Interpretation of Provincial Regulations
The provincial government consults with the Society to revise current Regulations, Standards and Guidelines, and to create new legislation. Involvement with these task forces confirms the Society as the standard-setter for aquatic operations across Canada. This involvement also allows the Society to formalize all the work done through all areas of Aquatic Safety Management.
The Society undertook this initiative and published the revised Guide to Ontario Public Pools Regulation - July 2018. This Guide assists pool owners/operators with the interpretation of the new Public Pool Regulation 565. This project responds to the long-held view of operators that the Regulations are not "user friendly" and that safety levels and bather comfort could be enhanced if regulations were more easily understood. In addition, the Society clarifies sections of these regulations by utilizing "Lifesaving Society Notes" throughout the document. This gives operators a clearer understanding of the regulation.
The Society also has other standards literature including: Waterfront Safety Standards, Backyard Pool Guidelines and the Dragon Boat Handbook.
2025 Updates to Ontario Provincial Pools Regulation
The Ontario Government has issued updates to the Ontario Provincial Pools Regulation (R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 565: PUBLIC POOLS) effective January 1, 2025. For the full list of changes,
visit the province’s website where changes are currently highlighted in grey.
Here is a brief summary of the changes:
- Regulation definitions revisions to modified pool and additional definitions for floatation pools and tanks
- Signage requirement for private spas in private residential pool settings and rowing pools used by the public
- Some spa exemptions in hotels
- Black disc permanently affixed requirement
- Alkalinity range increased
- Bromine range correction
- Floatation tank disinfection and UV requirements
- Spa signage modification
- Spa tamperproof upper limit cut off switch requirement
- Cold water and floatation tank equipment, signage and disinfection requirements
- Safety supervision exemption and signage requirement for public wading pools 15 cm or less
Next Steps and Support
The Society is available to support affiliates in understanding and implementing these new regulations. Email us at
experts@lifeguarding.com or call 416-490-8844 to speak to a member of our staff.
The Society is undertaking an update of all materials that reference the relevant regulation changes. This includes our
Guide to Ontario Public Pool Regulation and course materials for various certifications. While we work to make these changes, continue to refer to the official regulation from the Ontario Government, and reach out to our office if you have any questions or concerns.