Responsibility and Compliance Guide for Owners and Operators of Public Pools

Responsibility and Compliance Guide for Owners and Operators of Public Pools CONTENTS 1.0 / Introduction...1 2.0 / Roles and Responsibilities... 2 2.1 / Pool Opening.... 4 2.2 / Pool Closures...5 3.0 / Classification of Pools...6 4.0 / Operations...8 4.1 / Pool Structure...9 4.2 / Water Chemistry...13 4.3 / Record Keeping...13 5.0 / Emergency Procedures and Safety Equipment...16 5.1 / Required Signage................................ 17 5.2 / Emergency Procedures...20 5.3 / Required Safety Equipment....22 5.4 / Lifeguard Requirements...23 6.0 / Admission Standards for Public Pools...28 7.0 / Appendices...30

1.0 / Introduction Public Pool Owner and/or Operator, Operating a public swimming pool can be complex and requires daily monitoring and maintenance to make sure the pool is operated in a safe and sanitary manner. Public swimming pools have been implicated in the transmission of infections and have caused minor to serious injuries including drownings. 2.0 / Roles and Responsibilities As the pool owner and/or operator, you are responsible to make sure your pool is operated according to Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools, made under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O.1990 (HPPA). Hamilton Public Health Services is providing this guide to help you understand your responsibilities. This guide is for reference only and does not replace the requirements of Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools. You will find sections listed throughout this guide. Refer to these sections for exact wording and requirements in Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools. This guide does not address the following items: Pool water quality problems Unbalanced pool water chemistry Equipment and maintenance Wave action pools Modified pools Construction requirements. Pool construction requirements are set out in Ontario Regulation 350/06 under the Ontario Building Code. Issues or questions regarding pool construction should be directed to the City of Hamilton Building Department. Hamilton Public Health Services inspects all public swimming pools in the City of Hamilton to make sure pools are operated according to the requirements of Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pool please contact Hamilton Public Health Services at 905-546-2424 ext. 2189. 2.0 / Roles and Responsibilities 2.1 / Pool Openings 2.2 / Pool Closures 1

2.0 / Roles and Responsibilities 2.0 / Roles and Responsibilities Role of the Public Health Inspector Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) play three roles to ensure your pool is in compliance with Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools. They include the following: 1. Routine Inspections Indoor public pools are inspected by PHIs at least once every three months. Seasonal outdoor pools are inspected at least twice while in operation. 2. Education PHIs educate owners and/or operators about their responsibilities, and can provide guidance with troubleshooting operational and water quality issues. 3. Enforcement PHIs enforce Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools. The PHI will close a public pool or pursue legal action if serious or ongoing problems are encountered. Role of the Owner and/or Operator As the pool owner and/or operator, you are responsible to make sure your pool is operated according to Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools, made under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O.1990 (HPPA). You are required to monitor and maintain the pool on a daily basis and make sure the pool is operated in a safe and sanitary manner. Failure to do so can expose bathers to waterborne illnesses and/or injury. Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools applies to all buildings, rooms and equipment used in the operation of public pools. Section 4 If you are a pool owner, you must designate an operator who is responsible for the daily operation of the pool. Section 6 (1) 2.1 / Pool Openings Before a new public pool is opened or an existing public pool is re-opened after construction or alteration, the owner or the owner s agent must notify Hamilton Public Health Services of the following information: Building permit number issued for the construction of the pool. Whether or not all the preparations necessary to operate the pool in accordance with Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools have been completed. Date the pool is to be opened for use. Whether the pool is a Class A or a Class B pool. Name, address, phone number and e-mail address of the operator. Section 5 (1) After construction or alteration, the pool should not be re-opened without first having the following: Permission in writing from Hamilton Public Health Services, and Enough chemicals and testing devices to operate the pool. Section 5 (2) If a public pool has been closed for more than a four week period, the owner and operator must notify Hamilton Public Health Services of the following information: Date that the pool is to be re-opened, Name and address of the operator, and Whether the pool is intended to be operated as a Class A or a Class B pool. Section 5 (3) All notifications to Hamilton Public Health Services regarding pool openings must be completed in writing and submitted at least two weeks before the date of opening. Appendix B is a Public Pool Opening Notification Form Appendix C is a Pool Operator Pre-opening Inspection Checklist 3 4

2.2 / Pool Closures Operating a public pool when there is a safety problem can be a serious risk to the health and safety of the bathers. If any of the items listed below are known by the pool owner and/or operator, the pool must be closed until the issue is resolved. Black disc is not clearly visible or not fastened to the bottom of the pool at its deepest point. Missing spine board, reaching pole, buoyant throwing aids. Emergency phone missing or not working. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) not working. Not enough free available chlorine or total bromine in pool water. Not enough lifeguards and/or assistant lifeguards. Inadequate lifeguard qualifications. No disinfecting chemicals available. Pool water chemistry not in compliance with Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools. Test kit not available and/or not enough test reagents. Missing skimmer lid. Circulation system not working. Equalizer valve not properly sealed. Drain cover missing or not properly secured to bottom of pool. Pool not locked or inaccessible when closed. Weather conditions that are dangerous thunder/lightning storm. Any condition that could cause a safety concern. Pool fouling e.g. feces, vomit, blood, chemical. 3.0 / Classification of Pools See Appendix D for Pool Fouling Recommendations. 3.0 / Classification of Pools 5

