Ontario Regulation 565 (Public Pools) – Key Definitions
Definitions
In this Regulation, multiple terms are defined to standardize terms across public pools and spas. Key definitions include:
apartment building: building divided into multiple dwelling units or suites, excluding condominiums, co-ops, communes.
assistant lifeguard: person designated to assist a lifeguard to supervise bather safety.
automatic sensing device: device that (a) displays sanitizer residual and pH value, and (b) regulates chemical feeders to maintain sanitizer and pH per the Regulation.
bather: person dressed for bathing.
campground: land used as an overnight camping facility other than a recreational camp.
child care centre: as defined in the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014.
circulation system: pumps water through the pool/spa, treats water, returns treated water, and provides continuous filtration and disinfection.
clean water: water added after treatment in the circulation system.
club: organization operating facilities for members and guests.
daily use period: the period a public pool or spa is open for use in a day.
deck: area surrounding a public pool or spa.
diving board / diving platform: board (flexible) and platform (rigid) definitions.
general area: area adjacent to deck used for activities other than bathing.
guest: person who contracts for sleeping accommodation in a hotel (and their party).
hotel: hotel, inn, motel, resort, etc.
lifeguard: person appointed to supervise bathers on deck and in pool.
make-up water: water added from an external source.
mobile home park: land premises for mobile homes.
modified pool: pool with basin-shaped floor sloping down toward the interior.
operating day: day when the pool/spa is in operation.
owner / operator: person designated to own or operate the pool/spa; operator is responsible for operation.
public cold plunge pool: temp ≤ 15°C; not drained/refilled for each use.
public flotation pool / tank: pools/tanks designed for flotation with magnesium sulfate solution, not drained/refilled for each use; multi-person / up to two bathers for tanks; includes specific environmental features.
public spa: hydro-massage pool with artificial water, not drained/refilled before each use, using hydrojets, bubbles, current, etc.
public spray pad / splash pad: water source distributions that contact bathers without standing water as part of the bather area.
public wading pool: water depth ≤ 75 cm for young children.
recreational camp: as defined under Ontario Regulation 503/17.
wave action pool: public pool with means to induce wave motion.
(Français versions are provided in the bilingual text).