Question: What are the requirements for testing pool water for a body corporate building? I’m looking for some direction from the legislation or are there Australian Standards?
Answer: Most body corporate pools will have an appointed company that carries out testing and maintenance. Speak to your contractor and ask them what process they undertake.
Queensland Health’s website — Pools, spas and other recreational water bodies states that:
‘There are no Queensland Government laws for water quality at public aquatic facilities (pools, spas, water parks etc) although, under the Public Health Act 2005, a public aquatic facility must not pose a public health risk.’
They have also produced an extensive factsheet: Water quality guidelines for public aquatic facilities.
The website also has a free risk assessment tool you can use to assess your pool as well as posters you can print around pool hygiene.
The quality of the water could also be subject to council regulation. We are aware of situations where the council has mandated that a pool must be tested on a regular basis and records kept onsite. Specific regulations may vary from council to council, so you would probably need to contact your individual council about this. Certainly, if you had a major concern that had been raised and ignored, you could bring the issue to the council’s attention.
Otherwise, most body corporate pools will have an appointed company that carries out testing and maintenance. Speak to your contractor and ask them what process they undertake.
And, if you are concerned about the quality of the pool water, then you can raise that issue with the Committee – perhaps send through a motion if you are not a Committee member – or look at changing contractors if you are in a position to do so.
William Marquand Tower Body Corporate E: willmarquand@towerbodycorporate.com.au P: 07 5609 4924