A new Common Ministerial Decision (CMD) establishes a clear and uniform procedure for the opening of swimming pools located within tourist accommodation and special tourist infrastructure facilities. This decision also directly affects owners of tourist villas and residences that have a Single Special Operating Label (SSO), as it sets a new compliance framework aimed at enhancing safety and facilitating controls.
Who it concerns
The new decision applies to all operators of tourist accommodation with a swimming pool. In particular, for owners of residential properties with an ESL (i.e. the categories of villas and holiday homes), the obligation applies if the swimming pool is shared or used by more than one guest.
Which pools are excluded
Notification is not required for swimming pools that are not communal, but exclusively serve specific rooms or residences (e.g. a private swimming pool in a villa), provided that they are declared in the notification of the accommodation and the relevant documentation is kept. In this case no fee is charged and no separate procedure is required.
Read also: What are the best Airbnb pool furniture and how to showcase them
The notification procedure
The notification of pool operation is submitted exclusively through the OPS-ADE (Integrated Information System for the Exercise of Activities and Controls) platform. If the swimming pool is part of the tourist accommodation and the operator is the same as the operator of the accommodation, the notification shall be submitted as a single notification. However, if the operator of the pool is different (e.g. a third party operator), a separate notification is required.
Each notification shall be given a unique number and time stamp, which must be kept in the establishment’s file and be available to the competent authorities upon inspection.
What you need for the file
The file to be kept by the owner or manager of accommodation with a swimming pool includes (indicatively):
proof of submission of the notification,
planning evidence (permit or legalisation of construction),
engineering certificate for E/M installations,
blueprints and technical report,
safety information (lifeguard, signage, life jackets, etc.),
water quality certificates,
proof of payment of a deposit,
sworn statements.
In addition, if there are water slides or water toys, a certificate of compliance with the relevant European standards is required.
Fee and fines
Notification shall entail the payment of a fee of EUR 300 for each swimming pool. In the event of a change of operator, a new fee of 50% of the original amount (EUR 150) is payable.
For omissions or infringements, fines of between €500 and €20,000 are foreseen, depending on the severity, the capacity of the accommodation and the repeat offence. In particular, for failure to notify a change of operator, the fine is up to EUR 1,000 or 2,000, depending on the capacity.
Compliance deadline for existing swimming pools
Those who already have a swimming pool in tourist accommodation are given 90 days from the publication of the decision (11 June 2025) to update their file or submit a notification if this has not been done. No fee is required for these cases, but failure to comply within the deadline will result in fines.
Why compliance is important
This decision not only imposes administrative obligations, but also enhances transparency and safety for visitors. The digitalisation of the process, through the OPS-ADE platform, enhances the efficiency of controls and simplifies the process for owners. In addition, keeping a file with all the required documentation protects owners from serious administrative sanctions, including the closure of the pool.
Owners of tourist villas and residences with ESL that have a swimming pool are urged to proceed immediately with the required notification and ensure full compliance with the new provisions. This is an institutional intervention that upgrades the services provided and protects against unpleasant consequences in an environment of increasing control in the tourism sector.
