Southwestern Public Health routinely inspects public pools, spas and Class C facilities (splash pads, wading pools, water slide receiving basins) to test the water quality and ensure proper safety precautions are in place. 

Public health inspections are mandated by the Health Protection and Promotion Act and are carried out to ensure compliance with the Ontario Public Pools Regulation (R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 565).

Water-related illnesses can be passed through contaminated recreational water and poor safety precautions can cause serious injury. It is important that public health inspectors work closely with operators of public pools, spas and splash pads to prevent waterborne infections and injury.

Opening or reopening your facility

All public pool, spa and splash pad operators in Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas must notify SWPH at least 14 days prior to opening, of their intention to open or reopen a public pool, spa or splash pad.

If you plan to open or reopen a public pool, spa or splash pad that has been constructed, altered, or closed for more than four weeks, please notify SWPH in the following way:

• Complete an Online Application to Open/Re-Open a Public Pool, Spa or Splash pad
• Download the Application to Re-Open a Public Pool, Spa or Splash pad and submit to SWPH by fax, email or mail

Public pool and spa training

The Public Pools Regulation 565 requires every owner of a public pool or public spa to have a Designated Operator.

Every operator must be trained in public pool and public spa operation and maintenance, filtration systems, water chemistry and all relevant safety and emergency procedures. Below is a list of training options that are available in our area:

• Windsor-Essex County Health Unit offers free public pool and spa training sessions for pool and spa operators throughout the year
• The Lifesaving Society offers Pool Operating Courses

What to do when a pool is contaminated with vomit or feces

Public pools, spas, wading pools, and splashpads must be closed immediately if a fouling occurs. Following proper disinfection steps helps prevent the spread of harmful germs like Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

Understanding CT values

CT value = Chlorine concentration (C, in ppm) × Time (T, in minutes)

• CT value for Giardia: 45

• CT value for Cryptosporidium (Crypto): 15,300

The required disinfection time varies depending on the chlorine concentration used. For example, at 15 ppm, it takes 17 hours to inactivate Cryptosporidium. All chlorine concentrations must meet the appropriate CT value before reopening the pool.

If there is formed stool in the pool

1. Remove all swimmers from the pool

2. Close the pool to the public

3. Use a scoop to remove the fecal matter

4. Clean and disinfect the scoop using a 100 ppm chlorine solution

5. Disinfect the pool water using a CT value of 45

Chlorine contact time for Giardia (CT = 45):

6. Test and record chlorine and pH levels at the start of the disinfection time at three locations away from the outlets

7. After the contact time, test and record chlorine and pH levels again

8. Reopen the pool only when chlorine is at or below 10 ppm

9. Document the incident

If there is diarrhea or vomit in the pool

1. Remove all swimmers from the pool

2. Close the pool

3. Shut off the circulation pump and chemical feeders

4. Use a scoop to remove the contamination

5. Clean and disinfect the scoop with a 100 ppm chlorine solution

6. Vacuum any remaining material to waste

7. Disinfect the pool water using a CT value of 15,300

Chlorine contact time for Cryptosporidium (CT = 15,300):

8. Turn on circulation pumps

9. Test and record chlorine and pH levels at three locations, away from outlets, at both the beginning and end of the disinfection time

10. Backwash filters

11. Reopen the pool only when chlorine is at or below 10 ppm

12. Document the incident

If fouling occurs in a wading pool or hot tub

1. Remove all users from the water

2. Drain the pool or hot tub completely

3. Clean and disinfect all surfaces

4. Refill and balance the water

5. Document the incident