3.0 / Classification of Pools 3.0 / Classification of Pools Public pools are categorized into two classes, Class A Pools and Class B Pools. You need to know the class of your pool to operate your pool according to the requirements of Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools. Class A Pools are the following: Where the general public is admitted. Operated with a program of the YMCA or similar facility or an educational, instructional, physical fitness or athletic facility that receives public funding. Operated on the property of a Recreational Camp. 4.0 / Operations Class B Pools are the following: On the property of an apartment building that contains more than five dwelling units or suites, a mobile home park, or a nurses residence, for the use of the occupants and their visitors. Serve a community of more than five single-family private residences, for the use of the residents and their visitors. On the property of a hotel, for the use of its guests and their visitors. On the property of a campground, for use of its tenants and their visitors. Located at a club, for use of its members and their visitors, or a condominium, co-operative or commune property that contains more than five dwelling units or suites, for the use of the owners or members and their visitors. At a day nursery, a day camp or an establishment or facility for the care or treatment of persons who are ill, hospitalized or elderly or for individuals under supervised care, for their use and their visitors. Class A pools can be operated as Class B pools in some situations. Before making changes, ask your Public Health Inspector if your pool can operate as a Class B pool. Section 6 (3) The following pools are exempt from Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools: Pools used by occupants and their visitors of an apartment building, condominium or co-operative or communal property that contains five or fewer dwelling units or suites. Pools used by members of a community of five or less single-family private residences. Pools operated on the property of a hotel that has five or less rooms, for the use of its guests, as long as the required signage is posted. See Table 2 for signage requirements. Pools having a water depth of 0.75 metres or less (wading pools). Hydro-massage pools (spa, hot tub, or whirlpool). Pools at the bottom of a water slide. Section 3 4.0 / Operations 4.1 / Pool Structure 4.1.1 / Safety and Cleanliness 4.1.2 / Pool Deck 4.1.3 / Pool Ramps 4.1.4 / Control Stations 4.1.5 / Exposed Pipe Requirements 4.1.6 / Black Disk Test and Pool Water Clarity 4.1.7 / Make-Up Water 4.1.8 / Determining Bather Load 4.2 / Water Chemistry 4.3 / Record Keeping 4.3.1 / Automatic Sensing Devices 7

4.0 / Operations 4.0 / Operations Operating a public pool is an important responsibility. If the pool is not operated according to Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools, there is an increased risk of illness or injury to a bather. If you are the owner and/or operator of a public pool you are responsible for the safe operation of the pool. 4.1 / Pool Structure Every owner and every operator must make sure the pool is operated in compliance with the following items: 4.1.1 / Safety and Cleanliness: Pool water must be maintained free from visible matter that may be hazardous to the health or safety of bathers. Section 7 (3) Underwater surfaces of the pool must be white or light in colour, except for the black markings used for safety or for competition purposes. Section 6 (4) Surfaces of the pool deck and walls must be clean and free from hazards. Section 6 (4) Pool and its equipment must be kept in a safe and sanitary condition. Section 6 (2) Keep pool locked and inaccessible to bathers when the pool is closed. Section 6 (2) No food or beverage except water in plastic containers is supplied or consumed in the pool or on the deck. Glass containers are not to be within the pool enclosure. Section 10 (5) Where change rooms, toilets and shower facilities are provided, they must be available for use before entering the deck. Section 6 (4) Make sure that every bather takes a cleansing shower or bath using soap and warm water before entering or re-entering the deck. Section 15 Where towels or bathing apparel are provided, they must be cleaned, disinfected and stored in a sanitary manner. Towels and bathing apparel must be stored separately for laundering after each use. Section 12 Where toilets are provided they must be supplied with toilet paper. Section 11 (2) Pool, deck, dressing/locker rooms, toilets, showers and connecting hallways to the pool area must be: Kept clean, disinfected and free of potential slip hazards. Free of hazardous obstructions. Ventilated to remove odours. Section 11 (1) Make sure all chemicals required to operate the pool are handled and stored safely. Section 6 (4) See Appendix E for chemical storage and handling tips. 4.1.2 / Pool Deck: Pool deck must be clearly marked from the general area where a general area is provided. Section 6 (4) General Area means an area beside the deck within a pool enclosure that is used for activities other than bathing. It is recommended that the general area be at least 1.80 metres back from the edge of the pool. See Table 2 for required signage. Where the pool is equipped with a diving board or diving platform, the board or platform must have a non-slip surface finish. Section 6 (4) Temporary use of benches or seats during aquatic displays or competitive events may be placed on the deck to provide seating for spectators, provided: Spectator area and access to it are separated from the remainder of the deck by a barrier. The barrier must be placed at least 0.60 metres away from the edge of the pool. Benches or seats when not in use are stored outside the deck area. Section 10 (3) Moveable equipment, including portable diving stands, starting platforms and swing ropes are only permitted on the deck during use and when directly supervised by lifeguards. When the moveable equipment is not in use it must be properly stored off the pool deck to prevent injury to bathers. Section 10 (4) 4.1.3 / Pool Ramps: Access ramps that are not below the water must have a removable barrier that separates the deck from the ramp; Access ramps that are below the water must have a removable barrier that separates the ramp from the deck. Section 6 (4) In other words, a removable gate or barrier is needed at all ramps to separate the ramp from the deck. See Table 2 for the signage required at ramps. 4.1.4 / Control Stations (Lifeguard Stands): Class A pools with a water area between 150 square metres and 230 square metres must have one control station. Class A pools with a water area greater than 230 square metres, must have at least two control stations. Section 20 (2) Control stations must be: An elevated platform or chair not less than 1.80 metres in height above the water surface. Securely positioned while in use and located at the side of the pool so there is a clear view of the pool bottom and surrounding pool deck. Used only by lifeguards and assistant lifeguards. Section 20 (5) 9 10

