Services Monthly Articles Community Swimming Pools
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In the depth of winter it may seem strange to be writing about the rules concerning the safe operation of swimming pools belonging to Communities of Owners, but now is a good time to consider this issue so that your community can look forward to a trouble free swimming season. I will deal with the rules that apply to open air pools for communities in the Valencian Community where Decrees 255/1994 and 97/2000 are the governing legislation. Your community should check its insurance policy in case it imposes any special requirements that are additional to those contained in the legislation. The pool must be constructed so that the depth down to 1.40 metres does not increase at a gradient of more than 10%. Beyond 1.40 metres the gradient down to the maximum depth in the pool must not increase at a rate of more than 35%, so that sudden shear changes in depth are avoided. There must be a set of steps at least every 20 metres around the edge of the pool and wherever there is a significant change in depth. The water must recirculate at least every eight hours. In pools built since 1994 which have a surface area greater than 200 square metres the water must pass through an overflow that runs round the entire perimeter of the pool. If your pool has a surface area of less than 200 square metres the water can pass through skimmers, but there must be at least 1 skimmer for every 25 square metres of surface area. The water should be tested twice a day and a written record kept of the readings. For safety, there must be 2 lifebelts for any pool with a surface area of up to 350 square metres, plus an extra lifebelt for each additional 150 square metres of surface area. All pools should have available a rope for life-saving which is at least 3 metres longer than half the maximum width of the pool. The regulations do not specifically require pools to be fenced, but not taking care to keep the pool secure and in good condition can lead to heavy penalties, and may also invalidate the community’s insurance. No animals are allowed into the pool or the sun-bathing area around it. If the pool has a surface area of 200 square metres or more, it is compulsory to employ a qualified lifeguard who must be on duty whenever the pool is open. Pools with a surface area of more than 500 square metres require additional lifeguards. Pools for the exclusive use of communities of owners are exempt from providing disabled access. Your community can make its own rules concerning air mattresses and inflatable toys, etc., ball games, and eating and drinking inside the precincts of the pool. If you have any doubts about whether your community pool complies with the rules you should raise the issue with the President or the Administrator of your Community of Owners. For more information please contact Michael Olmer, Solicitor at Link Point Legal and Business Services on 96 626 0500. By Michael Olmer Solicitor • Link Point Legal and Business Services |