Legal Aspects That A Public Swimming Pool Must Comply With
Public swimming pools are an excellent option for those who want to exercise, train or simply enjoy a moment of relaxation and refreshment, especially in the summer time. In practice, so that this time of fun and relaxation does not become a problem, it is necessary that a public swimming pool meets certain legal requirements.
The regulations are valid for both public, private and community pools. It is a set of rules that seek to guarantee the safety and health of all its users. Next, we will see some elements to better understand the legal aspects that a public swimming pool must comply with.
What types of pools are subject to the regulations?
The rules that determine the legal requirements for operation regulate all swimming pools for public use. This includes public pools, water parks, spa pools , etc. Also in this category are hotel and tourist accommodation pools, as well as therapeutic pools found in health centers.
The swimming pools that are in communities of owners, such as those that exist, for example, in small urbanizations, must also respect current regulations. The same happens with swimming pools in rural houses, schools, etc.
The owner who owns the pool, be it a natural or legal person, or a community of owners, will be responsible for ensuring that all legal aspects are met.
What aspects are regulated in a public swimming pool?
In order to protect the health of the population, one of the fundamental aspects that will be monitored and controlled are the environmental conditions linked to the operation and use of public swimming pools. Environmental factors of a physical, chemical or biological nature, and any environmental situation that may affect health, will be monitored.
To this end, the Royal Decree of October 11, 2013 establishes parameters that the water in swimming pools must meet, as well as the minimum sampling frequency. It also establishes a list of allowed chemicals for water treatment. These parameters are based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization.
In indoor swimming pools, including those in whirlpools and therapeutic pools, the air quality will also be monitored. To do this, a series of basic parameters are set that must be met so that there are no health risks. In the event of non-compliance, the cause will be investigated and corrective and preventive measures will be applied.
Protocol of self-control and information to the public
The current regulations also establish that all pools must have a specific self-control protocol. This protocol must always be in the same pool, at the disposal of maintenance personnel and the competent authority.
The regulations must contain information on the treatment of the water in each glass, the control of the water, the maintenance of the pool and the cleaning and disinfection. It should also detail the aspects related to safety and good practices, the pest control plan and the management of suppliers and services.
On the other hand, any swimming pool for public use must make certain useful information available to users in a visible area. These are the results of the latest controls carried out, information on non-compliance situations, as well as the respective corrective measures and all the recommendations.
Information material must also be included, within the swimming pool facilities, on the prevention of drowning, trauma, injury and sun protection. In addition, there will be specific instructions for children.
In the same way, it will be necessary to inform about the chemical products used, the existence, or not, of a lifeguard, as well as the telephone numbers and addresses of the nearest health centers. Finally, it is necessary to detail the rules, rights and duties of use of the pool for users.
How is the control carried out in a public swimming pool?
The quality control that guarantees that the public swimming pool is complying with the regulations will be carried out at various times. There will be a first control called initial control, which will take place 15 days before the opening of the pool. Routine controls are also carried out and a periodic control consisting of monthly laboratory analyzes to verify the quality of the water and air.
The Ministry of Health will prepare a technical report on the quality of public swimming pools each year. This report will be available to users through the website of the Ministry.