4.1.5 / Exposed Pipe Requirements: All exposed piping used to distribute potable water or chlorine within the pool enclosure, inside the structure of the pool and inside accessory buildings must be identified by: Colour coding with coloured strips at least 25 millimeters wide spaced at intervals not greater than 1.20 metres, or Painting the entire outer surface of the piping by the following colour code: Chlorine pipe yellow strips or paint Potable water pipe green strips or paint Section 6 (4) 4.1.6 / Black Disc Test and Pool Water Clarity Good water clarity is the result of proper filtration, circulation, and chemical treatment. Pool operators must make sure that the bottom of the pool is clearly visible so that a submerged bather can be seen at all times. A black disc is the standard method to measure the clarity of pool water. Owners and operators must make sure the black disc meets the following requirements: 150 millimetre black disc is fastened, painted, or tiled on a white background at the deepest point of the pool. Section 6 (4) and 18 (2) Note: The white background must be fastened, painted or tiled around the black disc if the bottom of the pool is not white. The white background must also be 150 millimetres in width from the edge of the black disc. The black disc must be clearly visible from any point on the deck at least nine metres away from the disc. Section 7 (4) 150 mm in diameter 150 mm in diameter If the black disc is not clearly visible from at least nine metres away at any point on the deck, the operator must clear the pool of bathers and close the pool immediately. The pool is to remain closed until the problem that affected the clarity is fixed and the proper level of clarity is restored. Section 18 (4) Lighting: Ontario Regulation 350/06 under the Ontario Building Code requires minimum indoor lighting of 200 lux for indoor pools. This includes the pool deck, change rooms, washrooms and hallways. 4.1.7 / Make- Up Water: Make-up water is water added to a public pool from an external source (a fresh water tap). Pool water quality will worsen if make-up water is not added to the pool. Adding make-up water to the pool helps maintain water chemistry and water clarity. Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools requires the addition of make-up water to be added daily, based on the number of bathers admitted to the pool. Every pool owner or operator must make sure: Make-up water is added to the pool in the amount of at least 20 litres per bather on each operating day to a maximum of 15% of the pool volume. Section 7 (12) At least 15 % of the total pool water volume is capable of being withdrawn from the gutter or skimmer lines daily and discharged to waste drains. Section 6 (4) This does not apply to Class A pools constructed before June 7, 1965 or Class B pools constructed before May 1, 1974. Sections 6 (5) and 6 (6). Pool water and recirculation plumbing are separate from the make-up water plumbing and sewer system. Section 7 (2) Make-up water is free from contamination that may affect the bathers health. Section 7 (1) A water meter is installed that measures the amount of make-up water added to the pool. Section 7 (12) 4.1.8 / Determining Bather Load: Every owner and every operator must make sure that the total number of bathers permitted at any time on the deck and in the pool does not exceed the maximum bather load as determined by the following formula: Maximum bather load = Where, D + S 2.5 1.4 D= the area in square metres of the part of the pool that is deeper than 1.35 metres; and S= the area in square metres of the part of the pool that is 1.35 metres in depth or shallower. Section 10 (1) 11 12

4.2 / Water Chemistry Every owner and every operator must make sure that the pool water is disinfected with chlorine or bromine. Disinfection chemicals must be added to the pool by an adjustable dosing device (chlorinator or brominator) and the water must meet the following criteria at all times: Total alkalinity is not less than 80 milligrams per litre (mg/l). ph value is within the range of 7.2 to 7.8. Free available chlorine concentration is not less than 0.5 mg/l. Free available chlorine concentration is not less than 1 mg/l and a cyanuric acid concentration above 60 mg/l. This section applies to seasonal outdoor pools that use stabilized chlorine. Where bromine is used, a total bromine concentration of not less than 2 mg/l. Section 7 (7) The test kit to measure free available chlorine concentration must be that chloramines or other compounds do not affect the test results. Some examples of approved test methods include DPD tablets, DPD liquid reagents and digital pool test kits. Section 7 (8) Hamilton Public Health Services may request a higher concentration of chlorine or bromine disinfectant than noted above to protect the health of bathers. 4.3 / Record Keeping All records must be logged in a Pool Log Book and must have the name of the person who did the inspection or test, as well as the date and time of the inspection or test. Appendix F is an example of an Inspection and Records Log Form. All records must be kept for a period of one year. Section 9 Table 1 lists the tests, readings or inspections that must be completed and how often they should be done. TABLE 1: Test or Reading Free available chlorine Total chlorine Total bromine ph Ground fault circuit interrupters Emergency phone Total number of bathers admitted to the pool per day Make-up water reading Cyanuric Acid Pool water outlets (including main drain covers) Equalizer valves Total Alkalinity Emergencies, rescues, equipment breakdown Timing and Recording Requirements 1/2 hour before pool opens and every two hours during operation 1/2 hour before pool opens once per day Monitored and recorded while pool is in operation Once per day Once per week Note: Applies to seasonal outdoor pools that use cyanuric stabilizer or stabilized chlorine. Once every 30 operating days After each occurrence 13 14

