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).

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, Northeastern Public Health (NEPH). Written permission must be obtained from the NEPH prior to opening or re-opening.

Notification to the NEPH can be done by completing and submitting a Notice of Intent to Operate a Recreational Water Facility form (please call 1-877-442-1212). 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 NEPH:

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 NEPH.

Below are templates operators can use to keep records for public pools and public spas.

  • Public Pool Record Keeping template (please call 1-877-442-1212)
  • Public Spa Record Keeping template (please call 1-877-442-1212)
  • Public Pool and Spa Incident Report Form template (please call 1-877-442-1212)

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.

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 1-877-442-1212 or email us at [email protected].