Swimming Pool

Last Update on 07/12/2023

Operating a Public Swimming Pool

General Information

In order to operate a public swimming in the Republic of Cyprus, one needs to obtain a licence for the operation of public swimming pool by the Municipal Council of the Municipality within which the pool is planned to be located or in any other case by the District Officer of the District within which the pool is planned to be located.

The term “public swimming pool” refers to swimming pools that are indented for use by the general public or groups of people such as members of unions, educational institutes, hotels, tenants of apartment complexes etc irrespective of the swimming pool’s ownership and/or usage fee charged; the term does not include the swimming pool intended exclusively for use by the members of a family and /or their invitees.

Every physical person or legal entity is eligible to obtain permission to operate a public swimming pool, provided that the Municipal Council or the District Officer is satisfied that:

  • The Health Certificate has been obtained by the Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health (see related links) (in case where the pool is located in a District);
  • The Health Certificate has been obtained by the Health Services of the Municipality (see related links) (in case where the pool is located at a Municipality);
  • The Certificate of Approval has been obtained (see related links);
  • The Certificate of Appropriateness has been obtained by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department ensuring the suitability of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing facilities (see related links);
  • Full information is provided regarding the person designated as operator of the swimming pool.

The application for operating a public swimming pool can be submitted either through the PSC Cyprus or by contacting directly the local Municipal Council or District Administration Office depending on the location of the premises. The contact details of the local competent authorities are provided in related documents. The application form may vary according to the local Municipal Council or District Administration Office.

  1. The application should be accompanied by the following documents:

    • Original Certificate of Appropriateness issued by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department;
    • Copy of the Sanitary Certificate issued by the Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health (in case where the pool is located in a District);
    • Copy of the Sanitary Certificate issued by the Sanitary Services of the Municipality (in case where the pool is located at a Municipality);
    • Copy of the Certificate of Final Approval.

Upon approval, the applicant needs to pay the licence fee of €85.43 to the local District Administration Office/ Municipality accordingly (payable either by cash, cheque, or bank transfer).

The renewal fee is €51.26, while the renewal fee following changes or replacements taken place in the public swimming pool is €85.43.

It is noted that in case the licence has been recalled, the fee for the re-issuance of the licence is €85.43.

The applicant is informed regarding the authorisation decision within three months from the date that the application form and supporting documents were duly submitted.

The licence for the operation of a public swimming pool is valid for one year from the date of issue.

The licence is renewed by following the same procedure as described above; the renewal fee is €51.26, while the renewal fee following changes or replacements taken place in the public swimming pool is €85.43.

It is noted that in case the licence has been recalled, the fee for the re-issuance of the licence is €85.43.

Administrative Action against a Competent Authority’s Decision

Any person may file an Administrative Action at the Administrative Court against a decision, act, or omission of any competent authority or body.

Pursuant to Article 146 of the Constitution, an Administrative Action may be lodged within 75 days from the date of the decision or act or omission or from the day when such decision or act or omission was notified to the applicant.

The Administrative Court acts as a cassation Court and not as a substantive Court. In other words, the Administrative Court may:
I. Dismiss the Administrative Action
II. Annul wholly or partially the contested decision or act
III. Compel the relevant authority or body to take a certain action

After a decision is annulled, the authority and/or public body must reverse things back to the state prior to when the concerned decision and/or act was executed and reexamine.

Appeal Information

An Appeal may be filed against the Administrative Court’s first-instance decision within a period of 42 days from the date such a decision was given.

At the Supreme Court (Court of Appeal Section) hearing, the contested issue of the appeal remains the legality of the decision or act already adjudicated. However, such a revision of the legality of the decision or act is solely examined on the matters and the extent that the two parties have limited the reasons in the relevant notice of appeal.

The decision adopted by the Supreme Court is considered final in relation to the matter that has been judged.

Licensed persons to operate a public swimming pool are obliged to comply with the Public Swimming Pools Law N.55(I)/92 and N.105(I)/96 as well as the Regulations for Public Swimming Pools of 1996. Specifically, licensed operators of public swimming pools are obliged among others to ensure that:

  • A designated person is responsible for the proper functioning and preservation of the facilities;
  • The licence is exhibited at a prominent place within the public swimming pool;
  • The water of the swimming pools should be fully renewed during the usage time every four hours the latest.

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Public Health Services (in case where the pool is located in a District) or the Sanitary Services of the Municipality (in case where the pool is located at a Municipality) are the delegated bodies for the supervision of the licensed public swimming pools in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of the relevant Laws and Regulations and the terms of the licence.

Notably, at any time authorized officers of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Public Health Services (in case where the pool is located in a District) or the Sanitary Services of the Municipality (in case where the pool is located at a Municipality) may enter the licensed public swimming pools, inspect, collect water samples, gather copies or extracts of any related book or document, and any other information deemed necessary.