Recreational water facilities on cruise vessels — such as swimming pools, whirlpools, spa pools, interactive water play features, and children’s pools — are popular amenities but can present significant public health risks if not properly designed, operated, and maintained. The VSP 2025 Environmental Public Health Standards set strict requirements to ensure these facilities remain safe for guests and crew by preventing the spread of waterborne diseases and reducing exposure to harmful microorganisms like Legionella and Pseudomonas.

This chapter establishes standards for the entire life cycle of RWFs, including design specifications, construction, disinfection and water chemistry control, filtration and circulation, monitoring, and recordkeeping. It also outlines operational expectations such as maintaining proper free halogen residuals and pH levels, ensuring correct turnover rates, and performing routine microbiologic testing. Additionally, it provides guidance for system closures, corrective actions, and safe reopening after contamination or maintenance.