Communal swimming pools: essentials for owners & management committees

Cyprus introduced the Swimming Pools Law of 2025 and regulations in July, bringing long-awaited change and updated safety standards for all swimming pools across the island.

The new law followed two decades of campaigning, meetings with government officials, questions in the EU, complaints, vacuous announcement by the Interior Ministry, pool closures, passport confiscations, patchy law enforcement, petition, etc.

The new law classifies swimming pools into three distinct types:

Type 1 (Public & High-Risk) and Type 2 (Business-Related) Pools: These remain subject to the strictest regulations, requiring licensed operation, mandatory lifeguards during operating hours, regular inspections, and commercial-grade facilities.

Type 3 pool (Private & Shared-Use Pools) – all other pools, including those in self-catering accommodations, excluding:

(a) Type 1 swimming pools;
(b) Type 2 swimming pools;
(c) Pools intended for private use serving no more than five (5) residential units.

Type 3 swimming pools are the type most commonly found in apartment blocks and other residential complexes whose owners share swimming pools and other common facilities such as tennis courts, lifts, gardens, etc.

(The law categorises pools found in smaller apartment and other complexes comprising five are less units as ‘private use’ pools, i.e. the pool is used exclusively by the pool manager’s family and their guests, including those who rent the units. See rules for small communal pool & private pools later in this article.)

Before considering the specific requirements for Type 3 pools, the regulations require that all owners of swimming pools, regardless of their type, that are no longer in operation must securely fence the pool area and cover the pool. The owner must remove any water that has accumulated in the empty pool to prevent insects from breeding avoiding risks to people and animals.

Full details of the following may be found in the 2025 Swimming Pool Law and Regulations

Type 3 communal pool regulations

Although Type 3 pools have fewer obligations than Types 1 and 2, there are still clear rules that owners and Management Committees must follow. In summary:

• • No lifeguard is required.
  • No operating licence is needed, but authorities must be notified before its operation.
  • Basic safety measures including secure fencing/covers, a first-aid kit, and signage are required.
  • Pool inspections by the authorities are random and occur during the summer.
  • A “Swimming Pool Manager” must be appointed responsible for the day-to-day operation, safety and management of the pool ensuring compliance with the law.

Summary of mandatory and optional regulations

Water quality & technical requirements

Type 3 pools must fully comply with the following:

• • Continuous water renewal (full renewal within required time; 4 hours for existing pools).
  • Chemical requirements: pH 7.2–8.0; total alkalinity 80–120 mg/L.
  • Water must be visibly clear: Secchi disc visibility standard.
  • Monthly microbiological testing: by an accredited laboratory.
  • Recirculation system: must operate during pool use; include pumps, filters, flow meters, pressure gauges.
  • Water quality: water used for drinking fountains, washbasins, toilets, and showers, must be fit for human consumption.
  • Filtration standards and backwashing requirements.
  • Continuous disinfection (e.g., chlorine) with required free-chlorine levels checked at least 3 times daily.
  • Record-keeping of water tests in the official logbook.

Pool operation & maintenance

Key mandatory practices:

• • Keeping auxiliary areas (changing rooms, toilets) clean only if such facilities exist.
  • Daily removal of visible debris from the pool.
  • Suspension of pool use if hygiene or safety is compromised.

Responsible pool operator

Swimming pool managers must appoint a responsible person who meets minimum criteria:

• • 21+ years old, secondary education, clean criminal record.
  • First aid and health certificates are optional.
  • Duties include water renewal, disinfection monitoring, maintaining records, posting signs, and ensuring safe operation.

Safety measures

All pools must display basic safety and hygiene signs. Equipment requirements differ:

Mandatory measures

• • Rescue poles and life rings
  • First-aid kit
  • Emergency contact information

Optional measures

• • Spinal board
  • Manual resuscitator (BVM)
  • Dedicated emergency treatment area

Maximum number of bathers

Type 3 pools must follow the formula in the Seventh Table in the Regulations to determine maximum bather load.

Obligations of bathers

Type 3 pools must display and enforce bather obligations, including showering, hygiene, and safety rules.

Miscellaneous

• • Type 3 pools must comply with all applicable public health laws in addition to the regulations.
  • If auxiliary installations (spa, jacuzzi, etc.) exist, additional rules apply.

Owners or committees of existing communal pools must complete all required steps—including the audit, appointment of a “Responsible Person,” any necessary corrective works, and registration with the competent authority by 25 January 2026.

Download my 2-page Compliance Checklist for Type 3 Swimming Pools

Rules for small communal pool & private pools

If your pool serves 5 or less apartments and/or properties in a building complex, the rules are much simpler; most are not mandatory – they are recommended.

Private pools include those that serve an individual residential unit for use by the unit’s owner(s), their family and guests – including those who rent the unit.

Water quality & technical requirements

Recommended standards include:

• • Maintaining chemically safe water (pH 7.2–8.0; alkalinity 80–120 mg/L).
  • Keeping water clear to Secchi-disc visibility levels.
  • Ensuring continuous water renewal and proper circulation.
  • Using proper filtration and disinfection systems.
  • Conducting periodic microbiological testing.
  • Maintaining basic operational records for water checks.

Although not legally mandatory, private pools are expected to follow these guidelines for health and safety.

Operation & maintenance

This includes guidance on:

• • Keeping the pool clean and free of debris.
  • Cleaning any auxiliary areas (e.g., toilets, showers) if they exist.
  • Taking action if hygiene or safety risks arise.

Private pools are not subject to the staffing or operational obligations imposed on Type 3 pools.

Required safety measures

Examples of required safety measures:

• • Posting simple safety and hygiene rules.
  • Keeping a basic first-aid kit.
  • Having rescue equipment (e.g., pole, life ring).

Miscellaneous provisions

Private pools must still comply with general public health legislation, but the Swimming Pools Regulations themselves impose no mandatory operational or staffing requirements on private pools.

Download my 1-page Compliance Checklist for Private Swimming Pools