Swimming pools, saunas and spas
Resources and guidance for developing a COVID-19 Safety Plan for your commercial swimming pool, spa pool, sauna or steam room.
Ocean pools and baths
NSW Health categorises ocean pools as a ‘natural swimming pool’ rather than a ‘public swimming pool’ under the Public Health Regulation 2012.
As such, the Public Health Order requirements do not apply to ocean pools. However, NSW Health would expect that users respect physical distancing and the 4 square metre rule.
How many people are allowed
Full details are provided in the physical distancing section of the COVID-19 Safety Plan.
| Activity at a swimming pool | Maximum capacity summary |
|---|---|
| Attendance | Ensure the number of people at a swimming pool facility does not exceed one person per 4 square metres of space (excluding staff). |
| Classes | A maximum of 20 participants, plus the instructor and any assistants, may attend a swimming or aquatic exercise class in a space that complies with one participant per 4 square metres. |
COVID-19 Safety Plans are mandatory
Under Public Health Orders all swimming pools, saunas and spas must complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
Businesses should also consider the benefits of registering as COVID Safe.
Complete the plan in consultation with staff, then share it with them.
Keep your plan up to date
You may need to update the plan in the future, as restrictions and advice changes.
You will need to have an up to date plan at your premises at all times and be able to show it to an authorised officer if requested.
Your COVID-19 Safety Plan
You can either:
- use the provided COVID-19 Safety Plan to address the checklist of matters for your commercial swimming pool, spa pool, sauna or steam room
- keep using your existing plan, if you have one, after making sure it includes all the items in the provided COVID-19 Safety Plan.
Complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan
Things to note:
- If you complete the plan online it will take 30 to 45 minutes and must be completed in one session.
- You may need to review current NSW Health guidance on the following areas before completing your plan:
- Also ensure COVID-19 Safety Plans are in place, where relevant, for:
- gyms
- restaurants and cafes (for kiosks or canteens)
Register as a COVID Safe business
If you've completed your COVID-19 Safety Plan, you can register as COVID Safe.
Related information
Links
- Penalties for businesses breaching public health orders
- Customer record keeping
- QR codes
- COVID-19 posters and signage
- Business helplines and other support
- Grants and loans
- Office of Sport COVID-19 Information
- Translated resources
- COVID-19 Safety Plans for businesses with multiple addresses
- Launch of COVID safe summer plan
Last updated: 2 October 2020