Understanding Cyprus Swimming Pool Regulations: Your 2025 FAQ Guide

Cyprus Swimming Pool Regulations 2025 Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Q1: When did the new Swimming Pool Law come into effect?: The Swimming Pool Law of 2025 (Law 137(I)/2025) and its regulations came into effect in July 2025, replacing the previous legislation from the 1990s.

Q2: Do I need to do anything if my pool was already operating before the new law?: Yes, existing pool operators have 6 months from the law's effective date to notify the competent authority about their operations. Type 1 and Type 2 pools must also obtain new operating licenses.

Q3: What happens to my existing pool license?: Valid licenses issued under the previous law remain in effect until their expiration date, after which you must apply for a new license under the current regulations.

Pool Classification Questions

Q4: How do I know which type my pool is classified as?:

• Type 1: Water activities are your primary business (public pools, sports facilities, water parks)

• Type 2: Pool is an additional service to your main business (hotels, spas, clubs)

• Type 3: All other pools, including self-catering accommodations (except private pools serving ≤5 residential units)

Q5: My hotel has multiple pools. Do I need separate licenses?: If pools are served by a common system, you can submit one unified application. Each pool with independent systems requires separate documentation.

Q6: Are private residential pools covered by these regulations?: Private pools serving up to 5 residential units are exempt from licensing requirements but may still be subject to safety regulations.

Licensing and Permits

Q7: How long does it take to get an operating license?: The competent authority must process applications within 3 months of receiving all required documentation.

Q8: What are the fees for licensing?: ( as estimated)

• New license: €100

• License renewal: €50

• Re-issuance after changes: €85

• Health service certification: €98

Q9: How long is an operating license valid?: Operating licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Q10: Can I operate while my license application is pending?: For renewals, your existing license remains valid until a decision is made. For new applications, you cannot operate without a valid license.

Safety and Staffing Requirements

Q11: Do all pools need lifeguards?: Type 1 and Type 2 pools require qualified safety supervisors (lifeguards). Some exceptions apply to specific Type 2 configurations (e.g., small hotel room pools, pools serving ≤5 rooms).

Q12: What qualifications do safety supervisors need?: Safety supervisors must have:

• Valid lifeguarding certificate

• First aid certificate

• Health certificate

• Clean criminal record

Q13: Can one lifeguard supervise multiple pools?: In limited cases, one supervisor can monitor up to 2 adjacent Type 2 pools if they have full visual contact and immediate accessibility.

Water Quality and Testing

Q14: How often must I test the water?:

• Chemical parameters (pH, chlorine): At least 3 times daily during operation

• Microbiological testing: Monthly, or more frequently if required by health authorities

Q15: What are the acceptable pH levels?: pH must be maintained between 7.20 and 8.00.

Q16: Who can collect water samples for testing?: Only qualified samplers: health inspectors, state laboratory staff, or accredited private laboratory personnel.

Technical Requirements

Q17: What are the water circulation requirements?: Water must be continuously renewed according to specific timeframes:

• Type 3 pools: Maximum 4 hours

• Type 1 & 2 recreation pools: 1-2.5 hours depending on depth

• Training/competition pools: Up to 4 hours

Q18: Do I need new certifications for electrical and mechanical systems? Yes, Type 1 and Type 2 pools require current electrical and mechanical system certification as part of the licensing process.

Compliance and Enforcement

Q19: What happens if I don't comply with the regulations?: Penalties include:

• Operating without license: Up to €10,000 fine

• Non-compliance with regulations: Up to €2,000 fine

• Continued violations: Additional daily fines

• Possible facility closure

Q20: How often will my pool be inspected?: Type 1 & 2 pools undergo systematic supervision. Type 3 pools are subject to sampling supervision, especially during summer months.

Q21: Can authorities close my pool immediately?: Yes, if there's immediate danger to public health or safety, authorities can order immediate closure until issues are resolved.

Business Operations

Q22: Can I transfer my operating license to someone else?: No, licenses are specific to the pool manager. If management changes, the license is automatically revoked and a new application must be submitted.

Q23: What records must I maintain?: You must keep detailed records of:

• Daily water quality measurements

• Chemical additions

• Number of bathers

• Maintenance activities

• Staff certifications

Q24: Do these regulations apply to seasonal pools?: Yes, all operational pools must comply regardless of seasonal operation. You must notify authorities when starting and stopping operations.

