily written with children in mind, it protects anyone who might be at risk of accidental falls, including pets or someone who might not be familiar with your backyard pool area.
Other Safety Features
Barriers aren’t the only things you need to keep your pool safe. Florida law also mandates:
- Ladders and stairs must be equipped with locking devices or be removed when the pool isn’t in use.
- Alarm systems must be installed that will alert homeowners when someone enters the pool area through a door or gate.
- CPR signage must be displayed for guidance in case of an emergency.
Proper pool maintenance is also important. Before you use your pool — or periodically when not in use — check to make sure there aren’t any loose railings, cracked surfaces, or other signs of damage.
As fun as those pool toys are, put them away when you’re done. Keeping the area clean and free of clutter helps prevent slips and falls. Also, make sure the water is properly balanced and sanitized to prevent infections or other health problems.
You might be thinking, “Do I need to hire a lifeguard and throw up a ‘No Running’ sign, too?” But the bare minimum safety features go a long way in preventing accidents or, worse, tragedies. You don’t want to think about when you might need them, but hopefully, having them in place will prevent you from wishing you did.
Protecting The People You Care About
These rules are only Florida’s statewide pool safety laws. Make sure to check with your local county or city for any additional regulations that might apply. Some jurisdictions have stricter requirements or specific guidelines for above-ground pools, and it’s important to make sure you’re in compliance.
But pool safety isn’t just about following the law but protecting the people you love. Drowning is a leading cause of death for young children, and even a momentary lapse in supervision can have tragic consequences.
If you take all the right precautions now, you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy endless hours of summer fun with your friends and family.
Contact a Personal Injury lawyer at Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law Today
For more information, please contact Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law to schedule a free consultation. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Orlando, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa, and Titusville.
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Orlando, FL Office
633 E Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 801-3000
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Orlando, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.5534238,-81.3692001
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Palm Bay, FL Office
4620 Lipscomb Street N.E Suite #3K
Palm Bay, FL 32905
Phone: (321) 677-5964
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Palm Bay, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.039083,-80.6083109
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Melbourne, FL Office
1600 W Eau Gallie Blvd #205j
Melbourne, FL 32935
Phone: (321) 450-7134
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Melbourne, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.1289147,-80.6461588
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Cocoa, FL Office
717 S Cocoa Blvd STE 203
Cocoa, FL 32922
(321) 449-8042
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Cocoa, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.3511613,-80.7312948
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Titusville, FL Office
4527 S Hopkins Ave Suite B
Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: (407) 801-3000
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Titusville, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates:28.5584923,-80.8010051
