Recreational water: frequently asked questions

Inspection information is available online. Check Before You Go!

What is a recreational water facility?

Regulated recreational water facilities include public pools and public spas.

A public pool means a structure, basin, chamber or tank containing, or intended to contain, an artificial body of water for swimming, water sport, water recreation or entertainment.

It does not include:

A class “A” pool is:

A class “B” pool is:

Public spa

A public spa means a hydro-massage pool containing an artificial body of water that is intended primarily for therapeutic or recreational use, that is not drained, cleaned or refilled before use by each individual and that utilizes hydrojet circulation, air induction bubbles, current flow or a combination of them over the majority of the pool area. It does not include private home spas.

Is inspection and enforcement information available online for public pools and spas?

Yes. For inspection and enforcement information, visit Check Before You Go! or contact 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

Check Before You Go! has information about required and follow-up inspections, complaints, infractions, convictions, as well as orders imposed by Public Health Sudbury & Districts.

Errors or omissions in results posted online:

Who inspects public pools and spas?

Public health inspectors routinely inspect all recreational water facilities such as public pools and spas. These premises are inspected to ensure compliance with the Public Pools Regulation.

How often are public pools and spas inspected?

Public pools and spas are inspected:

Public health inspectors conduct additional inspections for many reasons:

What if a public pool or spa is non-compliant?

Public health inspectors closely work with owners and operators to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements. When this is not possible or when there is an imminent risk to public health, public health inspectors will issue orders under the authority of the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) to address these issues.

Public health inspectors cannot issue tickets to owners or operators of a public pool or spa.

Recent enforcement activities in the Sudbury and districts are posted online.

What are examples where you may close a public pool or spa?

Criteria for closing a public pool or spa

A public pool or spa is subject to immediate closure by a public health inspector when any of the following conditions are observed:

How can you report unsafe conditions at a public pool or spa?

File a report with us online or call us at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) if you:

How can you learn more about the recreational water program?

To learn more about the recreational water program, contact a public health inspector at 705.522.9200, ext. 398 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).


This item was last modified on July 20, 2018