Port St. Lucie's Swimming Pools & Spas: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Port St. Lucie, Florida, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Safety Rules

Before passing final inspection, a residential pool in Port St. Lucie must include at least one approved safety feature under Florida Statute 515.27: an isolating barrier, a safety cover, exit alarms, self-closing doors, or a certified pool alarm.

Key details: State Code: Fla. Stat. 515.27(1). Safety Options: Barrier, cover, exit alarm, self-latching doors, or pool alarm. Exit Alarm Rating: 85 dB A at 10 feet. Pool Alarm Standard: ASTM F2208.

A person who fails to equip a new residential pool with at least one required safety feature commits a misdemeanor of the second degree (Fla. Stat. 515.27(2); ss. 775.082, 775.083), with penalty waiver available if compliance is achieved within 45 days and a drowning-prevention program is attended.

This is one of the stricter rules in Port St. Lucie's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Above-Ground Pools

An above-ground pool's own structure may serve as its barrier if it meets all state barrier requirements, but any ladder or steps must be secured, locked, or removable, or be surrounded by a compliant barrier.

Key details: State Code: Fla. Stat. 515.29(2). Min Barrier Height: 4 feet on the outside. Ladder Rule: Secured, locked, or removable.

Failure to provide a compliant above-ground pool barrier or secured access ladder is a second-degree misdemeanor under Ch. 515, F.S. (fines up to $5,000 and/or up to 60 days in jail per Ch. 775, F.S.).

Fencing Requirements

Port St. Lucie requires a fence or suitable enclosure around every pool, and if a fence is used it must be a minimum of four (4) feet and a maximum of six (6) feet in height (City Code Sec. 158.216(G)). The barrier is also governed by the state Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (Fla. Stat. Ch. 515).

Key details: Code Section: PSL City Code Sec. 158.216(G); Fla. Stat. Ch. 515; FBC-R Sec. R4501.17. Minimum fence height: 4 feet (max 6 feet) per Sec. 158.216(G)(2). State barrier height: At least 4 feet high on the outside (Fla. Stat. 515.29). Pool area includes: The concrete patio (Sec. 158.216(G)(1)). Inspection: Pool-barrier fences verified to FBC 4101.7; Pool Alarm/Barrier Affidavit required.

Failure to have a compliant barrier installed at final inspection (or when the pool is completed for contract purposes) is a violation of Chapter 515, Florida Statutes, and the Florida Building Code, treated as a misdemeanor of the second degree punishable by fines up to $5,000.00 and/or up to sixty (60) days in jail under Chapter 775, Florida Statutes. Locally, fence and enclosure violations are enforced by Port St. Lucie Code Compliance under Sec. 158.216.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Port St. Lucie actively enforces its fencing requirements requirements.

Pool Permits

A City of Port St. Lucie Building Department permit is required before constructing or installing any in-ground or above-ground swimming pool, spa, or hot tub, with construction done in accordance with the Florida Building Code (5th Edition). The owner must also acknowledge the Residential Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Safety Act Notice of Requirements.

Key details: Permit required: Yes - Aboveground or In-Ground Pool Permit, City Building Dept.. Governing code: Florida Building Code 5th Edition; Fla. Stat. Ch. 515 & 553. Issuing office: Building Department, 121 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd, 772-871-5132. Submittal: Plot plan/survey showing pool and barrier location. Barrier permit: Child Safety Barrier permit + notarized Pool Alarm/Barrier Affidavit.

Building without a permit violates the adopted Florida Building Code and city ordinances; the permit lapses if work is not commenced within 180 days (barrier permit) or 6 months (pool permit). Per the city Safety Act notice, not having required safety features installed at final inspection constitutes a violation of Chapter 515, Florida Statutes, and the Florida Building Code, charged as a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $5,000.00 and/or up to 60 days in jail (Ch. 775, Fla. Stat.).

The Bottom Line

Port St. Lucie is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Port St. Lucie, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Port St. Lucie's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.