CURRENT LEGISLATION
Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 565: Public Pools
The purpose of this Act is to safeguard and improve public health within the province. The primary purpose of the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) is to provide a legal framework for the protection and promotion of health by addressing public health risks, preventing diseases, and improving overall health outcomes for individuals and communities.
Note: the HPPA includes the regulation that governs the operation of public swimming pools in Ontario
Recent Developments
January 2025: Updates to Public Pool Regulations
Background:
On January 1, 2025, the Ontario Government issued updates to the Public Pool Regulations. For the full list of changes, visit the province’s website. Key changes include:
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Regulation definition revisions to modified pool and additional definitions for floatation pools and tanks
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Signage requirements for private spas in private residential pool settings and rowing pools used by the public
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Some spa exemptions in hotels
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Black disc permanently affixed requirement
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Alkalinity range increased
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Bromine range correction
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Floatation tank disinfection and UV requirements
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Spa signage modification
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Spa tamperproof upper limit cut off switch requirement
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Cold water and floatation tank equipment, signage and disinfection requirements
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Safety supervision exemption and signage requirement for public wading pools 15 cm or less
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PRO’s Response:
PRO defers to and supports the Lifesaving Society, the lifeguarding experts, to respond to regulatory proposals that impact swimming pool operators.
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