An overview of pool and spa regulations in Mediterranean countries with a focus on the tourist industry

Abstract

The Mediterranean area is densely populated and a very popular tourist destination. This study aimed at gathering up-to-date information on current national pool and spa regulations. We formulated and duly distributed to 20 Mediterranean countries a questionnaire divided into two sections: for pool and spa facilities, respectively. The questionnaire was formulated in such a way that a positive answer would imply that the specific topic was addressed effectively. While all 20 countries responded to the swimming-pool-related questionnaire, only 11 of these countries reported the existence of spa-related regulations. When combining the response overall of all countries for pool and spa facilities together, of a grand total of 606 answers, 183 (30.2%) were positive. The positive answers in the pool section of the questionnaire were 29% of the total of 420 answers while positive answers in the spa section of the questionnaire were fewer (27.8% of the total of 176 answers). The countries were grouped by geographical area of the Mediterranean basin where they are situated. Also, the questions were grouped into broad thematic categories. The paper presents conclusions drawn on the basis of the data received according to these geographical and thematic groupings.

Assessment of Microbiological Safety of Water in Public Swimming Pools in Guangzhou, China

“…In addition to drinking water, which serves as a route for waterborne illness worldwide, especially in developing countries [ 5 ], exposure to recreational water also frequently causes outbreaks of waterborne diseases in both developed and developing countries [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. For examples of recreational water related outbreaks in developed countries, there have been reports of waterborne disease associated with swimming pools in Australia [ 10 ], England and Wales [ 11 ] and other countries [ 12 ].…”

Recreational Use of Spa Thermal Waters: Criticisms and Perspectives for Innovative Treatments

“…Nowadays, the increase in wellness awareness and fitness expectations has led to the exploitation of thermal waters and extended spa businesses, based on the notion of a joint interaction between natural resources and manmade enterprises [8]. Collectively, the spa economy is estimated at $94 billion, with a consistent growth perspective in the coming decades [9]. Indeed, the global wellness economy had amplified the demand and the offer of products or services based on mineral waters, sea and hot spring resources [8,9].…”

“…Collectively, the spa economy is estimated at $94 billion, with a consistent growth perspective in the coming decades [9]. Indeed, the global wellness economy had amplified the demand and the offer of products or services based on mineral waters, sea and hot spring resources [8,9]. Specifically, the spa and recreational thermal water tourism mainly flows towards Europe, mostly in German-speaking and Mediterranean countries, but also in North America and Southeast Asia [8,9,10,11].…”

“…Indeed, the global wellness economy had amplified the demand and the offer of products or services based on mineral waters, sea and hot spring resources [8,9]. Specifically, the spa and recreational thermal water tourism mainly flows towards Europe, mostly in German-speaking and Mediterranean countries, but also in North America and Southeast Asia [8,9,10,11]. The application of thermal waters in swimming pools, spa and wellness centers represents a renewed and promising tool for prevention, rehabilitation, and health promotion, providing possible physical, mental or social benefits to patients and several groups of people [1,12].…”

Recreational Use of SPA Thermal Waters: Criticisms and Perspectives for Innovative Treatments

“…Nowadays, the increase in wellness awareness and fitness expectations has led to exploit thermal waters and extend spa busines, based on a joined interaction between natural resources and manmade enterprises [8]. Collectively, the spa economy is estimated at $94 billion, with a consistent growth perspective in the coming decades [9]. Indeed, the global wellness economy had amplified the demand and the offer of products or services based on mineral waters, sea and hot spring resources [8,9].…”