About the Recreational Water Program
Public Health Inspectors inspect public pools, spas, wading pools, spray/splash pads and receiving basins (Class C facilities) to reduce the possibility of injuries and waterborne illness related to recreational water facilities. Compliance inspections of recreational water facilities are carried out in accordance with the Ontario Public Pools Regulation 565/90.
The Ontario Public Pools Regulation 565/90 (external link) applies to the following public recreational water facilities:
- Class A and Class B public pools
- Public spas
- Class C facilities (public wading pools, public splash pads/spray pads, and water slide receiving basins).
Renting a home swimming pool to the public
Are you a homeowner interested in renting your backyard pool/spa (hot tub)?
Swimming pools and spas can expose bathers to potential health and safety risks, such as communicable diseases, injury or even death if appropriate measures are not in place.
Residential pools and spas rented out to the public are subject to the legal requirements and standards for operation, maintenance and equipment set out in Ontario Regulation 565: Public Pools (external link) under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, 1990 (external link). The Ministry of Health’s Short-Term Residential Swimming Pool Rentals by Private Homeowners (external PDF) fact sheet provides additional guidance. Failure to comply with the requirements of Ontario Regulation 565: Public Pools may result in immediate closure and/or legal action.
Local Municipal zoning by-laws may not permit the commercial use of a backyard pool. Please contact your Local Municipality to learn if you can rent your residential pool to the public.
Municipal zoning by-law contact information
If you receive permission from your Local Municipality to rent your backyard pool to the public, you must notify Halton Region Public Health at least 14 days before starting operation. Complete and submit the Notification of Recreational Water Facility Opening/Re-opening form. Failure to notify Public Health of intended opening or re-opening date of public pool or spa for use may result in legal action.
For more information, contact your Local Municipality, email accesshalton@halton.ca or call 311 to speak to a public health inspector.
Safe water information and resources
General Public Information
Resources
Public Pool Operators
Public Pool Water Chemistry Requirements
| Total Alkalinity |
80 – 120 ppm |
| pH |
7.2 - 7.8 |
Chlorine residual
(for chlorinated systems) |
Indoor pools and Unstabilized outdoor pools |
0.5 – 10 ppm |
| Stabilized outdoor pools |
1 – 10 ppm |
Bromine residual
(for bromine systems) |
Non-wave action pools |
Not less than 2 mg/L |
| Wave action pools |
Not less than 3 mg/L |
Cyanuric acid
Note: Not to be used for indoor pools or pools totally or partially covered by roof. |
Not greater than 60 mg/L |
| Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) |
600 mV – 900 mV |
Resources
Public Spa Operators
Public Spa Water Chemistry Requirements
| Total alkalinity |
80 – 120 ppm |
| pH |
7.2 - 7.8 |
Chlorine residual
(for chlorinated systems) |
5 - 10 mg/L |
Bromine residual
(for bromine systems) |
5 - 10 mg/L |
Oxidation Reduction Potential
(for systems using an automatic sensing device) |
600 mV – 900 mV |
Resources
Class C Facility Operator
Wading Pool, Spray/Spash Pad and Receiving Basin Water Chemistry Requirements
| Total alkalinity |
80 – 120 ppm |
| pH |
7.2 - 7.8 |
Chlorine residual
(for chlorinated systems) |
5 - 10 mg/L |
Bromine residual
(for bromine systems) |
5 - 10 mg/L |
| Cyanuric acid |
Not greater than 60 mg/L |
Oxidation Reduction Potential
(for systems using an automatic sensing device) |
600 mV – 900 mV |
Resources
Are you opening a recreational water facility?
If you plan on opening a pool, spa or other type of recreational facility, you must notify the Halton Health Department in one of two ways: