Commercial | Renovation
Commercial pool resurfacing and renovation
A public pool resurface is more than new plaster. While the pool is empty, the Florida Building Code requires certain safety items to be brought up to standard, the finish has to meet the color rule, and your county health department may ask for notice before the pool is drained.
Family-owned
40+ years
Building pools since 1985
Counties served
Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Volusia
Central Florida, from Orlando
What matters to you
What owners need from a resurfacing contractor
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The right notice, at the right time
Your county health department may ask for the state's Notice of Resurfacing (a voluntary guidance format) or its own form. Ask which one, and when, before the pool is drained.
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Code items corrected while empty
Gutter lip, step and depth markings, ladders, risers and handrails brought to the Florida Building Code resurfacing standard.
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A finish that meets the color rule
White or light pastel, with the manufacturer test values the code requires for public pools.
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Drain covers checked
Covers confirmed compliant and in date, with the DH 4157 form when anti-entrapment parts are replaced.
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An honest closure window
Set by the finish manufacturer's cure and startup specs and the inspections required, stated before the contract is signed.
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A licensed pool contractor
Interior finishes are inside the commercial pool/spa contractor scope, and the state notice asks for the contractor's license number.
Scope
Florida Building Code items on the state resurfacing notice
From the compliance checklist on the Department of Health's resurfacing notice, which excerpts Florida Building Code 2023, 8th Edition, section 454.1.10.1.
| Gutter lip | Level to within 1/4 inch between highest and lowest pointSlope from lip to drain kept as designed or increased |
|---|---|
| Step markings | Tile step markings per section 454.1.2.5.3Where code calls for dark: Munsell value 0 to 4, slip resistant |
| Slope break | Slope break marking and a safety line 2 feet before it, where applicable |
| Depth markers | Depth and NO DIVING markers per section 454.1.2.3 |
| Ladders | Cross-braced ladders, 3 to 6 inches from the pool wallEquipotential bonding inspected by the building department |
| Step risers | No riser over 12 inches if resurfacing affects riser heights; intermediate risers uniform |
| Protruding treads | Removed and replaced with a cross-braced ladder, or rebuilt to code |
| Handrails and grab rails | Brought into compliance or removed |
| Gutter grates | If replaced, open area meets or exceeds the design flow rate |
| Elevated walls and floors | Waterproofing or damp-proofing before the final surface |
| Contractor license | Certified Pool/Spa Contractor CPC1457140Current, Active, expires 08/31/2028 |
A resurfacing, start to finish
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Before: drained, old plaster worn through -
Crew applying a new interior finish -
New waterline tile and depth markers -
After: new finish, refilled
About the resurfacing notice
The statewide form is the Department of Health's Notice of Resurfacing of Public Swimming Pool (format dated 5/1/2024). The owner signs a certification to operate the pool under Chapter 514, F.S., and Chapter 64E-9, F.A.C., and to meet Florida Building Code section 454.1.10.1. Some counties call it DH4159-R; ask your county health department which form it uses. General information, not legal advice.
Rules, paperwork and next steps
- Florida public pool permits DH4159 operating permit path and the resurfacing notice.
- VGB drain safety Federal drain-cover rules and Florida s. 514.0315.
- Prequalification Licenses, insurance, bonding and references in one place.
- Project record Playwell projects by sector, scope and year.
- HOA and condo pools Board-ready bids and Florida bid thresholds.
- ADA pool access Accessible entries for public accommodations and government pools.
Common questions
Do we need to notify the health department before resurfacing a public pool?
The Florida Department of Health publishes a Notice of Resurfacing of Public Swimming Pool as a voluntary guidance format for health department and building department use. It lists the facility, the owner, the building department and the contractor's license number, a checklist of Florida Building Code items, and an owner certification. Some county health departments refer to it as DH4159-R. Requirements vary by county, so ask your county health department which form it requires and when to file it. General information, not legal advice.
What code items have to be corrected during a resurface?
The state notice lists the Florida Building Code 454.1.10.1 items: a level gutter lip, tile step markings, slope break marking and safety line where applicable, depth and NO DIVING markers, cross-braced ladders with 3 to 6 inches of wall clearance, step risers of 12 inches or less where riser heights change, protruding treads removed or rebuilt, compliant handrails and grab rails, adequate gutter grate open area if grates are replaced, and waterproofing of elevated walls and floors before the final surface.
What color can the new finish be?
Florida Building Code section 454.1.2.4, quoted on the state notice, requires pool floors and walls to be white or light pastel. The finish must have a dry lightness (CIE L) of 80.0 or more and a wet luminous reflectance (CIE Y) of 50.0 or more, from the manufacturer's test results. Slide landing areas and pools 24 inches deep or less are exempt. Fiberglass, thermoplastic and stainless steel pools follow the same color rule.
Do we need new drain covers when we resurface?
Covers must meet the current federal standard. The CPSC recommends replacing drain covers that are past the expiration date on the cover. If drain covers, sumps or other anti-entrapment parts are replaced, the state notice asks for a completed DH 4157 form under s. 514.0315, F.S.
How long will the pool be closed?
It depends on the scope, the finish manufacturer's cure and startup specs, and the inspections required. Playwell gives the closure window for your scope in the written bid, after the site visit.
How do we get a bid?
Send the facility, the current finish and the scope through the request-a-bid form, or call (407) 403-2794. Playwell reviews the request, contacts you, and walks the site before pricing anything.
Request a resurfacing bid
Send the property, the scope and any bid date. Playwell reviews it, contacts you, and walks the site before pricing anything.