Recreational Water Facilities

As part of Stage 3 of reopening, the Ontario Government announced indoor pools and spas are permitted to reopenen within Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph region on Friday, July 17, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. Waterparks, saunas, steam rooms, and bath houses remain closed. 

As part of Stage 2 of reopening, the Ontario Government announced recreational water facilities such as outdoor splash pads, wading pools and all swimming pools, are permitted to reopen within Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health on Friday, June 12, 2020 at 12:01am.  

WDGPH Guidance Document

The Ontario Government has also provided the following details relating to the Water Recreational Facilities

Swimming Pools, Spas or Hot Tubs, Splash Pads, and Wading Pools

All indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spas/hot tubs, splash pads, and wading pools may open to the public with restrictions.

  • This includes public pools as well as pools situated in hotels, motels, condo parks, resorts and other private facilities.
  • Waterparks, saunas, steam rooms and bathhouses are not yet permitted to reopen.
  • Change rooms and showers will be available to the public if operators can adequately sanitize and disinfect the facilities.
  • Workplaces, community spaces and events that pose the highest risk, such as amusement parks and waterparks will reopen at a later date.

Persons in the place of business shall maintain physical distancing of at least two metres from each other at all times by:

  • Reducing resting areas and pool capacity.
  • Limiting and distancing pool-side seating.
  • Timed entry (e.g., appointment only).
  • Equipment rented or loaned must be disinfected or quarantined appropriately between uses.
  • Aquatic activities such as fitness classes and swim lessons must be in line with physical distancing measures. For example, only other household members can assist swimmers with physical contact.

Please also refer to A Framework for Reopening our Province – Stage 2, and A Framework for Reopening our Province – Stage 3.

The Ontario Government and health and safety associations have released sector specific safety guidance documents and posters to assist with planning and preparing for re-opening safely and to help prevent COVID-19 in the workplace.   Please thoroughly review these workplace resources for information applicable to your business.  Please also continue to ensure compliance with Ontario Regulation 565 Public Pools.

Resources

In the Workplace

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Cleaning and Disinfection for Public areas

Inspection 

As directed by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, public pools and spas/hot tubs require a re-opening inspection before being permitted to open.  Splash pads and wading pools do not require a re-opening inspection and are permitted to open on June 12, 2020 at 12:01am, once the minimum precautions and plans are in place that meet the requirements provided in the information and resources listed above.

Once your public pool or spa/hot tub is ready for an opening inspection, please complete this Recreational Water Facility Opening Notification Form and submit to PHI.Intake@wdgpublichealth.ca.

We understand many pool operators are anxious and eager to reopen. Please be patient with us as we work to put plans in place to respond to your reopening inspection requests. Please also be aware that Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is unable to review individual business reopening plans. 

If, after reviewing the resources available, you have additional questions, you can contact a public health inspector at 519-822-2715 extension 4753 or PHI.Intake@wdgpublichealth.ca.