Swimming Pool Compliance Checklist

Complete Compliance Checklist for Cyprus Swimming Pools

INITIAL CLASSIFICATION ✅

•  Determine your pool type (Type 1, 2, or 3)

•  Identify if operating license is required

•  Confirm applicable regulations for your pool category

•  Review transitional provisions for existing facilities

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS (Type 1 & 2 Only)

Documentation Checklist ✅

•  Completed application form

•  Valid building permit or completion certificate

•  Health service certification (€98 fee)

•  Electrical systems certification

•  Mechanical systems certification

•  Pool operator designation and qualifications

•  Safety compliance declaration

•  Owner authorization (if applicable)

Application Process ✅

•  Submit application 3 months before intended operation

•  Pay required fees (€100 new / €50 renewal)

•  Coordinate inspections with authorities

•  Obtain final operating license

•  Display license prominently at facility

WATER QUALITY COMPLIANCE

Chemical Parameters ✅

•  pH maintained between 7.20-8.00

•  Total alkalinity: 80-120 mgHCO₃/L

•  Appropriate chlorine residual levels based on pH

•  Water transparency meets visibility standards

•  Proper chemical storage and handling procedures

Testing Schedule ✅

•  pH testing: Minimum 3 times daily

•  Chlorine testing: Minimum 3 times daily

•  Microbiological testing: Monthly

•  Record all test results in logbook

•  Immediate notification of exceedances

Water Treatment Systems ✅

•  Continuous circulation during operation

•  Proper filtration rate for pool type

•  Backup pump capacity (50-100% depending on size)

•  Flow meters and pressure gauges installed

•  Disinfection system properly calibrated

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Staffing ✅

•  Qualified pool operator appointed

•  Required number of safety supervisors on duty

•  All staff hold current certifications:

  •  Lifeguarding certificate

  •  First aid certificate

  •  Health certificate

  •  Clean criminal record

•  Staff training records maintained

Safety Equipment ✅

•  Rescue poles (length > half pool width)

•  Ring buoys with ropes (1 per 60m perimeter)

•  Elevated lifeguard chair (Type 1 & 2)

•  Fully equipped first aid kit

•  Emergency contact list posted

•  First aid room/area (Type 1 & 2)

•  Spinal immobilization equipment (Type 1 & 2)

Safety Signage ✅

•  Pool rules posted in Greek and English

•  Maximum capacity clearly displayed

•  Safety instructions visible

•  Emergency procedures posted

•  No diving signs where applicable

OPERATIONAL COMPLIANCE

Daily Operations ✅

•  Water quality testing and recording

•  Chemical adjustments as needed

•  Bather count monitoring

•  Safety equipment inspection

•  Facility cleanliness maintained

•  Staff supervision schedules

Record Keeping ✅

•  Daily water quality log

•  Chemical addition records

•  Bather number tracking

•  Maintenance activity log

•  Staff certification tracking

•  Incident reports (if any)

Facility Maintenance ✅

•  Regular pool cleaning (debris removal)

•  Filter backwashing schedule

•  Equipment maintenance records

•  Changing room cleanliness

•  Proper waste disposal

NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Authority Notifications ✅

•  Initial operation notification (Type 3)

•  Staff changes reported

•  Operational changes communicated

•  Incident reporting when required

•  Annual renewal applications submitted

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Emergency Procedures ✅

•  Written emergency response plan

•  Staff training on emergency procedures

•  Regular emergency drills conducted

•  Communication systems tested

•  Coordination with local emergency services

SEASONAL/CLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

Non-Operating Periods ✅

•  Proper pool covering when not in use

•  Water removal to prevent mosquito breeding

•  Adequate fencing for safety

•  Authority notification of closure

•  Security measures implemented

ONGOING COMPLIANCE MONITORING

Regular Reviews ✅

•  Monthly compliance self-assessment

•  Annual system inspections

•  Staff certification renewals

•  Equipment calibration checks

•  Regulatory update monitoring

Professional Support ✅

•  Legal compliance review scheduled

•  Professional consultation arranged

•  Insurance coverage verified

•  Violation response plan prepared

Priority Action Items for Immediate Compliance

Week 1-2:

•  Classify your pool type

•  Assess current compliance status

•  Identify immediate safety concerns

Week 3-4:

•  Begin staff certification process

•  Schedule technical inspections

•  Prepare license application

Month 2:

•  Submit license applications

•  Implement daily testing protocols

•  Install required safety equipment

Month 3:

•  Complete staff training

•  Finalize all certifications

•  Conduct compliance audit

📞 Need Help with Compliance?

Contact Law Chambers Nicos Papacleovoulou LLC CONTACTfor professional assistance with any aspect of swimming pool compliance in Cyprus. Our experienced legal team can guide you through each step of this checklist and ensure your facility meets all regulatory requirements.