Home Pool & Hot Tub Safety

Setting Up Your Pool: Installation & Equipment

Installing Your Pool or Hot Tub

• Contact the Toronto Building division to find out more about obtaining a permit before pool or hot tub construction begins.
• Pool and hot tub installation must comply with
• Hire a reputable company to install your pool or hot tub.
• Underwater lights must be installed by a certified electrician. Electric outlets within the pool enclosure must have ground fault circuit interrupters to prevent accidental electrocution.
• Install above ground and inflatable pools according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Enclosures and Safeguards

• All pools and hot tubs must be enclosed by a fence equipped with a self-closing gate that is capable of locking.
• The enclosure must have four sides. A wall is not considered a part of the fencing under the municipal code if it allows access to the pool enclosure.
• The height of the fencing must comply with the Toronto Municipal By-Law
• The gate must be locked when the pool or hot tub is not in use.
• Additional safety features can be outfitted for three-sided enclosures if the forth side is part of the side of the house. Juliet fencing, isolation fencing and access alarms can be installed.
• Adults should always supervise their children. Mechanical and electrical safety provisions (motion detectors and safety immersion wrist alarms) do not replace adult supervision.
• Always remove the ladder on an above-ground pool when the pool is not in use.

Chemical Storage

• All chemical containers must be labeled.
• Make sure chemicals are kept out of reach of children.
• Store chemicals separately in a cool, dry, and well ventilated room that can be locked.
• Follow label directions carefully.
• Never mix any two chemicals together.
• Never add chemicals when bathers are in the pool.
• Always add chemicals to water – never add water to chemicals.
• Never smoke around chemicals.
• Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling chemicals.

Safety Equipment

Lifesaving Equipment

• Lifesaving equipment must be easily accessible on-site.
• Buoyant throw aids must be attached to a rope, and the rope must be as long as the length of the pool.
• Do not allow the misuse of lifesaving equipment.
• Lifejackets or personal flotation devices should be available for inexperienced or weak swimmers.

Phone

• Keep a phone nearby in case of an emergency.
• Toronto Public Health recommends using a landline phone because it can help emergency services to confirm the location of the pool.
• The person(s) supervising should be aware of the location of the phone.
• Keep a list of emergency contacts together with the address of the pool next to the phone.
• If a cell phone is being used, make sure the battery is charged and clearly identify the location of the pool to the operator.

First Aid Kit

• A fully stocked first aid kit should be available near the pool or hot tub.
• The first aid kit should include a pair of scissors and a CPR mask.
• The person(s) supervising should know the location of the first aid kit and be trained in first aid and CPR.
• Visit the Life Saving Society website to learn more about first aid and CPR

 

Keeping Water Clean & Safe for Swimming

Water Chemistry

Your pool or hot tub chemistry must be balanced to avoid transmission of water-borne diseases. Test the water chemistry before using the pool or hot tub to ensure the water is balanced.

• Pool water should have a minimum free available chlorine or bromine concentration of 2.0 ppm.
• Hot tub water should have a free available chlorine or bromine concentration between 5.0 – 10 ppm.
• The pH for a pool or hot tub should be maintained between 7.2 – 7.8.

Water Clarity

• Do not use a pool or hot tub if the water is not clear.
• The bottom of the pool should be clearly visible at the deepest end.
• Toronto Public Health recommends that a 150mm (6 inch) diameter black disc on a white background be used to check the water clarity.
• The black disc should be placed at the deepest point of the pool and it should be clearly visible from anywhere on the pool deck.
• The bottom of the hot tub should be clearly visible when the jets are off.
• Provide lighting when the pool or hot tub is being used after dusk or at night.

Drains and Covers

• Check all drains and outlet covers and make sure they are secure and in good condition.
• Do not use a pool or hot tub if any of the drains and outlet covers are loose, damaged or missing.
• The force from the suction of a broken drain can trap long hair and body parts leading to injury or death.
• Keep children away from main drain(s) and outlet(s).

Disposing Pool Water

• It is illegal to dispose pool or hot tub water directly into the storm sewer system as chemicals in the water are harmful to the environment.
• Visit for more information on how to properly dispose of pool or hot tub water or contact Toronto Water by calling 311.

 

Rules for Swimmers

Safety Rules

• Remove the cover completely when the pool or hot tub is in use.
• Store the cover away from the pool or hot tub area.
• Evacuate the pool or hot tub during an emergency (e.g. lightning storm or power outage).
• Never allow glass containers within the pool or hot tub enclosure.
• Do not allow diving.
• Always enter the pool or hot tub feet first.
• Encourage walking and prohibit running in the pool or hot tub area.
• Teach children not to drink pool or hot tub water because it contains chemicals that may cause illness if swallowed.

Supervision

• Designate a qualified person to supervise when the pool or hot tub is in use.
• The person supervising must not leave the area while bathers are in the pool or hot tub.
• Never leave children unattended.
• For children under the age of five, the ratio of supervisors to children should be one to one.
• Keep inexperienced or weak swimmers within arm’s reach.
• Keep children away from main drain(s) and outlet(s).
• Lifejackets, personal flotation devices, and inflatable toys are not a substitute for supervision.

