What is a Wading Pool?
A wading pool is any structure that can hold water at a depth equal to 75 cm (30”) or less at any point and is used for recreation or instruction of young children.2
What is a Splash Pad?
A splash pad is a water play area that has interactive fountains or equipment and has no standing water.3 It may also be called a spray pad.
How often do Wading Pools and Splash Pads get inspected?
As set out in the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Recreational Water Protocol, 2019 (PDF 449KB),2 inspections of wading pools and splash pads happen:
- Prior to opening or re-opening after construction or alteration
- At least once per year, while operating
- As needed to follow up on observations from previous inspections, to investigate complaints and/or reports of illness, injury or death, and/or to monitor the safety of the facilities.
Wading Pool and splash pad inspection reports for facilities in Middlesex-London can be viewed online.
Opening or Re-opening a Public Wading Pool or Public Splash Pad
All public wading pool and public splash pad operators must notify the Health Unit of their intention to open or re-open a public wading pool or public splash pad. The Middlesex-London Health Unit requires two weeks notice to be given.
If you plan to open or re-open a public wading pool or public splash pad that has been constructed, altered or closed for more than four weeks, please fill out the form below and e-mail, mail or fax it to the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
Inspections
View inspection results for wading pools and splash pads in Middlesex-London from the link below.
Wading Pool
Splash Pads
