ATLANTA — State Rep. Jeff Jones, R-Brunswick, recently announced that House Bill 219, legislation he sponsored related to public and private pools, was passed by the State Senate.

HB 219 clarifies and redefines public vs. private property pools for purposes of health and safety. Jones said he drafted the legislation in response to a problem with what he termed unreasonable inspections of private pools in Glynn County. The bill also strengthens the minimum safety requirements for private pools by establishing a list of five key safety items that must pass an annual inspection: compliance with federal law regarding suction outlet covers, availability of lifesaving and rescue equipment, security of access to common pool areas, water quality and safety of electrical systems.

The bill makes no changes to health and safety rules governing apartment complex pools, or private residence pools, nor does the bill change any existing state pool construction codes.