The Andalucian government is planning to bring into effect a series of stringent new laws regarding community pools, from January 1, 2008.

The laws will apply to pools which service more than 20 properties and address a number of safety issues. These include the following: children’s pools, pool ladders, showers, life buoys, toilets, first aid, lifeguards, surrounding deck and pool protection.

The laws also outline the minimum signs required to be displayed. These should represent:

•    No street clothes or shoes to be worn in the bathing area
•    All bathers must shower before entering the pool
•    Litter must be placed in bins provided
•    Bathing caps must be worn at indoor facilities
•    No pets allowed, except for guide dogs

There are also a number of additional signs and information that the laws dictate should be displayed in prominent positions such as water depth and the number for the Spanish emergency services.

Those interested in obtaining a full and updated version of the laws regarding community and communal pools in Andalucia should contact their local town hall in the first instance.