The Florida Swimming Pool Association expects that pool and spa contractors in the the Sunshine State can continue business as usual when it comes to electrical work.
In 2016, after a pool service technician died from electrocution, state officials began to reconsider whether state law actually allows pool and spa professionals to install lights and perform other work with electrical components and equipment. Electricians lobbied for requirements stating that only licensed electricians can perform this work. While the pool and spa industry agreed that licensed electricians are appropriate sometimes, they also believed the law permits pool and spa professionals to work on the load side of the system to replace pumps, lights and other electrically powered equipment.
Earlier this year, Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) released a ruling to answer this question. While It went into effect May 24, some confusion remained, causing different officials to interpret it differently. So the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) investigated it further.
FSPA has chosen to stand by its interpretation of the language as meaning pool and spa professionals can perform work on the load side. This includes replacing pool and spa equipment such as underwater lights, pumps, motors and heat pumps. However, an electrical license is needed to install, extend or upgrade electrical circuits for the equipment. This includes adding a ground fault circuit interrupter.
The association decided further clarification from CILB is unnecessary at this time. It has issued a guidance for members to use as a reference when local building departments need additional clarification. FSPA will continue to monitor the situation.
