Public swimming pools and spas
If you operate a swimming pool or spa available to the public, you must notify Council and meet water-quality, monitoring and record keeping requirements.
Viruses, bacteria, fungi, amoebae and other parasites can thrive in pools and spas unless they’re properly controlled. People who use public swimming pools and spas can be infected through cuts, wounds, and swallowing or inhaling water. Public swimming pools and spa pools are more likely to be contaminated than domestic swimming pools, because more people use them. For this reason, they need frequent maintenance and testing.
Under the Public Health Act 2010, a public swimming pool or spa pool is any structure that is used or intended to be used for human bathing, swimming or diving to which the public is admitted, whether free of charge, on payment of a fee or otherwise. This includes pools:
- to which the public is admitted as an entitlement of membership of a club or gym
- provided at a workplace for the use of employees
- provided at a hotel, motel or guest house or at holiday units, or similar facility, for the use of guests
- provided at a school or hospital
- situated at private residential premises used for commercial purposes
Keeping pools and spas safe
Our Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) monitor the standard of operation of public swimming pools and spa pools (including splash pads) to assist in providing a safe and hygienic swimming environment for customers.
Council’s EHOs have authority to inspect public swimming pools, spa pools and associated premises. Inspections will be carried out at least once a year to assess compliance with the requirements under Public Health Regulation 2022, which requires that:
- disinfection is automatic or continuously metered
- the water meets certain temperature and pH standards
- water testing shows correct levels of chlorine or bromine
- operators can show their own testing methods and associated records.
- pool maintenance records are maintained
Businesses will be invoiced separately for these inspections in accordance with Council's Fees and Charges.
Public Health Risks
Operators of public pools and spas should have a sound knowledge of pool-operating procedures including:
- pool equipment & maintenance
- pool disinfection requirements
- water testing regime
- times of increased bather load and any additional testing required
Pool and spa operators also need:
- a contamination response plan to follow in case the pool is contaminated by vomit, faeces or blood
- a register/log to record the results of every test performed at the pool or spa.
Chemical parameters - chlorinated public pools and spas
Chlorinated public pools and spas should comply with the following:
Chemical parameters - Bromine public pools and spas
Bromine public pools and spas should comply with the following:
Is your public pool notified with us?
Public swimming pools and spa pools must be notified to us and all notification details must be correct and up to date to comply with The Public Health Act 2010 and Public Health Regulation 2012
Complete the Regulated Premises Notification Form. Please note that there is no fee for submitting this form.
Once submitted, a member of our Environmental Health team will contact you to discuss next steps.
New businesses, or changes to the nominated occupier of the business, must notify Council before starting operation.
