Legal Safety Requirements
While the UK does not have a law identical to France's 2003 regulation, campsite operators must ensure that swimming pools meet general health and safety standards under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, along with the HSE Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools guidelines.
Recommended safety equipment includes:
- Fencing around pool areas to restrict unsupervised child access.
- Pool alarms to detect unauthorised access or accidental falls.
- Safety covers or pool enclosures when the pool is not in use.
Failure to implement reasonable safety measures can result in liability in case of accidents and fines following an investigation.
Supervision and Staffing
The level of supervision depends on how the pool is used:
- Public access pools (including where non-residents pay to enter) must be monitored by qualified lifeguards such as NPLQ-certified staff.
- Private pools for guest use only are not legally required to be lifeguarded, unless organised activities such as swimming lessons or aqua classes are provided—then supervision becomes mandatory.
A documented Pool Safety Operating Procedure (PSOP), including a Normal Operating Procedure (NOP) and Emergency Action Plan (EAP), is recommended by the HSE.
Water Quality and Hygiene Standards
Campsite pools must meet high standards of cleanliness and water quality:
- Water must remain visibly clear—bottom of the pool should be visible at all times.
- pH levels should be maintained between 7.2 and 7.6 for effective disinfection.
- Regular microbiological testing is advised to check bacteria levels are within safe limits.
Daily testing and proper record-keeping are strongly encouraged and may be requested during inspections or in case of incidents.
Mandatory Signage
Campsites must display the following clearly around pool areas:
- Minimum and maximum depths for each pool.
- Pool rules, including opening hours, usage guidelines, and maximum bather load.
- Emergency instructions and behaviour guidance.
- Locations of first aid kits, life-saving equipment, and emergency contact numbers.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If safety regulations are ignored and an incident occurs, campsite operators may face:
- Fines and potential closure by local Environmental Health Officers (EHOs).
- Legal action under civil and criminal law, especially in the event of injury or drowning.
Compliance is essential to protect both your business and your guests.
Recommended Best Practices
- Train staff in basic first aid and water safety awareness (e.g. STA Pool Emergency Procedures).
- Equip pool areas with a lifebuoy, rescue hook, and visible defibrillator (AED).
- Install clear, multilingual signage for pool use and risks.
- Increase supervision during peak hours or hot weather periods, even if not legally required.
By exceeding minimum obligations, you significantly improve guest satisfaction and reduce risks.
Sample Pool Rules for Your Campsite
Below is a model set of internal pool rules you can adapt and display:
- All bathers must shower and use footbaths before entering the pool.
- Shoes are not allowed on poolside areas.
- Visitors may only enter designated public areas.
- Footbaths must not be misused.
- No smoking or chewing gum, except in outdoor rest zones.
- No spitting.
- No animals allowed in the pool area.
- No food waste or litter should be left behind.
- Running or diving is strictly prohibited except in designated zones.
- Guests with visible skin conditions must provide a non-contagion certificate before entering.