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Pool & Spa Operators

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Recreational water facility operators

Under the Recreational Water Protocol, 2019, we are required to inspect public recreational water facilities such as pools, spas, wading pools, splash pads, spray pads and water slide receiving basins. The goal of these inspections is to help prevent or reduce water-related illnesses, injuries and death associated with recreational water. We inspect new and seasonal recreational water facilities upon opening and then on a routine basis each year.

Our inspections are to ensure compliance with the Ontario Public Pools Regulation 565. This regulation sets out the legal requirements for public recreational water facilities. Operators are required to be familiar with the regulation and ensure their facilities meet the legal requirements.

Pools used by the public are regulated under the Health Protection and Promotion Act R.S.O., 1990 (HPPA), Ontario Regulation 565 Public Pools (O. Reg 565) , and other applicable legislation such as local bylaws.

O. Reg 565 is in place to protect public health and reduce a swimmer’s exposure to potential dangers and risks in aquatic settings including water-borne illnesses, injuries and drownings. If pools are operated safely, water related illnesses and injury can be prevented. Owners of pools available for rent by the public are required to comply with the regulations and operating standards to protect the health and safety of swimmers. These legal requirements include residential pools rented for swimming lessons.    

Under O. Reg 565, you are required to notify your local health unit of your intent to operate.

Please complete the notification form available on our website here and click on the submit button in the top right corner of the page to e-mail the form to our health connection team.  Please note the notification form can only be submitted using internet Explorer of Firefox.

Residential pools rented by members of the public may also be subject to the legal requirements under Ontario Regulation 319 Small Drinking Water Systems. Additional information on small drinking water systems is available on our website here.

Please contact our Health Connection if you require further information, are unable to submit the notification form online or would like to speak to a public health professional weekdays between 8:30a.m. and 4:30p.m. by calling 705-721-7520, or 1-877-721-7520.

Owners and operators of newly constructed or altered public recreational water facilities, or facilities that have been closed for more than four weeks, are required to provide written notification to us at least 14 days before opening the facility for public use. You must complete a notification form to schedule an inspection. Please note: The notification form can only be submitted using Internet Explorer or Firefox (preferred).

You must receive written permission from one of our public health inspectors prior to opening or re-opening a public pool or spa.

Pool and spa operators are required to be trained in public pool and spa operation, maintenance, safety and emergency procedures, filtration systems and water chemistry. At times of inspection, we will ask the operators to confirm their training. Training course are currently available through:

Public pool, spa, and Class C facility - Operator's manual

Recreational Water Opening Request Form

Pool and spa maintenance records:

Our public health inspectors are available to provide information and guidance to assist you in providing the safest recreational water environment.

External links

Public Pools Regulation

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