4.3.1 / Automatic Sensing Devices: An automatic sensing device controls and measures the disinfectant (chlorine or bromine) concentration. Pool owners and/or operators are responsible to make sure that equipment is properly installed and maintained for accurate readings. Information on the proper maintenance of the automatic sensing device should be obtained from the manufacturer. ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential) automatic sensing devices that display in millivolts do not meet the record keeping requirements in Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools. If your automatic sensing device displays and/or records in millivolts you must measure (by manual test) and record the chlorine or bromine concentration in mg/l and the ph value according to Table 1. Automatic sensing devices that display and record the disinfectant concentration in milligrams per litre (mg/l) or parts per million (ppm) and the ph value only need a manual test once per day. This is done to make sure the automatic sensing device is properly controlling the ph and disinfectant. Disinfectant concentrations and ph values must be printed from the automatic recording system and placed in the Pool Log Book within 7 days. Section 7 (9) Automatic sensing devices that display but do not record the disinfectant concentration or the ph value need to be recorded manually in the Pool Log Book every two hours while the pool is open for use. 5.0 / Emergency Procedures and Safety Equipment 5.0 / Emergency Protocols and Safety Equipment 5.1 / Required Signage 5.2 / Emergency Protocols 5.2.1 / Re-circulation System and Chemical Feeders 5.2.2 / Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter 5.2.3 / Swimming Pool Outlet Covers and Equalizer Valves 5.3 / Required Safety Equipment 5.4 / Lifeguard Requirements 5.4.1 / Number of Lifeguards 5.4.2 / Requirements for Class A Pools 5.4.3 / Requirements for Class B Pools 5.4.4 / Requirements of Aquatic Instructors or Coaches Acting as Lifeguards 15

5.0 / Emergency Protocols and Safety Equipment 5.0 / Emergency Procedures and Safety Equipment 5.1 / Required Signage Every owner and every operator must make sure that the following notices and markings are displayed, if applicable. The signage wording and lettering sizes must be exactly as stated in Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) does not allow the use of all upper case letters except for short headings. If your pool is required to comply with the AODA, follow the AODA requirements but make sure the lettering size meets the minimum size requirements outlined in Table 2. TABLE 2: Signage Required CAUTION SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK THIS POOL IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF ONTARIO REGULATION 565 PUBLIC POOLS CAUTION THIS POOL IS UNSUPERVISED. BATHERS UNDER TWELVE YEARS OF AGE ARE NOT ALLOWED WITHIN THE POOL ENCLOSURE UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT OR HIS OR HER AGENT WHO IS NOT LESS THAN SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE. Minimum Lettering Size Applicable Section in Regulation 25mm 3 (2.1) 25mm 17 (19) (a) Required Location to Post Signage Pool with five or fewer units; post in a visible location within the pool enclosure. Class B Pool less than 93 square metres; post in a visible location within the pool enclosure. Signage Required CAUTION THIS POOL IS UNSUPERVISED. BATHERS UNDER TWELVE YEARS OF AGE ARE NOT ALLOWED WITHIN THE POOL ENCLOSURE UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT OR HIS OR HER AGENT WHO IS NOT LESS THAN SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BATHERS ON THE DECK AND IN THE POOL SHALL NOT EXCEED TEN. Health Warning No person infected with a communicable disease or having open sores on his or her body shall enter the pool. No person shall bring a glass container onto the deck or into the pool. No person shall pollute the water in the pool in any manner and that spitting, spouting of water and blowing the nose in the pool or on the deck are prohibited. No person shall engage in boisterous play in or about the pool. The maximum number of bathers permitted on the deck and in the pool at any time is. The emergency phone is located at:. Each bather shall take a shower using warm water and soap and thoroughly rinse off all soap before entering or reentering the deck. Emergency Telephone Procedure Identify the emergency telephone. List the names, telephone numbers and addresses of EMS contacts who are available for CPR, medical aid and fire services. Appendix G is an Emergency Telephone Procedure Template Minimum Lettering Size 25mm Applicable Section in Regulation 17 (19) (b) 19 (1) (i-vi) 19 (2) 19 (3) Required Location to Post Signage Class B Pool greater than 93 squares metres and the number of bathers does not exceed ten; post in a visible location within the pool enclosure. Post at no fewer than two locations at the pool. Post at entrance to each shower area and every entrance to the deck used by bathers. Post at the emergency telephone. Spectators Forbidden From Walking Upon The Deck Within 1.80 Metres Of The Edge Of The Pool 19 (4) Post at permanent spectator gallery next to the deck. 17 18

