Apopka, FL Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Feature Required
- One of four FL §515.27
- Drain Covers
- VGB compliant
- Electrical
- GFCI required
- Inspection
- Final required
- Severity
- Strict state law
Summary
Apopka pools must meet FL §515 requirements: at least one of four safety features (barrier, cover, alarm, or self-closing doors), plus VGB anti-entrapment drain covers and GFCI electrical protection.
515.27 Residential swimming pool safety feature options; penalties. — (1) In order to pass final inspection and receive a certificate of completion, a residential swimming pool must meet at least one of the following requirements relating to pool safety features: (a) The pool must be isolated from access to a home by an enclosure that meets the pool barrier requirements of s. 515.29;
(b) The pool must be equipped with an approved safety pool cover;
(c) All doors and windows providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with an exit alarm that has a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dB A at 10 feet;
(d) All doors providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor; or
(e) A swimming pool alarm that, when placed in a pool, sounds an alarm upon detection of an accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water. Such pool alarm must meet and be independently certified to ASTM Standard F2208, titled "Standard Safety Specification for Residential Pool Alarms," which includes surface motion, pressure, sonar, laser, and infrared alarms.
(2) A person who fails to equip a new residential swimming pool with at least one pool safety feature as required in subsection (1) commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, except that no penalty shall be imposed if the person, within 45 days after arrest or issuance of a summons or a notice to appear, has equipped the pool with at least one safety feature as required in subsection (1) and has attended a drowning prevention education program established by s. 515.31.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
FL §515.27 requires all residential pools built after October 1, 2000 to incorporate at least one of the following safety features: (a) isolation barrier under §515.29, (b) approved safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346, (c) all doors and windows providing direct pool access equipped with exit alarms, or (d) all doors providing direct pool access equipped with self-closing, self-latching devices with latches at least 54 inches above floor. Drain covers must meet Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB). Electrical work requires GFCI protection and licensed electrician. Apopka Fire Department and building officials enforce compliance.
Violations & Fines
Missing safety feature: up to 500 dollar per day fines, mandatory retrofit. Failed inspection: no certificate of completion issued. Drowning incident with non-compliant pool: misdemeanor under FL §515.27(2).
Frequently Asked Questions
What safety features does my Apopka pool need?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Apopka
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