Public health inspectors monitor recreational water facilities, including local beaches, public pools, splash pads, and public spas or hot tubs.
Inspection results of all public pools, hot tubs and splash pads are available online at Check it! We inspect it.
Please check the Highlights of Change to Ontario's Public Pools and Spa Regulations document for more information about the recreation water regulation changes, which came into effect July 1, 2018.
Opening a pool or spa facility |
If you are planning to open or re-open a pool or public spa, you are required to notify Public Health by submitting a form. |
Standards for public pools |
The Office of the Chief Coroner developed standards for public pools to assist lifeguards and assistant lifeguards in maintaining adequate supervision. These standards require parents or guardians (at least 12 years of age) to assist staff in the supervision of young children. Children 0-5 years
Children 6-9 years
Ratios of instructors/lifeguards must follow the Ontario Public Pools Regulation. Class B pools that do not require a lifeguard still require children under the age of 12 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Guardians for Class B pools should be at least 16 years of age. |
During an inspection |
The inspector will monitor recreational water including local beaches, public pools, splash pads, and public spas or hot tubs. A pool, hot tub or splash pad operator will receive a copy of the inspection report once the inspection is complete. The report will indicate corrective action(s) that is required and a date by which the correction is expected. A re-inspection may be scheduled to verify that corrective actions have been completed. If a serious problem is identified during an inspection that poses an immediate health risk to the client or the provider, the facility may be ordered to close until corrective action is taken and the health hazard has been eliminated.
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Additional resources |
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