Information for operators of public splash pads
Public splash pads are inspected by Public Health Sudbury & Districts health inspectors. Inspections are done to make sure public splash pads comply with the Public Pools Regulation, R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 565 (Government of Ontario) and to prevent and reduce illnesses and injuries related to recreational water use.
The Check Before You Go! program provides consumers with online access to inspection results, complaints, and enforcement-related activities.
Inspections, follow-up inspections and complaints for all public splash pads are posted for a 24 month period. Enforcement-related activities are posted for 12 months.
Owner and operators are unable to opt out of having their reports posted on the disclosure website.
How often does Public Health Sudbury & Districts inspect public splash pads?
Regulations set by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care determine how often the inspections are done. Public splash pads are inspected:
- at least once per year and no less than once every three months while operating
- as needed when public health inspectors follow up on non-compliance issues, complaints, reports of illnesses or injuries and to monitor the safety of the facility
Inspections include observations to determine facility and water safety, testing water quality parameters, and collecting water samples.
What is a public splash pad?
A splash pad is an indoor or outdoor water play area that includes sprayed, jetted or other water sources and has no standing water as part of the bather activity area. It may also be referred to as a public spray pad.
What safety checks are required for a public splash pad?
Prior to opening each day or after a period of non-use, the operator should inspect the following items:
- the splash pad and its equipment are maintained in a safe and sanitary manner
- all components of the splash pad are maintained in proper working order
- where applicable, treatment and re-circulation equipment are operational
- maintain the public splash pad and equipment in a safe and sanitary condition
- clean water and source water is free of contamination
- supervision signs are posted and clearly visible in a conspicuous place
- safety related equipment present in the facility are inspected and records of the inspections are maintained
What are the construction requirements for a splash pad?
All splash pads should be designed and constructed in a manner that ensures safety of the users. For specific requirements prior to any construction or alterations, owners and operators should be advised to contact their local building and municipal bylaw departments, their local health unit, the Electrical Safety Authority and/or Technical Standards and Safety Authority, as applicable.
This item was last modified on January 9, 2019