Public pools

Enjoy your pool and keep your family safe. Find out the safety requirements for all swimming pools in Port Stephens. The following information is relevant for public pools, if you are wishing to find information on a pool on private land see swimming pools.

Public swimming pools and spa pools

Public swimming pools and public spa pools are pools to which members of the public are admitted, whether free of charge, on payment of a fee or otherwise. These include pools located at:

  • clubs
  • workplaces
  • hotels
  • guest houses
  • resorts, holiday units, or similar facility for the use of guests
  • schools
  • hospitals

It does not include pools situated at private residential premises (unless such a pool is used by members of the public, ie learn-to-swim pools.)

Notification and prescribed operating requirements

Public swimming pools and spa pools are subject to notification and prescribed operating requirements under the Public Health Act and Public Health Regulation as in force.

All public swimming pools and spa pools need to be registered with Council. Registration is easy – simply complete the following Notification of Public Swimming Pool or Spa Pool form.

If you are operating a public swimming or spa pool, you must meet the prescribed operating requirements. For example – temperature, disinfection, testing of disinfection and pH levels and record keeping.  Operators must have an understanding of the prescribed operating requirements - as without knowledge in these areas, the risk to public health increase greatly.

Further guidance and resources are included below:

Note: This information relates to requirements under the Public Health Act and Public Health Regulation. Additional requirements for swimming pools apply.

Inspections

Poorly managed pools can present a public health risk to bathers, particularly for vulnerable people. Council undertakes inspections of public swimming pools and spa pools, confirming compliance with the prescribed operating requirements.

These inspections consider chemical, microbiological, environmental and water supply hazards; and helps operators to understand their obligations under the Public Health Act and the Public Health Regulation.