Recreational Water Facility Operators

Public health inspectors inspect public pools, spas, splash pads, wading pools, floatation pools or tanks and public cold plunge pools. If you own or operate one of these facilities, these resources are for you. 

Public pools and spas

We inspect public pools and spas every three months if open year-round, or at least twice a year if the facility operates seasonally.

We provide owners and operators with the information and guidance needed to meet legislative requirements. It is your responsibility to make sure the water at your facility is continuously disinfected and maintained. This helps to ensure the health and safety of bathers.

The following resources are for recreational water operators:

Splash pads and wading pools

We inspect splash pads and wading pools every three months, or at least twice a year. Splash pad and wading pool operators must follow guidelines for water treatment and safety.

As of January 1, 2025, wading pools with a water depth of 15 cm or less do not require an attendant supervision when the following criteria is met:

  • Notifying Public Health that they will not be providing an attendant for supervision, and
  • Develop a written safety plan to be made available on request to any person, and
  • Display the following notice, printed in letters at least 15 mm high, in a conspicuous location with the wading pool enclosures.
CAUTION
THIS POOL IS UNSUPERVISED. BATHERS UNDER TWELVE YEARS OF AGE ARE NOT ALLOWED WITHIN THE PUBLIC WADING POOL ENCLOSURE UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT OR HIS OR HER AGENT WHO IS NOT LESS THAN SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE.

The following resources are for splash pad and wading pool operators:

Public beaches

Natural bodies of water, such as beaches, are great to play, swim, and cool off on a hot sunny day. Since it is a natural body of water, the conditions and quality of the water can change quickly due to rain, wind, waves and waterfowl. These factors can change the level of bacteria in the water to the point where it can make you sick. Visit our page on Beaches for information on what to look for before entering a natural body of water. 

Backyard pools and spas

Thinking about renting your backyard pool/spa? Or using it for business/commercial purposes? Please see Short-Term Residential Swimming Pool Rentals by Private Homeowners guidance form available on the Ontario Ministry of Health website.

If your backyard pool or spa is exempt from the regulation you are required to post the following notice in a conspicuous place within the pool or spa enclosure printed in letters at least 25 mm high with a minimum five mm stroke:

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

Important

There can be significant liability and regulatory implications if you’re considering using your private backyard pool or spa for rental or business purposes. Your pool would be subject to all applicable legislation including: public pool regulations, local zoning and building code requirements. It is vitally important to discuss any plans with your home insurance provider, local municipality and WDG Public Health before considering this type of use.