Public swimming and spa pools
Public Swimming and Spa pools do not need a license to operate under the Public Health Act 1997, however they must operate in accordance with The ACT Public swimming and spa pools code of practice 1999.
The Health Protection Service investigates public health complaints from the community concerning public swimming and spa pools.
Code of practice
The ACT Public swimming and spa pools code of practice 1999 specifies the minimum levels of chemicals and disinfectants for the treatment of public swimming pools and public spa pools.
The standards referred to in this Code of Practice may be amended from time to time unless otherwise stated. It is the responsibility of the owners/operators to ensure that recommended levels of chemicals used in the disinfection and treatment of water comply with the manufacturer's safety data sheets.
Under the Public Health Act 1997, owners or operators of a pool or spa facility are also required to ensure appropriate standards of sanitation are maintained. This includes the regular cleaning of toilets and change rooms that are provided as part of the facility.
Download the guidelines:
- Swimming and spa pools Part A: General guidelines
- Swimming & spa pools Part B: Cryptosporidium & Giardia
The code of practice applies to:
- public swimming pools and spa pools
- pools where the public, members and their guests, customers and patrons may have reasonable access as part of a service or workplace.
This includes pool and spa facilities at:
- hotels, motels and serviced apartments
- clubs
- schools
- gymnasiums and health resorts
- squash and tennis centres
- recreational resorts
- hospitals (hydrotherapy pools)
- workplaces
- places of adult entertainment, and
- pools used to provide swimming lessons.