Upgraded swimming pool legislation expected in parliament

[galexinda]

A bill aimed at upgrading the legislation related to the features and inspections of public and private swimming pools is expected to be presented in parliament before the end of the year, after the issue was discussed during a House interior committee meeting on Thursday.

The bill, currently under review by the legal service, categorises swimming pools into three distinct groups. The first category includes pools located within water parks, the second pertains to hotel and tourist accommodation pools, while the third encompasses all other swimming pools, excluding those serving more than five residential units.

Depending on their category, these swimming pools will require construction permits and periodic inspections. Health and safety inspections will be systematically conducted for pools in the first two categories, while pools in the third category will undergo sampling inspections only. Additionally, lifeguards will be required for supervision in the first two categories.

https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/10/19/upgr ... arliament/

[glang3000]

Does this in any way effect private swimming pools, i.e. a house with it's own private pool. It does not seem to mention this.

Gary.

[galexinda]

Does this in any way effect private swimming pools, i.e. a house with it's own private pool. It does not seem to mention this.

Gary.

No, it does not affect a property which has its own private pool.

It is for those properties where people from different residences share a pool (and all chip in via communal fees for its upkeep).

[Kili01]

I read in the new swimming pool regulations that in fact a pool can be classed as 'private if it serves less than 5 houses...a pool guard isn't required.

But hotel and complex pools once again are lumped together. To be legal, apparently they need a pool guard in attendance. But, even if a suitably qualified person can be found, most complexes can't afford the cost to hire one to work all day every day of the swimming season.
Even if no one is swimming.
Also there is normally a shortage of them and the beaches and the hotels also hire those ones available.
So as with the last few summers this is probably unworkable.

[jeba]

What are the respectively requirements in comparable countries like ( e. g. Greece, Spain, Malta)? Why not simply copy these instead of trying to reinvent the wheel?

[Kili01]

I agree with you Jeba that other countries swimming pool legislation could be studied and maybe such laws which may exist in Greece may be. But hey ho, Paphos municipality may do its own thing!
What could be done instead, could be simply having a notice by the pool stating:

"There is no pool guard, swimming is at your own risk. Children under 14 must be supervised by an adult."
Dee

[galexinda]

It is not just Paphos Municipality that is applying these rules - some complexes in Chloraka and Peyia, also Polis and Argaka have closed their swimming pools.
Some do have a sign to the effect that it is the responsibility of the person using the pool and surrounding areas, thus absolving the committee and/or management company if the pool should be checked and there are people using it at the time.

[DavidatLWH]

Don't hold your breath on this. A few weeks ago ago I was clearing out some old paperwork and found an article from Cyprus Property News (as I recall), stating almost word for word the same thing, that a new swimming pool bill was going before parliament in the autumn and it was hoped that the new legislation would come into effect in the new year. The date of the article? July 2009.

[Kili01]

If only Paphos and/or Chloraka would either train an increased number of new pool guards or allow communal pools to post-a "Swim at your own risk there is no pool guard"' notice. These pools are NOT open to the general public.

Also it makes no sense for complexes to pay the high costs, in maintenance,including. Chemicals, plus electricity costs to run pool pumps. Then try to make them close their pool in summer.
Dee

Mono stn Kypros