Signage Required Deck Markings: Water depths indicating the deep points. Water depths indicating breaks between gentle and steep bottom slopes and shallow points. DEEP AREA and SHALLOW AREA CAUTION AVOID DEEP DIVES OR SHALLOW WATER NO DIVING DANGER AVOID DEEP OR LONG DIVES Minimum Lettering Size Applicable Section in Regulation 100mm 19 (5) 150mm 19 (6) 150mm 19 (8) CAUTION NO DIVING 150mm 19 (9) UNSUPERVISED BATHERS ARE NOT ALLOWED BEYOND THIS POINT BATHERS ARE NOT ALLOWED BEYOND THIS POINT 25mm 25mm 19 (10) (i) 19 (10) (ii) Required Location to Post Signage On the deck clearly marked at the appropriate locations. Post at a visible location, where the pool has a maximum water depth of less than 2.50 metres. Post in a location visible to divers at Class B pools equipped with a diving board. Post at a visible location on each wall or fence near the ramp. Pools with one or more ramps that are not submerged - Post at the ramp(s) Pools with one or more ramps that are submerged - Post at the removable barrier 5.2 / Emergency Procedures Every owner and every operator must make sure that there are written emergency and operational procedures available at the pool. Operational procedures should include easily followed step by step instructions that describe how to safely operate the recirculation system, electrical system, all other operations, and routine and emergency procedures. All switches, valves, etc described in the operational procedures should be labelled. Information should be posted in locations that would be helpful in an emergency. Section 17 (1) Lifeguards and assistant lifeguards must be properly trained and familiar with all emergency and operational procedures in order to be prepared for an emergency, accident or injury. 5.2.1 / Re-circulation System and Chemical Feeders Every owner and every operator must do the following: Keep all parts of the recirculation system of the pool in proper working order. Section 6 (4) Make sure the pool water is disinfected with chlorine or bromine and is injected into the pool using an adjustable dosing device (chlorinator or brominator). Section 7 (7) Make sure the chemical feeders are only shut off for maintenance, repairs or backwashing of filters. Otherwise, the recirculation system and chemical feeders for the pool must be in continuous operation throughout the entire twenty-four hours of each operating day. Section 6 (2) Class A pools constructed before 1974 and all Class B pools, must have a water turnover rate of 3 times the total capacity of the pool water. Section 6 (2) Class A pools constructed after 1974, must have a water turnover rate of 4 times the total capacity of the pool water. Section 6 (2) NOTE: The turnover rate is the number of times a total volume of pool water passes through the recirculation system in a 24 hour period. The recirculation process includes filtration and disinfection. The turnover rate is monitored through the use of a flow meter. A flow meter measures the amount of water in litres per minute that passes through the pool re-circulation system. For the flow meter to function properly, it should be placed on the pressure side of the pump, after the filters. The flow meter is required at all pools as per the Ontario Building Code. 19 20

5.2.2 / Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Before the pool is opened for use each day, every operator must: Test all ground fault circuit interrupters connected to ground current leakage detecting and de-energizing devices. Section 8 Write in the Pool Log Book the name of the person who completed the test, and the date and time the test was done. Section 16 (2) NOTE: If the pool has underwater lighting or electrical outlets or electrical fixtures within 3 metres (10 feet) of the pool surface, a ground current leakage detecting and de-energizing device, otherwise known as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) must be present. The GFCI is a small circuit breaker device that shuts off electricity to any circuit in the event of an electrical leak. The GFCI should never be tested when the pool is open for use. All electrical work should be done when the pool is closed. 5.2.3 / Swimming Pool Outlet Covers and Equalizer Valves In 1991, the requirement to inspect water outlet covers was added to Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools. Inspections are required to make sure that water outlet covers are properly maintained and securely fastened to the pool surface. The addition to the regulation happened after a Coroner s inquest found that the drowning of a lifeguard could have been prevented, if the cover to the main drain was secured in place. Every owner and every operator must make sure that: The perimeter drain of the pool is kept free of debris. Section 6 (4) All pool water outlet covers for main drains are inspected at least once within each period of 30 operating days. The pool is closed if any pool water outlet covers are found to be loose or missing. The pool must remain closed until the cover is repaired or replaced. All existing equalizer valve fittings be properly sealed with a threaded plug. A written record of the inspection is made by the person who did the inspection. All written records of the inspection is kept for at least one year from the date the record is made. Section 16.1 (1) & (2) Appendix H explains how to make an equalizer valve inoperable. 5.3 / Required Safety Equipment Every owner and every operator must make sure the following items are available on the deck and conveniently located for emergency use: An electrically insulated or non-conducting reaching pole at least 3.65 metres long. Section 20 (1) Two (2) buoyant throwing aids. Each throwing aid must have securely attached to it a 6 millimetre diameter rope with a length not less than one half the width of the pool plus 3 metres. Section 20 (1) Spine board that is easily accessible on the deck for bathers that may have a spinal injury. NOTE: Spine boards are required by law for the transport of spinal-injured victims. All spine boards must be equipped with at least three (3) straps to secure the injured victim safely before transporting. Section 20 (1) First-aid box containing at least: A current copy of the St. John Ambulance or the Canadian Red Cross Society First Aid Manual 12 safety pins 24 adhesive dressings individually wrapped 12 sterile gauze pads, each seventy-five millimetres square 4 rolls of 50 millimetre gauze bandage 4 rolls of 100 millimetre gauze bandage 4 sterile surgical pads suitable for pressure dressings individually wrapped 6 triangular bandages 2 rolls of splint padding 1 roll-up splint Section 20 (1) Appendix I is a First Aid Kit Checklist for you to print and place in your first aid kit for reference. Emergency Telephone Class A pools must have an emergency telephone that is easily accessible from the deck and that is directly connected to an emergency service provider or local telephone company. Section 16 (1) Class B pools must have a telephone for emergency use that is accessible and no more than 30 metres from the pool and is directly connected to an emergency service provider or local telephone company. If it takes more than 30 steps/paces from the edge of the pool to get to the emergency telephone then the telephone could be too far away and should be re-located. Section 16 (1) Operators and/or owners of both Class A and B pools must test the emergency telephone to make sure that it is in operating condition. This must be done daily before the pool opens and must be recorded into the Pool Log Book and signed by the operator. Section 16 (2) 21 22

