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Pool & Spa Operators

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Recreational Water Facility Operators

We inspect public recreational water facilities such as pools, spas, wading pools, splash pads, spray pads, and waterslide receiving basins.

Our goal is to help prevent or reduce water-related illnesses and injuries related to recreational water use.

Our inspections help to ensure your recreational water facility is meeting the requirements of Ontario Regulation 565/90: Public Pools. This regulation sets out the legal requirements for your recreational water facility. You are required to be familiar with the regulation and ensure your facility meets the legal requirements.

The Ontario Regulation 565/90 applies to the following recreational water facilities:

  • Class A and Class B public pools (this includes public cold plunge pools, floatation pools and hot pools)
  • Public spas
  • Class C facilities (public wading pools, splash pads, and waterslide receiving basins and floatation tanks)

Amendments to this regulation came into effect January 2025. A summary or the amendments are available here. 

Self-inspection checklists are available to help you meet the requirements of Ontario Regulation 565/90.

Written notification must be provided at least 14 days before opening a public recreational water facility that has been closed for more than four weeks or newly constructed/renovated facility. As an owner or operator of a public recreational water facility, you must complete and submit a notification form.

You must receive written approval from one of our public health inspectors prior to opening a newly constructed or renovated recreational water facility.

Owners of recreational water facilities must designate an operator that is trained in recreational water facility operation, maintenance, safety and emergency procedures, filtration systems, and water chemistry. Our inspectors will ask operators to confirm their training during inspections.

Training courses are available through private companies:

Course content should cover the following at a minimum:

  • public health legislation and regulations,
  • prevention of illness, injury, and death,
  • pool water chemistry,
  • sanitary operation,
  • safety equipment,
  • emergency communication procedures,
  • safety supervision,
  • admission standards and record keeping.

Courses that provide certification are recommended. Certification provides evidence that an individual has a quantifiable understanding of their field of work.

In June 2023, the legal age of lifeguards, assistant lifeguards and aquatic instructors/coaches was lowered from 16 to 15 years of age under Ontario Regulation 565/90.  

Owners/operators of class A and B pools, waterpark pools and wave action pools can now employ certified lifeguards, assistant lifeguards, and aquatic instructors/coaches 15 years of age or older.

For more information and to assist with answering questions, the following documents have been developed by the Ministry of Health:

Some spas and pools are exempt from Ontario Regulation 565/90, but owners and operators must still make sure they are safe for users.

Public Spas at Hotels

  • Hot tubs or spas that are part of an individual hotel room or suite (such as in-suite tubs or private balcony/deck tubs) are exempt if cautionary signs are posted.
  • Spas at hotels with fewer than six suites or dwelling units are also exempt if cautionary signs are posted.
  • Under the regulation, a "hotel" includes hotels, inns, motels, resorts, or other places that provide sleeping accommodations to the public.

Required Signs 

Owners/operators must post:

  • A caution sign stating the spa is used at your own risk and is not subject to Ontario Regulation 565 (Public Pools); and
  • The public spas caution notice sign described in subsection 19.1(1) of Regulation 565, which gives guidance on safe spa use.


Private Residential Pools and Spas

Pools and spas at private residences that are rented to the public (with or without a fee) are exempt if cautionary signs are posted.

Required Signs

Owners must post:

  • Pool:

CAUTION
SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS POOL IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF ONTARIO REGULATION 565 (PUBLIC POOLS)
 

  • Spa:

CAUTION
USE SPA AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS SPA IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF ONTARIO REGULATION 565 (PUBLIC POOLS)


Responsibilities and Inspections

  • Even if exempt, owners/operators are responsible for operating pools and spas safely to protect the health of users.
  • Public health units can still investigate complaints about health hazards and may check that cautionary signs are posted.
  • Routine inspections are not required for exempt pools and spas.


Resources

The Ministry of Health has developed supporting documents to help operators:

The following self-inspection checklists are available to assist you with meeting the legal requirements for your recreational water facility.

Site Specific Self-Inspection Checklists


Combined Self-Inspection Checklist

Recreational Water Opening Request Form

Closing Criteria:

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