Suffolk Gets New Pool Contractor Standards

It creates a registry for pool maintenance businesses and expands the current home contractor’s license to include the installation and servicing of swimming pools and spas in Suffolk County, the 18th District Democrat said.

Anyone applying to be certified to work on pools must provide proof to the Suffolk County Department of Labor & Licensing that they have obtained the association of pool and spa professionals’ certified maintenance specialist certification, which is valid for three years.

“As part of my ongoing Healthy Communities Initiative, I worked with members of the swimming pool industry to enhance pool safety with regard to proper installation, service and maintenance of swimming pools and spas,” Spencer said.  “We are always teaching our children to be safe while in and around pools, but if the equipment isn’t up to code or maintained by someone who knows the intricacies of swimming pools and spas, we all remain at risk.  This new licensing program, whole-heartedly supported by the industry, would ensure that those who work on our pools come with the right tools and training to keep us all safe.”

Contractors seeking certification must provide documentation that they have attended a minimum of 6 hours of continuing education on the building, installation and servicing of swimming pools or spas since their last license application or renewal. Current holders of a home improvement contractor’s license who engage in the building, installation and/or servicing of swimming pools and spas shall have one year to obtain the necessary certifications and provide documentation.

“This legislation is a win for pool owners and every honest contractor who services swimming pools in Suffolk County,” County Executive Steve Bellone said. “I applaud Legislator Spencer for protecting homeowners by making sure that every contractor servicing swimming pools has the certification to get the job done.”

Any person who operates a pool maintenance business without obtaining a registration certification, or continues to operate such business after having their registration suspended or revoked, could be found guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor and subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and or imprisonment for up to 1 year. Violations would include:

•  Committing fraud in securing a registration certificate.
• Making false statements on an application for a registration certificate.
• Being previously found guilty of fraud, deceit or misrepresentation when providing services to a customer.

The bill was signed in Huntington.