The emergency telephone is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment used to get help for an injured bather or emergency situation and must only be used for emergency purposes. Cordless, battery powered, or cell phones are not allowed. These types of telephones can go missing, run out of power, or not have constant connection to the telephone utility of emergency service. Appendix G is an emergency telephone template that can be printed and placed by the emergency phone. If the telephone is not working then the pool must be closed until it is working. 5.4 / Lifeguard Requirements Owners and/or operators of a public pool are responsible to make sure that there are enough lifeguards and assistant lifeguards on duty and on the deck while the pool is in use. If a lifeguard or lifeguard assistant finds that a safety hazard exists in the pool or on the deck while it is in use, they must: Instruct all bathers to leave the pool or the deck area. Inform the operator that a safety hazard exists. Section 18 (1) 5.4.1 / Number of Lifeguards Section 17 of Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools sets the number of lifeguards and assistant lifeguards that must be on duty on the deck, as well as their age and qualifications. Table 3 lists the required minimum number of lifeguards and assistant lifeguards. TABLE 3: Public pools with a water surface area of 500 square metres or less Section 17 (2) Where there are lifeguards and assistant lifeguards on duty Number of bathers on the deck and in the pool Minimum number of lifeguards & assistant lifeguards on duty Where there are only lifeguards on duty Number of bathers on the deck and in the pool 0-30 1 0-30 1 31-100 2 31-125 2 101-200 3 126-250 3 201-300 4 251-400 4 300 or more One additional lifeguard or assistant lifeguard for each additional 100 bathers or fraction thereof 400 or more Minimum number of lifeguards on duty One additional lifeguard for each additional 150 bathers or fraction thereof Public pools with a water surface area greater than 500 square metres; the following applies: Minimum number of lifeguards and assistant lifeguards referred to in the table above shall be increased by one, and Where there are two persons who hold the National Lifeguard Service's Lifeguard Certificate on duty, the number of bathers referred to in the table above may exceed 30, but shall not exceed 60. Section 17 (3) NOTES: The number of Assistant Lifeguards must not exceed the number of Lifeguards on duty. Class B Pools that provide supervision must also meet the above requirements. 23 24

Lifeguards and Assistant Lifeguards must meet the following: Wear appropriate uniform that identifies them as a lifeguard. Be at least 16 years of age. Be the holder of a current lifeguard certificate or assistant lifeguard certificate. The certificate must not be more than 2 years old. Have available at the pool, copies of all lifeguard certificates. Certificates must be available to the owner and/or operator of the pool or a public health inspector at all times. Must be trained in operational and emergency procedures for the pool. 17 (5) 17 (7) Lifeguards must have a current National Lifeguard Service s Lifeguard Certificate. Section 17 (8) Assistant Lifeguards must have a current Royal Life Saving Society Canada s Bronze Cross or Award of Distinction Certificate. Section 17 (9) 5.4.2 / Requirements for Class A Pools Class A pools must have one person on the property and within call, who is at least sixteen years of age, and has one of the following certificates: National Lifeguard Service's Lifeguard Certificate that is not more than two years old. First-aid certificate, that is current and available when on duty. Certificates must be available to the owner and/or operator of the pool or a public health inspector at all times. Section 17 (10) Where there is only one lifeguard on duty on the deck, every owner of a Class A pool and every operator must make sure: There is at least one more lifeguard or assistant lifeguard on the property, who is at least sixteen years of age, and Can be contacted, and Is trained in the emergency procedures for the pool. Section 17 (4) A First Aid Certificate means one of the following: St. John Ambulance Emergency, Standard or Advanced First-aid Certificate that is not more than three years old. Canadian Red Cross Society's Emergency, Standard or Advanced First-aid Certificate that is not more than three years old. Royal Life Saving Society Canada's Aquatic Emergency Care Certificate that is not more than three years old. Canadian Ski Patrol's Qualified Member or First-aid Certification prior to its date of expiry. Certificate that the Minister considers equal to a qualification listed above. Section 17 (11) 5.4.3 / Requirements for Class B Pools Class B pools that are not operated with a daycare facility or day camp that have a water surface area of 93 square metres or less can be exempt from the lifeguard requirements provided a caution sign is posted. See Table 2 for signage requirements. Class B pools that are not operated in a daycare facility or day camp that have a water surface area greater than 93 square metres and the number of bathers does not exceed ten, can be exempt from the lifeguard requirements provided a caution sign is posted. See Table 2 for signage requirements. Child care facilities or day camps with a pool water depth that is not deeper than 1.10 metres can replace lifeguards or assistant lifeguards with one or more persons 16 years of age or over. The operator of the pool must make sure that the person(s) is a good swimmer, trained in the emergency procedures and has a current first-aid certificate. Section 20 Public Health Services recommends that owners and/or operators not replace lifeguards with non-lifeguards as this differs from the Admission Standards for Public Pools that are meant to reduce the risk of drowning. See Section 6.0 and Appendix J on Admission Standards for Public Pools. 25 26

