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:

Modified pool

A modified pool is a public pool that has a basin-shaped floor sloping downward and inward toward the interior from the rim.

Public cold plunge pool

A public cold plunge pool is a public pool that is maintained at a temperature of 15°C (59°F) or less, with or without hydro jets, that is not drained, cleaned, sanitized, and refilled before use by each individual.

Public floatation pool

This is a public pool that contains a saturated bathing solution of magnesium sulphate for floatation purposes, is not drained, cleaned, sanitized, and refilled before use by each individual, and is designed for multiple persons.

Wave action pool

A wave action means a public pool that is provided with a means for inducing wave motion in the water.

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 hydro jet 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 or spas operated in conjunction with an individual dwelling unit or suite of a hotel for the use of its occupants.

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

Yes. Information is available for all Class A and B pools and public spas. For inspection and enforcement information, visit Check Before You Go! or contact us.

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

Errors or omissions in results posted online

Public Health Sudbury & Districts makes every effort to ensure that inspection results available online are accurate and up-to-date. Please report potential errors or omissions to us online or contact us.

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.

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 contact us if you:

How can you learn more about the recreational water program?

To learn more about the recreational water program, contact us.


This item was last modified on June 19, 2025