Public pools and spas pose potential health risks if not properly maintained. Disease causing organisms live and multiply in pool water that has not been properly treated and can result in eye, ear, skin and intestinal infection. Inadequate chemical balance of pool water can also cause skin rashes and conjunctivitis.

Council's Environmental Health Section inspects public pools and spas ensuring that they are maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Public and Environmental Health Act 1987 and the Department of Health Codes of Practice for the operation of swimming pools and spa pools in South Australia.

When inspecting public swimming pools, Environmental Health Officers look at a variety of requirements including:

• the pool must be fitted with an automatic doser
• the levels of disinfectant, pH and alkalinity
• regular testing
• operators knowledge.