Who can use the community pool? 2022 regulations, capacity limits and health recommendations

Are there any regulations for pool openings?

You can pretty much do everything the way you did before the pandemic. However, there are some recommendations to follow, which we explain below.

Cleaning and disinfecting

• You should thoroughly clean and disinfect the pool based on how much it’s used.
• Focus on disinfecting communal areas, especially those that receive the most contact, such as doorknobs, tables, furniture, handrails, floors, phones, hangers and the like.
• Provide hand sanitiser or disinfectant dispensers for the public and workers at the entrance to the facility.

People with COVID

• Anyone who is diagnosed with COVID-19 or thinks they may have it must avoid close contact with others. Don’t go to the pool if you have any symptoms.

Masks

• Mask use is recommended in communal areas for the over 60s and the vulnerable whenever social distancing can’t be guaranteed. The same applies for enclosed public spaces or places where social distancing is not possible.

Ventilation

• Keep indoor spaces (changing rooms, toilets etc.) and indoor swimming pools well ventilated.

Is a lifeguard mandatory at the pool?

It depends on which autonomous community you’re in.

In the Community of Madrid a lifeguard is mandatory for properties of more than 30 homes. Lifeguards are only mandatory in Catalonia, the Valencian Community and Andalusia for pools larger than 200 square metres, while in Murcia its 250 square metres.

You can get more detailed information in this articleWe also want to focus on recommendations to prevent children drowning in pools. After traffic accidents, drowning is Spain’s second most common cause of preventable death in children under 14. These types of accidents tend to occur more frequently in private pools involving children under 5.

Preventing children from drowning in small pools

Children can drown very quickly. It can take less than 30 seconds and the water can be as shallow as 6 centimetres.

Therefore, it’s essential that:

• Swimming pools are properly enclosed, preventing access by children when the facilities are not open.
• Children are always accompanied by an adult when a lifeguard is not present.
• Children don’t engage in rough play near the pool, such as pushing and jumping.

You must notify the authorities if there’s an accident.

Recommended article: Do I have to wear a mask in the lift?

Can I have guests in the pool this year? Are there capacity limits?

There are no rules banning owners from inviting their family and friends to enjoy the community pool. So, there are no COVID-related capacity limits. The community of owners is responsible for setting any access limits, although this will often be covered in the community’s bylaws. The same applies to all other potential restrictions, such as animal access to garden areas, the use of inflatable mats and pool toys, and swimming hours.