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In terms of swimming pools, the regulations are regional in nature, and in specific cases there are also local council regulations. If you live in a building with a swimming pool, should any doubts arise, our advice is to go to the Regional Health Department and find out about the regulations concerning communal swimming pools.  There are clear differences between one part of Spain and another concerning swimming pool safety and hygiene conditions. 

Along with legally binding regulations, which must be fulfilled to the letter, there are rules of coexistence and internal rules, guidelines that must appear in the Residents’ Association Rules –where they exist- or which must have been agreed at a Residents’ Meeting. These rules of coexistence may be amended or complemented by other rules should the residents see fit, in virtue of new needs. All amendments must be incorporated in the Residents’ Association Rules and in the Minutes Book. The regulations for communal swimming pools must be displayed in a visible place so that all users have access to them. 

Proper use of the facilities

There are no defined criteria for drawing up the rules of coexistence for communal swimming pools. There are housing estates and residential buildings where the owners have established strict regulations refusing access to non-residents and pets, and which forbid ball games and bringing food into the swimming pool area. However, in other cases the rules for use are limited to hygiene, technical and safety conditions. 

The most important aspect, in this respect, is that residents agree on a set of rules that benefit everyone, guarantee the good condition of the facilities and prevent unnecessary risks, particularly for children. All users with small children should be made aware of the importance of keeping an eye on them, as well as preventing them from jumping dangerously from diving boards. There are many accidents each summer for these reasons. 

Where limitations are concerned, these should be established using common sense. Preventing non-residents from using the swimming pool may be excessive, but you could indicate a maximum number of guests per resident so that the facilities are not swamped. The same thing is true of pets. If there are not any pets where you live, the best thing to do is to reach an agreement with pet owners establishing that they can take them to the swimming pool when there are not many people there. 

Hygiene and maintenance

It is essential to have a maintenance contract with a specialist company, so that the swimming pool mechanisms are regularly serviced and the correct pH and chlorine levels are maintained. Furthermore, the following hygiene conditions must be included on your sheet of rules of coexistence: 

Use of flip-flops or rubber-soled shoes in the swimming pool area, changing rooms and showers in order to prevent infections and prevent people from falling over in slippery areas. 

Taking a shower before swimming so as to prevent the oil from suntan lotions from entering the water. It is recommendable that users also shower after swimming. 

Do not throw objects, waste, grass, etc, into the swimming pool. 

Place any paper, packaging, leftover food, containers or waste in a plastic bag and throw it in the bin when you leave. 

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