Florida Pool Pro
sm
• November 2014
11
changing the motor to a higher speed
affected flow rates. The individual said
he didn’t change the 1 hp impeller, just
the motor. Roy Lenois explained that
although the impeller and wet end was
unchanged, the new motor would cause
a faster intake of water into the suction
side of the pool, possibly presenting a
suction danger. All three FSPAmembers
also spoke of the opportunities for this
person to become a licensed contractor in a number of ways, to have the chance
to work with the public, and to be a subcontractor for licensed contractors. The
defendant expressed thanks for learning about what the consequences of what
he had done and what he could do in the future to become licensed. Rather than
pay the fine and concede he did something wrong, he is still challenging the
county’s decision and on October 15 will appear before the magistrate again.
Currently, in Volusia County, we are dealing with a municipality that allowed
two licensed companies from different trades to complete an open swimming
pool permit from 2006. The permit was wrongfully issued by the city and the
two firms, one a certified building contractor, and the other a swimming pool
service firm, completed the pool. They set and hooked up equipment, had a
paver deck installed and the pool’s interior finish applied and then had the pool
filled with water. Vent lines are reportedly cut at ground level and capped. And
there is a question about a proper barrier or alarms around this pool.
You see, everyone in this locale, starting from the permit issuer, the field
inspectors, and the Building Official along with the two firms involved, believe it
is legal for the work to be completed by anyone but not necessarily a licensed
swimming pool contractor (CPC or RP licensee). Just the opposite!
In South Florida, Miami-Dade County is drafting local codes in response
to the pool light electrocution of a young child, regardless of the fact that
an unlicensed person may have improperly worked on this fixture. Other
municipalities are watching what transpires.
