Recreational Pools and Spas
Pools and hot tub waters can contain bacteria and other germs that cause illnesses.
The Ontario Regulation 565/18: Public Pools ensures public pools, hot tubs, wading pools, and splash pads are operated in a safe manner and comply with the regulations and operating standards to protect the health and safety of bathers.
Lakelands Public Health routinely inspects recreational pools and spas and follows up on complaints from the public. Find a full list of inspected facilities oh the Check Inspection portal.
Legislation that may apply to your premise may include:
Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7 (ontario.ca)
R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 565: PUBLIC POOLS (ontario.ca)
Local Municipality for Building/structural items and by-laws (garbage areas, zoning, business license, etc)
Useful Resources:
Recreational Water Reference Document, 2019 (gov.on.ca)
Recreational Water Reference Document, 2025 (gov.on.ca)
Guidance for Exempt Public Spas (gov.on.ca)
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy at Splash Pads | Healthy Swimming | CDC
Owners/Operators
As an owner/operator of these facilities, it’s the law in Ontario that you must provide written notice to the Health Unit 14 days before opening a public pool or hot tub after construction or before reopening a public pool or hot tub after any closure that lasted longer than four weeks. Please complete the following form and submit to the Health Unit (inspections@lakelandsph.ca) If you have questions, call us at 1-844-575-4567.
Pool Opening Notification Form [online] Pool Opening Notification Form [fillable form]
Data Sheets
If you are opening a new public pool or hot tub, or if you have renovated an existing one, you must complete the required data sheets and the notification form. The specific forms you need will depend on the type of facility you are opening. For more information on the recreational water classification system please refer to O Reg 565: Public Pools or contact us at 1-844-575-4567
New or Renovated Public Pool Data Sheet [online] New Pool Data Sheet [fillable form] New or Renovated Public Spa Data Sheet [online] New Spa Data Sheet [fillable form] New or Renovated Public Class C Data Sheet [online] New or Renovated Public Class C Data Sheet [fillable form]
Need more Information?
Chat with our Environmental Health team for more information.
Email: inspections@lakelandsph.ca
Phone: 1-844-575-4567
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