Public Aquatic Facilities
Public aquatic facilities include swimming pools, spa pools and interactive water features.
Aquatic facilities promote active lifestyles and health, but poor management can risk disease transmission.
To ensure safety and water quality, the Victorian Government regulates these facilities under the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019. This includes registration, duties for operators, water quality standards, record-keeping, and response procedures for issues. Facilities are classified into two categories; Category 1 facilities only need Council registration.
Category 1
A Category 1 aquatic facility means a swimming pool, spa pool or interactive water feature that is:
- used by members of the public, whether free of charge or for a fee
- used in association with a class or program that is offered free of charge or for a fee
- located at the premises of an early childhood service, school or other educational institution
- located at premises at which residential aged care services are provided
- located at a public hospital, multi-purpose service, a denominational hospital or a private hospital
- located at a privately-operated hospital within the meaning of section 3(1) of the Health Services Act 1988.
Category 2
A Category 2 aquatic facility means a swimming pool or spa pool that is used by members of the public and is located at the following premises:
- a residential apartment complex
- a hotel, motel or hostel.
Register a Category 1 facility
If you are the proprietor or owner of a Category 1 aquatic facility, you need to register your details by completing the application form for registration(DOCX, 172KB) / application form for registration(PDF, 199KB).
Once you have completed and lodged the form (lodgement and payment details are provided on the bottom of the form), a Health Officer will contact you to arrange a site inspection. If all requirements are met and your registration is processed, you will receive a Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 Certificate of Registration.
The cost for registering a Category 1 aquatic facility is $400.
Registration is valid for 12 months and must be renewed each year. We will send you a reminder and an application form to renew your registration.
Water Quality Risk Management Plan and Water Quality Guidelines
Both Category 1 and Category 2 aquatic facilities must have a Water Quality Risk Management Plan and comply with the Water Quality Guidelines for public aquatic facilities.
The plan outlines how aquatic facilities will protect public health by managing water quality risks, and provides details on how they comply with the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019.
The Water Quality Risk Management plan which must include the following:
- staff roles and responsibilities, competencies and training requirements
- a description of the facility, its source water, and its treatment systems
- water quality targets and treatment objectives
- hazard identification, risk assessment and control measures
- operational and verification monitoring
- incident management and response procedures
- data recording and reporting.
The Department of Health has developed resources to assist aquatics facilities prepare their water quality risk management plan and templates are available.
Roles and responsibilities of aquatic facility operators
- Register your aquatic facility with Council
- Create and follow your Water Quality Risk Management Plan
- Undertake water sampling as outlined in your Water Quality Risk Management Plan
- Notify Council’s Environmental Health Unit of all failed water samples within 24 hours
- Follow your Water Quality Risk Management Plan and Council instruction when water samples fail or if you are notified of a gastroenteritis outbreak at your premises
- Maintain records of onsite testing and daily operations for at least 12 months from the date the record was made
- Provide adequate training to all staff members
- Ensure the aquatic facility is kept in a clean, sanitary and well maintained condition
Follow the Department of Health and Human Services healthy swimming recommendations.
Role and responsibilities of Council
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 annual inspections and water sampling of the facility
- Providing advice, education and support as required
Useful information and resources
If you would like to speak to a Health Officer, call our customer service team on (03) 5422 0333 or email health@mrsc.vic.gov.au