21.04.2024
A new law passed in Cyprus will eliminate the need for lifeguards for swimming pools in complexes of fewer than five residential units. Previous rules were so strict that many complexes rented out to tourists or sold to private individuals have been forced to close their pools in recent years.
At the end of 2023, a bill was introduced aimed at improving the legislation relating to the characteristics and inspections of public and private swimming pools. The revised bill, which is currently before the Legal Service, proposes three categories of swimming pools:
- Swimming pools in water parks.
- Hotel and tourist accommodation complexes, including those serving more than five residential units.
- All other properties are less than five, which are rented out to tourists or sold.
Depending on the category, permits for the construction of real estate will be issued and periodic inspections will be carried out. Specifically, the bill states that pools in the first two categories will undergo systematic health and safety inspections, while those in the third category will only undergo sampling. In addition, lifeguards will now only work in pools that fall into the first two categories.
The problem arises because Cyprus has for many years classified swimming pools located in private complexes as public, subjecting them to strict laws designed for public facilities.
This has led to expanded requirements for obtaining a public pool license, including specific construction standards, the presence of a qualified lifeguard on duty at all times, and professional supervision of pool maintenance.
Peyia councilor Linda Leblanc has been advocating for a legal distinction between private communal swimming pools and public ones since 2007. Over the years, she has repeatedly stressed that Cyprus could easily implement EU standards, which classify complexes with communal swimming pools for property owners, their guests and families as Type 3 swimming pools, taking into account standards other than public swimming pools. Leblanc highlighted the detrimental impact of current laws on Cypriot tourism and property markets, calling for a speedy solution to the problem.
Currently, private holiday villas offered for rent on platforms such as Airbnb are also under scrutiny. Complex owners are informed that their pools require operating licenses because they are considered government owned, resulting in closures and financial losses for property owners.
Russell Flick, a communal property specialist living in Limassol , started an online petition demanding the law be changed. The petition has received more than 8,000 signatures, enough to pass it to parliament. However, despite widespread support for reform, progress has been slow. He believes that strict enforcement of swimming pool laws, especially in the Paphos area, has led to many complex owners becoming frustrated and in financial difficulties.
The situation has also raised concerns among potential home buyers and investors, who may be put off by the uncertainty surrounding swimming pool regulations. This could have long-term implications for Cyprus’ tourism and property sectors, which rely heavily on attracting foreign investment and visitors.
As discussions on the Home Office’s proposed legislation continue, stakeholders remain hopeful for meaningful reforms that will address concerns raised by both property owners and industry experts. However, there is an urgent need for swift action to modernize swimming pool regulations and ensure the sustainability of the Cypriot tourism and property market in the future.
