Swimming pools: Permit to construct and licence to operate

Construction and operation of swimming pools is regulated by the Swimming Pools (Control) Act and the Control of Swimming Pools Regulations.

These regulations stipulate that swimming pools situated more than 100 metres from the seashore can only be filled with freshwater. This regulation also applies to old swimming pools as from four years from the publication date of the legal notice (1998). Discharges from seawater pools may only be made directly to the sea.

Contraventions are liable to a fine of between € 698.81 (Lm300) and € 2329.37 (Lm1000) on conviction. 


Swimming pool permit process

The application process for the “permit to construct” a swimming pools starts with the development application to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA).

MEPA sends this development application directly to MRA – the intervention of the applicant is not required. 

The applicant then receives from MRA the Swimming Pool Registration form. 

The following charges apply:

	€ 2.33 per cubic meter for pools used solely by the applicant and his family and
	€ 3.49  per cubic meter capacity for commercial pools.

An administrative fee of € 34.94 is charged in both cases.

Following receipt of the completed application, architect’s plans, a permit to construct is issued via MEPA. Where the application is approved, a licence to operate and use of the swimming pool is issued by MRA. 

Contact details are available here.


Swimming pool licence renewal process

A licence to operate a swimming pool expires on the 31 December of each year.

MRA normally sends a renewal notice or letter including a renewal application form and charge at this time of the year. This is to be completed and any wrong or incomplete information corrected and returned to MRA.

Fees are:

For a swimming pool used solely and exclusively by the applicant and his family:

	with fresh water ................................€ 2.33 per m3 capacity
	with sea water ……………………..... € 58.23

For a swimming pool used solely and exclusively by a philanthropic society ............ nil


For any other swimming pool:

	used with fresh water ......................... € 3.49 per m3 capacity up to €2329.37.
	used with sea water ........……………. €349.41.

The licence is normally processed within 10 working days and returned to the applicant by post.

Contact details are available here.