Keep Your Swimming Pool Safe And Secure

Families are cooling off during the July heat with a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. But make sure your pool is clean, safe and secure and avoid a citation.

Hillsborough County Code Enforcement is clear about the standards all pools must meet, regardless of when the pool was constructed. The ordinance is designed to protect the health and safety of all Hillsborough County residents - particularly children.

Here are some things residents need to know to meet the county’s Minimum Standard Ordinance.

How must a swimming pool be secured?

• Hillsborough County Ordinance 09-63 requires that all swimming pools be enclosed with a four foot fence, equipped with self-closing, self-latching gates.
• The fence should be designed and maintained to make the pool inaccessible to young children. 
• The gate should positively close when released from six inches from the gatepost.

Why does the County regulate pool enclosures and sanitation?

• Swimming pool enclosures and sanitation are regulated to stem the breeding of disease carrying insects such as mosquitoes, and to prevent accidental drowning.
• Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes include encephalitis, West Nile virus, Dengue Fever, Malaria, Rift Valley Fever, and Yellow Fever.
• While the incidents of accidental drowning are declining, drowning remains the second leading cause of death among children ages one to 14. (Source: Centers for Disease Control).
• Most drownings occur in residential swimming pools among children ages one to four years. (Source: Centers for Disease Control).
• Most young children who drowned in pools were last seen in the home, had been out of sight less than five minutes, and were in the care of one or both parents at the time. (Source: Centers for Disease Control).

What is the penalty for this violation?

• Violators are given a reasonable period of time to comply with the Code.
• If compliance is not achieved in the prescribed time, the case is forwarded for a hearing before the Hillsborough County Code Enforcement Board or Special Magistrate.
• Anyone found guilty by the Board/Magistrate faces a fine of up to $1,000 for each day that the violation continues to exist.
• This fine is assessed as a lien against all properties owned by the violator.
• After running for 90 days, the matter is turned over to the Hillsborough County Attorney’s office where a determination is made on foreclosure.

How do I report a violation?

• Logging on to www.hillsboroughcounty.org/hcce and then clicking on the Online Services link on the left side of the page.
• Calling (813) 274-6600 during normal business hours.
• Calling (813) 272-5900 seven days a week.
• Visiting 10119 Windhorst Road in Tampa.
• Visiting 410 S.E. 30th St. in Ruskin.

What do I do if I’ve received a notice of violation?

If you have any question about what is required of you to achieve compliance with Hillsborough County’s Code, please contact the Investigator assigned to your case. The Investigator’s name is listed at the bottom of the notice you received.

Can I remain anonymous when registering a complaint?

Hillsborough County does not require any personal identifying information when registering a complaint. Any information provided to the department, including names, phone numbers, or email addresses, are subject to the Public Record Laws of the State of Florida and must be provided to anyone who requests the information. To remain completely anonymous, do not provide any of this information when registering the complaint.

For more information or more safety tips, residents should call 813-307-8380 or visit http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/hcce.