Health and safety of swimming pools and jacuzzis

Principles

Regulations governing the health and safety of swimming pools and jacuzzis cover the following:

• Technical devices applicable to swimming pools
• Hygiene checks and monitoring of swimming pool water
• Pool water quality levels and standards
• The use of water that is not supplied by a water distribution network intended for human consumption
• Obligations relating to the layout of swimming pools and their surroundings, and to the correct operation of all devices designed to reduce health risks

The current regulations apply to public, private and/or fee-paying swimming pools that are not exclusively for family use.

However, they do not apply to hydrotherapy pools used exclusively for therapeutic purposes, or to pools where the water is drained between users.

Swimming pool water must not contain a number or concentration of micro-organisms, parasites or any other substance constituting a potential health hazard for users, for which the quality limits and standards are set by the Ministerial Decree no. 2023-48 of 20 January 2023.

At least once a month, the swimming pool manager is required to perform water quality monitoring tests on the pool(s) under their responsibility, at their own expense. 

Water samples are taken by the Department of Health Affairs (DASA) It is therefore necessary to request analyses from the Department of Health Affairs.

The pool manager must also arrange for air quality monitoring tests to be performed on indoor pools at least once a year, at their own expense.

In addition to water sampling, the DASA will also inspect establishments at least once a year, to ensure compliance with the following requirements: 

• Health logbook detailing daily checks
• Management of failures to comply
• Public information and posters
• Hygiene of premises
• Handling and storage of cleaning products

The hygiene checks carried out by the Department of Health Affairs are combined with independent monitoring, carried out by the person responsible for the pool. The results of independent checks and all maintenance operations of the pool, its surrounding areas and its technical installation must be recorded daily in the health logbook.

Independent checks cover:

• Monitoring of physico-chemical parameters
• Pool attendance
• Checking that the facilities and water treatment system are working correctly
• The chlorine content of the water in the foot baths is measured on a daily basis
• Measures are taken when water quality fails to comply with the quality limits or standards.

Regulations require:

• A soapy shower and no illness in those using the pool
• Mandatory chlorinated foot baths (or foot sprayers) in all establishments
• An obligation to draw up cleaning/disinfection procedures specifying:
  • Specific areas
  • Frequency and products used
  • Instructions for use
  • Safety data sheets
  • Equipment used
  • Storage conditions
  • Compatibility with swimming pool use
  • Water/air quality protocols

The person in charge of the pool will establish various procedures to be made available to the Department of Health Affairs:

• A procedure for managing situations where quality levels and standards are not adhered to (necessary measures to protect users, corrective measures to re-establish regulatory standards, and research into the cause of non-compliance)
• A procedure for managing exceptional situations, in particular the presence of faecal matter or vomit in a pool

All new swimming pools must be registered with the Department of Health Affairs.

A declaration form must be submitted in accordance with the requirements set out in article 3 of the Sovereign Ordinance no. 9.690 of 20 January 2023, which must include:

• The surname, first name and address of the person responsible for the pool
• The address of the pool
• The dimensions of the facilities
• An assurance from the person responsible that the pool, including its facilities, complies with the health regulations laid down by this legislation or by a law adopted for its application
• A technical description of the systems for supplying, replenishing and treating the water in the pool, and for draining off the water