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Aquatic facilities at temporary, short stay or holiday accommodations

Any water body (spa pool, swimming pool, swimming bath, water slide and wave pool) located at a temporary, short stay or holiday accommodation operated as a business is considered an aquatic facility under the Health (Aquatic Facilities) Regulations 2007 (Regulations).

A temporary, short stay or holiday accommodation is considered a single house which is used for short stay accommodation registered with the local government as an approved holiday home (in accordance with Western Australia Planning Commission Planning Bulletin 99).

Do I need to obtain approval to operate the aquatic facility?

If you are operating the premises as a business, approval for the aquatic facility is required. 

Under the Regulations, a person must not operate an aquatic facility without a Certificate of Compliance and Permit to Operate issued by the Chief Health Officer (CHO).

Under Regulation 5(3) the CHO may exempt an aquatic facility if satisfied that:

  1. only persons who have a long-term connection with the facility and their guests are permitted to have access to it; and
  2. the health and safety of the persons using the facility will not be compromised; and
  3. it is in the public interest to exempt the facility.

Can my aquatic facility be exempted?

Yes. To be exempted, you must demonstrate to the CHO that you fulfil the 3 conditions above. AFTER AN EXEMPTION IS GIVEN YOU ARE STILL REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT:

  1. The aquatic facility is structurally sound and is approved as a Class 10b structure under the Building Code.
  2. The surface finish of the aquatic facility allows patrons to be fully visible at all areas, at all depth of the water body and at all times when the facility is in use.
  3. The concourse and surface finish of the aquatic facility must be slip-resistant and adequately maintained to prevent slips, trips and falls.
  4. There are sufficient means of access and egress into and out of the water body.
  5. All steps and protrusions in the water body are clearly visible.
  6. There are sufficient depth markers informing the patrons of the depth of the water body.
  7. The aquatic facility’s water treatment and recirculation system is adequate in treating the water to a quality that is safe for the patrons and designed to fail-safe at all times.
  8. The aquatic facility’s water recirculation system does not pose the risk of entrapment or injury to the patrons and provides for the safe operation of skimmer boxes and outlet systems.
  9. All electrical equipment and electrical installations comply with WA Electrical Requirements and have been installed by a licensed electrician.
  10. All occupants of the premises must be informed of all hazards associated with the facility and agree to the pool safety rules and conditions of use before the facility is made available for use.
  11. Rescue equipment is readily accessible for use.
  12. All fencing and safety barriers for the facility comply with Australian Standards 1926.1.

Are there any other regulatory requirements I need to meet?

If the aquatic facility is exempted, you will only need to meet the regulatory requirements of the Local Government. Contact your local government for further assistance.

Further information

For further assistance, please contact the Environmental Health Directorate on 9222 2000.

Last reviewed: 08-12-2020
Produced by

Environmental Health Directorate

wa.gov.au