Public swimming pools and spa pools
If you operate a swimming pool or spa available to the public, you must notify Council and meet water-quality, monitoring and recordkeeping requirements.
Operating a public pool or spa
Public swimming pools and spa pools must be notified to Council and operated in accordance with NSW public health requirements.
- 1
Notify Council
- 2
Maintain water quality
- 3
Test and keep records
1. Notify Council
Public swimming pools and spa pools must be notified to Council before they begin operating.
You must also notify Council if the business or nominated occupier changes.
Public swimming pools and spa pools must be notified to Council. You must also notify us within seven days if your registered details change.
2. Maintain water quality
Public pools and spas must be properly maintained and disinfected to reduce the risk of illness.
Operators must ensure:
- disinfection is automatic or continuously metered
- water meets required temperature and pH standards
- chlorine or bromine levels meet requirements
- equipment and disinfection systems are properly maintained
- procedures are in place to respond to contamination.
3. Test and keep records
Operators must regularly test pool or spa water and maintain records of testing and maintenance.
Keep a register or log showing the results of each test performed.
Keeping pools and spas safe
Viruses, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms can survive or grow in swimming pools and spas if water is not properly treated and maintained.
People can be exposed through swallowing or inhaling contaminated water, or through cuts and wounds. Public pools and spas require regular maintenance, disinfection and testing because they are used by many people.
Operators should understand:
- pool equipment and maintenance
- disinfection requirements
- water-testing requirements
- additional testing needed during periods of increased use
- contamination response procedures
- recordkeeping requirements.
Operators should also have a contamination response plan for incidents involving vomit, faeces or blood.
Pools covered by these requirements
These requirements apply to swimming pools and spa pools available for public use, whether entry is free, paid or provided through another service or membership.
This includes pools and spas:
- at clubs and gyms
- at hotels, motels, guest houses, holiday accommodation and similar facilities
- provided at workplaces for employees
- at schools and hospitals
- at residential premises used for commercial purposes
- at commercial aquatic and leisure facilities.
Inspections
AlburyCity Environmental Health Officers inspect public swimming pools and spa pools to assess compliance with public health requirements.
Inspections may include checking:
- water quality and testing records
- disinfection systems
- pool and spa equipment
- maintenance records
- contamination response procedures
- compliance with relevant public health requirements.
AlburyCity inspects public swimming pools and spa pools at least once each year.
Inspection fees apply in accordance with AlburyCity's current Fees and Charges.
Find practical guidance for maintaining water quality, monitoring your pool or spa and meeting public health requirements.
