PoolMark is the UK National Standard for quality, healthy pools. The PoolMark certification is an assurance to operators and to the public that the pool meets essential healthy pool operational standards.
The PWTAG Code of Practice provides pool operators with a structured plan for the technical operation of their pool. The Code ensures that the pool meets quality standards that provide a healthy experience for swimmers. For this reason all UK pools are encouraged to follow it.
Following the Code gives an assurance to operators and the public that the pool meets essential healthy pool operational standards. The Code is designed, among other things, to meet the health challenge of one of the greatest threats that the sector has to deal with – the chlorine-resistant pathogen, Cryptosporidium.
The Code is based on the 2017 PWTAG book, Swimming Pool Water: treatment and quality standards for pools and spas. It does not replace the book. Operators should still refer to it, and it provides some of the basis for PWTAG’s training material.
What are the benefits of PoolMark accreditation?
You will be sure yourself that the pool is safe and comfortable for bathers.
You will have the reputation and authority of PWTAG behind you.
If anything does go wrong at the pool, you will be able to demonstrate – in court if necessary – that you were following the best available guidelines; without this protection, you are vulnerable.
Bathers can be assured – by you and by the PoolMark plaque – that the pool is approved.
You can rely on the authority of the organisations that endorse PWTAG – Public Health England, Health & Safety Executive etc.
What do you get in return?
document – which is free to view on this website.Its syllabus defines the knowledge and onsite skills that lead to competence. Pools themselves can assess staff knowledge against the syllabus, or it can be used as the basis of a training programme.
PWTAG itself does not do the training; that is provided by training organisations accredited by PWTAG. Their staff are qualified to PWTAG standards.
The accredited training organisation, and not PWTAG, will provide updates.