Operation of public swimming pools | Redland City Council

Operation of public swimming pools

The operation of a public swimming pool in Redland City requires an approval under the Local Law. Examples of public uses include:

  • aquatic centres
  • learn to swim pools
  • gym and health centre pools
  • hydrotherapy pools (including flotation therapy pools, recovery pools)
  • holiday accommodation pools
  • club pools
  • private school pools

Before you start

If you are starting a new public swimming pool, taking over or making changes to an existing business, you will need to consider planning, building, and plumbing approvals. Contact Council for further information prior to commencing work.

How to apply to operate a public swimming pool

Complete the Public Swimming Pool Approval Application form online and select the option 'apply for a new public swimming pool approval'. Please refer to Council's Fee's and Charges for the applicable application fee.

Council will be in contact to discuss your application and seek further information if required.

For your reference, Schedule 1 of the Subordinate Local Law 1.10 (Operation of Swimming Pools) 2015, details the documents and materials that must accompany an application and conditions that could be on your approval.

Renewal of public swimming pool approval

The renewal of your public swimming pool approval attracts an annual fee.

  • A renewal notice is emailed to you 60 days prior to the approval's expiry.
  • All Approvals expire on 30 September each year.
  • A certificate of approval is posted to you once the annual fee is paid.

If you need to amend details on your existing approval or require a copy of your approval, contact Council.

How to transfer an existing public swimming pool approval

To apply for a public swimming pool approval when taking over an existing business, follow the below steps:

Step 1 – Current owner to surrender their approval

Submit a Public Swimming Pool Approval Application form online and select the option ‘surrender my public swimming pool approval’.

Step 2 – Purchaser to apply for their approval

Submit a Public Swimming Pool Approval Application form online and select the option ‘apply for a public swimming pool approval transfer for an existing business’.

Step 3 – Purchaser to pay the required fees

Once Council receives both forms, an invoice will be emailed to the purchaser for the below:

  1. The transfer application fee of $386 (this is a once-off fee for the assessment and approval of the application).

  2. The pro-rata approval fee (this fee is calculated based on the annual approval fees and is dependent on the remaining time left in the licensing period).

Please note: Once the payment and both forms are received, Council will assess your application within 30 days and contact you if further information is required or will issue the Public Swimming Pool Approval once approved.

Step 4 – Issuing of Public Swimming Pool Approval

Once the application is approved, Council will email/post the Public Swimming Pool Approval to the purchaser.

Please note: All approvals have an annual expiry date of 30 September. The renewal notice will be emailed at least 60 days prior to the expiration date.

Amendments to an existing public swimming pool approval

This process is for making changes to an existing public swimming pool approval.

  1. Complete the Public Swimming Pool Approval Application form online and select the option 'make an amendment to an existing public swimming pool approval'. A fee for the amendment application may apply.
  2. Council will contact you should additional information be required to process your application.
  3. When Council approves your application, you can commence operation in accordance with the approved conditions.

How to comply with your approval conditions

If you are operating a public swimming pool, you must have a current approval and comply with the relevant legislation and all conditions on your approval.

When managing the water quality of your public swimming pool you must follow Queensland Health Water quality guidelines for public aquatic facilities (December 2019)

If you have any questions about your approval conditions, please contact Council.

Routine inspections

Council officers will conduct routine inspections to monitor conditions of your swimming pool approval.

Enforcement

If you are not complying with your approval conditions enforcement actions may result in one or more of the following:

  • a letter being issued requiring action or work to be conducted
  • a compliance notice being issued requiring action to be taken or work to be conducted
  • a stop order to immediately cease the activity
  • penalty infringement notice (PIN or on-the-spot fine)
  • suspension of an approval
  • cancellation of an approval
  • prosecution

Make a complaint

Contact Council to report an issue with the operation of a public swimming pool.

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