Personal Hygiene

• Toronto Public Health recommends showering before using a pool or hot tub.
• Showering reduces the amount of contaminants entering the pool or hot tub water.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or changing a diaper.
• Children should take regular bathroom breaks in order to avoid accidents.

Swimming Skills

• Encourage bathers to attend swimming lessons.
• Never swim alone, always swim with a friend.
• Be aware of guests who are inexperienced or weak swimmers.
• Ask inexperienced or weak swimmers to bring and wear their own lifejacket or personal flotation device.

Using Floating Toys

• Do not leave toys in the pool or hot tub.
• Toys can stop you from seeing a bather who is in trouble underwater.
• Toys can attract children to water causing them to fall in accidentally.
• Do not use inflatable toys as flotation devices.

Hot Tubs

Hot tubs have special considerations. It’s important to:

• Cover and lock the hot tub when it is not in use.
• Do not allow underwater play in a hot tub.
• Avoid contact with the drain(s) and suction outlet(s).
• Drain and refill a hot tub after heavy use.

Entering and Exiting the Hot Tub

• Enter and exit a hot tub slowly to prevent slipping.
• Use the handrail and steps when entering and exiting the hot tub.
• Avoid entering the hot tub when the jets are on.
• Discourage boisterous play in and around a hot tub.
• Post sign(s) such as NO DIVING and HOT TUB RULES to help encourage safe behaviour.

Over-Exposure to Heat

• Over-exposure to heat for a prolonged period can result in fainting or drowning.
• Hot tub temperature should be maintained at a maximum of 40°C (104°F).
• Check the water temperature before using the hot tub.
• To cool down, exit from the hot tub every 10–15 minutes.
• Drink water regularly to rehydrate.
• Do not allow intoxicated bathers into the hot tub.

Medical Conditions

• Pregnant women or those with medical conditions should consult a doctor before using a hot tub.
• Children under 12 years should not be allowed in a hot tub.
• Bather’s experiencing diarrhea should avoid using the hot tub.

Renting a Residential Swimming Pool

Residential swimming pools (such as backyard pools) that are rented to the public may not meet minimum health and safety standards and can pose serious risks to your health and safety.

Recreational water settings can be a host for bacteria, parasites, protozoa, and viruses that can cause enteric illnesses (illness in the stomach and intestines) as well as skin and ear infections. In addition to enteric illness, recreational water facilities can present a risk of drowning. Children have a higher susceptibility to swimming injuries, non-fatal and fatal drowning events in swimming pools. Other health risks associated with recreational water facilities include suction drain injuries, chemical injuries resulting in respiratory, skin, eye and ear conditions as well as injuries related to slipping and falling on wet surfaces.

Toronto Public Health conducts routine inspections of recreational water facilities to help prevent or reduce water-related illnesses, injuries and drownings. These pool inspections verify that the health and safety requirements outlined under provincial law are being met.

To help reduce the health and safety risks associated with recreational water use, only visit pools inspected by Toronto Public Health. A list of inspected recreational water facilities is available at SwimSafe.

Renting out your residential swimming pool

Residential swimming pools are generally not designed and constructed for use by the public, often do not meet the operating and maintenance standards required to ensure health and safety, and may not be permitted under Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act and the City of Toronto’s Zoning Bylaw.

If you allow the public to use your residential swimming pool, you may be in violation of:

1. Ontario Regulation 565 – Public Pools (a Regulation under the Health Protection and Promotion Act): When a residential swimming pool is used by the public, it is a Class B public pool under this regulation. The standards for Class “B” public pools, which are unlikely to be met without extensive changes to the operation and maintenance of your pool, include, but are not limited to requiring that you:

• • notify Toronto Public Health of commencement of operation, a minimum of 14 days prior to (re)opening to allow for an inspection to be scheduled, and obtain permission in writing prior to operating
  • post inspection results so they are available to the public
  • train in public pool operation and maintenance, filtration systems, water chemistry and all relevant safety and emergency procedures
  • display required signs and markings, including affixing a black disc to the bottom of the pool at its deepest point
  • treat the pool water with chlorine, a chlorine compound or a bromine compound by means of a chemical feeder and maintain specified chemical levels in every part of the pool at all times during use
  • keep, sign and retain for one year daily records of the number of bather uses per day, the results of required testing, the type and amount of chemicals added to the pool, etc.
  • provide an operating and accessible emergency phone within 30 meters from the pool and
  • provide safety equipment including a spine board

2. Toronto’s Zoning Bylaw: Even if all Class “B” public pool requirements in Ontario Regulation 565 are met, the use of a residential pool by the public may not be permitted under the City of Toronto’s Zoning Bylaw.

Violating Ontario Regulation 565 or the Zoning Bylaw may result in enforcement including legal proceedings such as issuing an Order under the Health Protection and Protection Act and/or charges under Ontario Regulation 565 or the Zoning Bylaw. The maximum fine for failing to comply with an Order or the Regulation is $5,000 for every day the offence continues and the fine for failing to comply with the Zoning Bylaw is $25,000 plus $10,000 for every day the offence continues.

Please also read the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Short-Term Residential Swimming Pool Rentals by Private Homeowner’s guidance.