To: All Alarm Association of Florida Members
From: Bob Worthy - President
Date: March 14, 2002
RE: New Florida Building Code Pool Requirements
Dear Member,
In November of 2001 changes to the Florida Building Code were filed to become effective January 2002 regarding swimming pool barriers. Among the five items listed was a provision for a continuous sounding alarm device complying with Underwriters Laboratories 2017.
This was intended in the Florida Building Code, Section 424.2.17.1.9 to be implemented as one of the five methods to be utilized as a barrier when completing pool construction.
After a thorough search of manufacturers and distributors throughout the industry, we are unable to find any alarm device that is listed under U.L. 2017 for that purpose that complies with the new code. If anyone becomes aware of a device that complies, please advise the AAF office immediately at the number below. Be advised that any alarm contractor asked to install pool alarms should proceed with extreme caution in the mean time.
We wanted to communicate this information to our members as a service to prevent any false assumptions that such equipment exists and to help them avoid any potential liability in using any product that may not be in compliance.
If at such time in the future this equipment does become available, we will make every effort to provide you with timely information regarding these issues.
The following is a link to the State of Florida web page for the code changes:
http://www.dca.state.fl.us/fhcd/fbc/thecode/code_change1101_3.pdf
Please refer to the above for further clarification.
Sincerely yours,
Bob Worthy, President
Swimming Pool Safety Act Contact Information
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
FLORIDA BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
CHAPTER 515.27 - RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL SAFETY ACT
850-487-1824