Registration of public aquatic facilities

The Victorian Government made recent changes to the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019. These changes require owners of certain aquatic (pool) facilities to register their premises with their local Council.

Who needs to register?

The Victorian Government has categorised aquatic facilities into two groups based on risk.

Only Category 1 premises must register with Council.

Category 1

Category 1 aquatic facilities include swimming pools, spa pools or interactive water features that:

  • are used by members of the public, whether free of charge or on payment of a fee
  • are used in association with a class or program that is offered free of charge or on payment of a fee
  • are located at the premises of an early childhood service, school or other educational institution
  • are located at the premises at which residential aged care services are provided
  • are located at any of the following premises:
    • public hospital
    • private hospital
    • multipurpose service
    • denominational hospital
    • privately-operated hospital within the meaning of section 3(1) of the Health Services Act 1988. 

Category 2

Category 2 aquatic facilities include swimming pools or spa pools that is used by members of the public and located at the premises of the following:

  • a residential apartment complex
  • a hotel, motel or hostel. 

Council's role

Council has an important role to play as your registration authority. With your support, we will be helping in the following ways:

  • assessing, approving and monitoring facilities
  • carrying out inspections of the facility
  • providing advice, education and support as required.

Water Quality Risk Management Plan

Both Category 1 and Category 2 aquatic facilities must have a Water Quality Risk Management Plan.

This plan is used to detail how the aquatic facility manages water quality risks to protect public health, and must include:

  • staff roles and responsibilities, competency or training requirements
  • a description of the facility and its treatment systems
  • water quality targets and treatment objectives
  • hazard identification and risk assessment
  • identification of control measures
  • operational and verification monitoring
  • data recording and reporting
  • incident response procedures.

For assistance with developing this plan, visit the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website 

Water Quality Guidelines for Public Aquatic Facilities

All aquatic facilities (Category 1 & 2) must also comply with the Water Quality Guidelines for Public Aquatic Facilities

Responsibilities of aquatic facility operators

  • Register your aquatic facility with Council (Category 1 only).
  • Develop and adhere to your Water Quality Risk Management Plan.
  • Undertake water sampling as outlined in your Water Quality Risk Management Plan.
  • Notify Council of all failed water samples within 24 hours.
  • Follow Water Quality Risk Management Plan and the directions of Council when water samples fail.
  • Follow your Water Quality Risk Management Plan and Council directions should you be notified of a gastro outbreak at your facility.
  • Maintain a record of operational and verification monitoring results for at least 12 months from the date the record was made.
  • Provide adequate training to all staff members specific to their role.
  • Ensure the aquatic facility is kept in a clean, sanitary and in a hygienic condition.
  • Follow the DHHS Healthy Swimming recommendations

How to register your aquatic facility

To register a new aquatic facility with Council, please contact Community Health on 9294 5603 to request a registration form be emailed to you.

Ongoing requirements

Your aquatic facility will be assessed annually to ensure it is kept in a clean, sanitary and hygienic condition and to verify you are complying with the Water Quality Guidelines and your Risk Management Plan, including regular water sampling and testing.

If you are notified of a complaint, incident or outbreak of illness linked to your aquatic facility, you must undertake appropriate action, which may include water sampling.

Registration is renewed annually, by 31 December.

Further information

For more information on registering your aquatic facility, please contact Council on 1300 88 22 33.

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