5.4.4 / Requirements of Aquatic Instructors or Coaches Acting as Lifeguards Public Pools are exempt from the minimum required number of lifeguards outlined in Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools when the pool is being used by one or more bathing groups. Bathing groups cannot exceed 25 persons for aquatic instruction, practice, competition or display under the direct supervision of a certified aquatic instructor or coach. Section 17 (16) Every aquatic instructor and every coach must meet the following: 16 years of age or older. Current holder of one of the qualifications listed below: Canadian Red Cross Society's Water Safety Instructor Award YMCA s Instructor Certificate Royal Life Saving Society Canada's Instructor Certificate, together with an assistant lifeguard certificate Ontario Teachers' Aquatic Standard The certificate must not be more than two years old 6.0 / Admission Standards for Public Pools Where the certificate holder is giving underwater aquatic instruction, an instructor certificate must be issued by one of the following associations: National Association of Underwater Instructors Professional Association of Diving Instructors Association of Canadian Underwater Councils Every aquatic instructor and every coach must have available when on duty all certificates referred to above, or a copy that is certified by the operator of the pool. The certificate must be available at any time for the pool owner, operator or public health inspector to examine. Section 17 (17) 6.0 / Admission Standards for Public Pools 27

6.0 / Admission Standards for Public Pools 6.0 / Admission Standards for Public Pools Admission Standards for public pools were developed by the Office of the Chief Coroner to assist lifeguards and assistant lifeguards of the whereabouts and activities of young bathers while they are inside the pool. The introduction of these standards is a result of drownings that occurred while children were not being watched by their parent, attendant and/or guardian in a lifeguard supervised public pool. Coroner investigations found that if the parent, attendant and/or guardian had stayed and watched the young children, the drownings may not have happened. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care strongly supports these recommendations for the purpose of preventing injury and deaths. 7.0 / Appendices The admission standards should be posted at the entrance(s) to your pool. Pools supervised by lifeguards should enforce the Admission Standards for Public Pools. Appendix J is the Admission Standards for Public Pools. 7.0 / Appendices Appendix A / Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools.... 31 Appendix B / Public Pool Opening Notification Form... 47 Appendix C / Pool Operator Pre-opening Inspection Checklist.... 48 Appendix D / Pool Fouling Recommendations... 50 Appendix E / Chemical Storage and Handling Tips... 51 Appendix F / Inspection and Records Log Form.... 52 Appendix G / Emergency Telephone Procedure.... 53 Appendix H / Rendering Equalizer Fittings Inoperable... 54 Appendix I / First Aid Kit Checklist.... 55 Appendix J / Admission Standards for Public Pools... 56 29

7.0 / Appendices Appendix A Ontario Regulation 565/90 Public Pools HEALTH PROTECTION AND PROMOTION ACT R.R.O. 1990, REGULATION 565 PUBLIC POOLS Consolidation Period: From February 13, 2007 to the e-laws currency date. Last amendment: O. Reg. 50/07. This is the English version of a bilingual regulation. CONTENTS 1 / Definitions 2-5 / Classifications of Public Pools 6-15 / Operation 16-20 / Safety DEFINITIONS 1 / In this Regulation, apartment building means a building that is divided into multiple dwelling units or suites whether leased or not but does not include a condominium, co-operative or commune property; ( immeuble d habitation ) assistant lifeguard means a person designated by the owner or operator to assist a lifeguard to supervise bather safety; ( sauveteur adjoint ) bather means a person dressed for bathing; ( baigneur ) campground means land or premises used as an overnight camping facility other than a recreational camp; ( terrain de camping ) clean water means water added to a public pool after treatment in the pool recirculation system; ( eau propre ) club means an organization that operates facilities for the use of its members and their guests; ( club ) day camp means a camp or resort that admits persons for temporary custody for a continuous period not exceeding twenty-four hours; ( camp de jour ) day nursery means a day nursery as defined in the Day Nurseries Act; ( garderie ) deck means the area immediately surrounding a public pool; ( terrasse ) diving board means a flexible board and board has a corresponding meaning; ( tremplin de plongeon ) diving platform means a rigid platform and platform has a corresponding meaning; ( plate-forme de plongeon ) general area means an area adjacent to the deck within a pool enclosure that is used for activities other than bathing; ( zone d usage général ) guest means a person who contracts for sleeping accommodation in a hotel and includes each member of the person s party; ( client ) hotel means a hotel, inn, motel, resort or other building or premises operated to provide sleeping accommodation for the public; ( hôtel ) lifeguard means a person appointed by the owner or operator to maintain surveillance over the bathers while they are on the deck or in the pool and to supervise bather safety; ( sauveteur ) make-up water means water added to a public pool from an external source; ( eau d appoint ) mobile home park means land or premises maintained to provide a temporary or permanent location for mobile homes; ( parc de maisons mobiles ) modified pool means a public pool that has the form of a basin-shaped depression in the earth, the floor of which slopes downward and inward toward the centre from the rim; ( piscine modifiée ) operator means a person designated by the owner of a public pool as being responsible for the operation of the pool; ( exploitant ) owner means a person who is the owner of a public pool; ( propriétaire ) recirculation system means a system that, (a) maintains circulation of water through a pool by pumps, (b) draws water from a pool for treatment and returns it to the pool as clean water, and (c) provides continuous treatment that includes filtration and chlorination or bromination and other processes that may be necessary for the treatment of the water; ( système de recirculation ) recreational camp means a recreational camp within the meaning of Regulation 568 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990; ( camp de loisirs ) wave action pool means a public pool that is provided with a means for inducing wave motion in the water. ( piscine à vagues ) R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 565, s. 1. CLASSIFICATION OF PUBLIC POOLS 2 / The following classes of public pools are established: 1. Class A pool being, i. a pool to which the general public is admitted, ii. a pool operated in conjunction with or as a part of the program of a Young Men s Christian Association or similar institution or an educational, instructional, physical fitness or athletic institution supported in whole or in part by public funds or public subscription, or iii. a pool operated on the premises of a recreational camp, for use by campers and their visitors and camp personnel. 2. Class B pool being, i. a pool operated on the premises of an apartment building that contains more than five dwelling units or suites, a mobile home park or a nurses residence, for the use of the occupants and their visitors, ii. a pool operated as a facility to serve a community of more than five single-family private residences, for the use of the residents and their visitors, iii. a pool operated on the premises of a hotel, for the use of its guests and their visitors, iv. a pool operated on the premises of a campground, for the use of its tenants and their visitors, 31 32

