Public Swimming Pools & Spa Pools

Swimming Pools

Swimming pools may become contaminated with disease causing organisms which may be introduced by bathers on their skin, in their saliva, urine and faeces or environmental conditions such as dust. Public pools must be kept in such a way as to prevent a risk to public health. Public pools are covered by the Public Health Act 2010 and the Public Health Regulation 2012 and Griffith City Council require that the NSW Health Public Swimming Pool and Spa Pool Advisory Document are followed.

Public Pools

A public pool is a pool where the public is admitted for the purposes of bathing, swimming or diving, whether or not a fee is charged. It includes pools provided as part of a club membership, hotel, motel, caravan park or similar for the use of guests, school, hospital, sports centre, workplace for the use of employees or swim school at a private residence. The pool may be a swimming pool or a spa pool. All public pools must be registered with Council and regular inspections to be carried out to ensure compliance with public health standards. Griffith City Council requires that testing and sampling is carried out in accordance with the Guidelines and Regulation and that the records be made available to Council upon request. A data sheet to assist in recording your results is available for download.

There is a fee payable for the inspection and/or sampling of public pools by Council. Fees payable are adopted by Council annually and published in Council’s revenue policy.

Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Swimming Pools and Spa Pool

Cryptosporidum and Giardia are two of the most common micro-organisms that can contaminate public pools. Cryptosporidium parvum is a parasitic protozoan micro-organism which causes an infection of the gastrointestinal tract called Cryptosporidiosis. Giardia lamblia is the main parasitic protozoan micro-organism which causes an infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract called Giardiasis. People who have had diarrhoea within the previous two weeks should not swim in any swimming pool or spa'

Complaints about Public Pools

If you believe a public swimming pool or spa in the Griffith area does not meet public health standards and you would like to make a complaint please contact: Griffith City Council’s Environmental Health Officer on (02) 6962 8100 , or email admin@griffith.nsw.gov.au . Once a complaint has been made, a Council officer will contact you. Your name and details will be kept confidential.

Private Pools

Council encourages private pool owners to keep their pool and surrounds safe. As well as fencing, regular monitoring of the water quality should be undertaken. A useful guide for pool owners is the Healthy Swimming Pools fact sheet.

Water samples can be tested through Council at the costs outlined in Council’s Revenue Policy. Please contact Council’s Environmental Health Officer on (02) 6962 8100 for more information on pool testing and sampling.

Further information on the operation and maintenance of pool and useful downloads can be found on NSW Health’s website.