Public Pools, Spas, Splash Pads, and More
Regulated recreational water facilities include:
- Swimming pools
- Spas (i.e., hot tubs)
- Wading pools
- Spray/splash pads
- Water slide receiving basins
These facilities are often available to the public but in some cases are reserved for campgrounds, apartment complexes, or hotel guests. This does not include private swimming pools, hot tubs, etc.
Public recreational water facilities are inspected by public health inspectors. For inspection information on facilities located within the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) district, please visit PHU’s HealthWise Inspection Results page for Recreational Water.
If you have any questions or concerns about a public recreational water facility within the Porcupine Health Unit's area, please call the duty inspector at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818 or email us at [email protected].
Information for Operators
All recreational water operators must know the operating systems, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to operating these facilities at their premise. Operator education is critical in the proper operation of any of these facilities.
All public recreational water facilities must follow the requirements set out in Ontario Regulation 565: Public Pools (O. Reg. 565).
Notification Forms
In accordance with the Ontario Regulation 565: Public Pools – Section 5, at least 14 days before a public pool or public spa opens or reopens after construction, alteration, or any closure that lasts more than four weeks, the owner or operator must notify, in writing, the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU). Written permission must be obtained from the PHU prior to opening or re-opening.
Notification to the PHU can be done by completing and submitting a Notice of Intent to Operate a Recreational Water Facility form. If it is a new premise or one that has been altered, then a detailed floor plan, equipment specifics, etc. must also be submitted.
The completed form, and any additional material, can be submitted to the PHU:
- In person at any of our office locations
- By email: [email protected]
- By fax: 705-264-3980
- By mail: Porcupine Health Unit, 169 Pine Street South, Postal Bag 2012, Timmins, Ontario, P4N 8B7
Record Keeping Logs
The Ontario Regulation 565: Public Pools (O. Reg. 565) requires daily, weekly, and monthly records for water chemistry, safety equipment, maintenance, repairs, etc. Records required in Section 8 of O. Reg. 565 are to be retained for one year from the date it was recorded and be available for viewing by the PHU.
Below are templates operators can use to keep records for public pools and public spas.
- Public Pool Record Keeping template
- Public Spa Record Keeping template
- Public Pool and Spa Incident Report Form template
Online Operator Course
Ontario Regulation 565: Public Pools requires every operator be trained in public pool and public spa operation and maintenance, filtration systems, water chemistry, and all relevant safety and emergency procedures.
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has a Pool and Spa Course offered as an online e-learning course. The online course is offered FREE of charge and must be completed within 30 days of registration. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of completion that is valid for two years.
At this time, the course is only available in English. A notice will be shared with recreational water operators once the course is made available in French.
Additional Resources
- Public Health Ontario’s chlorine dilution calculator
- Pool Fouling Responses (Recreational Water Reference Document - Appendix D)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the duty inspector at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818 or email us at [email protected].