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
Water quality of a public swimming pool or spa may be affected by faecal or vomiting contamination, suspected illness or failure to meet microbiological parameters.
Pool operators are responsible for operating a public swimming pool and spa pool in a way that it is safe for patrons to use and that complies with legal requirements. Staff should be trained in pool operation and chemical handling and have a good understanding of potential health risks in a pool.
Public swimming pools and spas are regulated under:
All public swimming pools and spas are required to complete a Swimming Pool & Spa registration form to notify Council. A notification fee applies for new registrations in accordance with Council’s Fees and Charges.
Council’s Environmental Health Officers manage public health risks by conducting regular water quality testing on all public pools and spas to ensure the public health and safety requirements are met under Schedule 1 of the Public Health Regulation 2022.
Council Inspections involve:
- Cleanliness of Pools and change rooms
- Ensuring there is a disinfection process in place
- Ensuring the pool is fitted with either an automatic or continuous metered disinfectant dosing system
- Checking levels of bromine or chlorine, pH, alkalinity, combined chlorine and cyanuric acid, and pool temperature
- Checking that accurate records are maintained for pool maintenance
For further resources on Public Swimming Pools and spas please visit the NSW Health website Public swimming pools and spa pools - Water quality
For more information, contact