v. a pool operated in conjunction with, A. a club, for the use of its members and their visitors, or B. a condominium, co-operative or commune property that contains more than five dwelling units or suites, for the use of the owners or members and their visitors, vi. a pool operated in conjunction with a day nursery, a day camp or an establishment or institution for the care or treatment of persons who are ill, infirm or aged or for persons in custodial care, for the use of such persons and their visitors, or vii. a pool other than a Class A pool, that is not exempt from the provisions of this Regulation. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 565, s. 2. 3 / The following public pools are exempt from this Regulation: 1. Pools used by the occupants and their visitors of an apartment building, condominium or co-operative or commune property that contains five or fewer dwelling units or suites. 2. Pools used by members of a community of five or fewer single-family private residences. 2.1 Pools operated on the premises of a hotel that contains five or fewer units or suites, for the use of its guests, if the following notice is displayed in a conspicuous place within the pool enclosure, printed in letters at least 25 millimetres high: CAUTION SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK THIS POOL IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF ONTARIO REGULATION 565 PUBLIC POOLS 3. Pools having a water depth of 0.75 metre or less. 4. Hydro-massage pools. 5. Pools that serve solely as receiving basins for persons at the bottom of water slides. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 565, s. 3; O. Reg. 179/02, s. 1. 4 / This Regulation applies to public pools and all buildings, appurtenances and equipment used in the operation of public pools. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 565, s. 4. 5 / (1) Before a public pool is put into use after construction or alteration, the owner or the owner s agent shall notify, in writing, the medical officer of health in the health unit where the pool is situate, (a) of the building permit number issued for the construction or alteration of the pool; (b) whether or not all the preparations necessary to operate the pool in accordance with this Regulation have been completed; (c) of the date that the pool is to be opened for use; (d) whether the pool is intended to be operated as a Class A or a Class B pool; and (e) of the name and address of the operator. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 565, s. 5 (1). (2) A person who proposes to open or reopen a pool for use as a public pool after construction or alteration shall not open or reopen the pool without first obtaining, (a) permission in writing from the medical officer of health; and (b) a supply of chemicals and testing devices that are sufficient to operate the pool. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 565, s. 5 (2). (3) Every owner and every operator shall, after any closure of the pool for more than four weeks duration and where the owner or operator intends to re-open the pool, notify in writing the medical officer of health in the health unit where the pool is situate, (a) of the date that the pool is to be re-opened; (b) of the name and address of the operator; and (c) whether the pool is intended to be operated as a Class A or a Class B pool. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 565, s. 5 (3). OPERATION 6 / (1) Every owner shall designate an operator. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 565, s. 6 (1). (2) Every owner and every operator shall, (a) maintain the public pool and its equipment in a safe and sanitary condition; (b) ensure that during periods when the pool is not intended to be open for use it is rendered inaccessible to persons who are not involved with its operation or maintenance; (c) except for stoppage for maintenance, repairs or backwashing of filters or for a closure for a continuous period of seven days or more, ensure that the recirculation system and the chemical feeders are in continuous operation throughout the entire twenty-four hours of each day without regard to the duration of actual use of the pool each day; and (d) ensure that, (i) in a Class A pool that was constructed after the 30th day of April, 1974, a volume of water not less than four times the total capacity of the pool is filtered, disinfected and passed through the pool each day, (ii) in a Class A pool that was constructed before the 1st day of May, 1974 and in a Class B pool, a volume of water not less than three times the total capacity of the pool is filtered, disinfected and passed through the pool each day, and (iii) in a wave action pool, a volume of water not less than six times the total capacity of the pool is filtered, disinfected and passed through the pool each day. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 565, s. 6 (2). (3) Despite paragraph 1 of section 2, a Class A pool may be operated as a Class B pool during periods when the pool is open solely for the uses stated in subparagraphs i to vi of paragraph 2 of section 2. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 565, s. 6 (3). (4) Every owner and every operator shall ensure that, (a) all components of the recirculation system of the pool are maintained in proper working order; (b) all surfaces of the pool deck and walls are maintained in a sanitary condition and free from hazards; (c) where changing rooms, toilets and shower facilities are provided for the pool, they are available for use of the bathers before entering the deck; (d) the submerged surfaces of the pool are white or light in colour, except for markings for safety or competition purposes; (e) the pool deck is clearly delineated by markings or other means from the general area where a general area is provided; (f) the perimeter drain of the pool is kept free of debris; 33 34