Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) inspect public and commercial pools, hot tubs, spray pools and wading pools (referred to collectively as ‘pools’) to assess compliance with Pool Regulation. The regulation requires operators to maintain a safe and sanitary environment in and around the pool and throughout the surrounding facilities to protect public health and prevent injury.
Find Recreational Water Facility Inspection Reports
Under the Pool Regulation, any person constructing a new pool or modifying an existing pool must apply first for and receive a Construction Permit. A BC registered professional engineer or architect (design professional) must be retained to coordinate the proposed construction. A Construction Permit must be issued by Island Health before construction begins.
In accordance with the pool regulation, the need for a Construction Permit may be waived in cases where pool works and upgrades are minor. See details below on how to make a request.
To apply for a Construction Permit, submit the Construction Permit application package via email to HPES.Engineering@islandhealth.ca
Please note that applications for a pool Construction Permits should be made in writing at least 60 working days before approval is needed.
An Application for Construction Permit is required for each pool under construction. All design professionals responsible for components of the pool design must be identified with their initials. The pool owner must sign and date the Owner’s Confirmation of Commitment.
Requirements of the Pool Regulation and BC Guideline for Pool Design must be considered for all pool construction.
The cover letter provides the project overview, outlining the intended outcome of the construction and identifies all Health Hazard Design Parameters that may be impacted by the proposed construction. The letter should be signed, sealed and dated by a design professional and include all job numbers, drawing numbers and submitting inquiries or attachments. If the construction will be completed in phases, this must also be included in the cover letter.
A digital copy of construction plans and specifications must be provided in addition to all technical datasheets and/or specification documents for all equipment, fixtures and materials to be installed and which could affect public health. Pool data sheets are required for each pool.
Submission of hard copy drawings and pool data sheets is also required, and must be sent to:
Public Health Engineering
Island Health – Environmental Public Health
355 11th Street
Courtenay, BC V9N 1S4
Please note: All drawings, pool data sheets and specifications must be signed, sealed and dated by a design professional registered to practice in British Columbia.
Once the Construction Permit has been issued and the construction is complete, a statement of compliance is required from each design professional involved in the construction to confirm the pool has been constructed as authorized under the Construction Permit issued.
In addition, provide a copy of the as-built Pool Data Sheet for each constructed pool.
Documents must be sent to HPES.Engineering@islandhealth.ca with reference to the Island Health issued Construction Permit number (P-CP#XX-XXX).
A Construction Permit waiver may be appropriate where broken equipment is being replaced or repaired for either the exact same make and model or equipment that provides a similar performance.
Island Health generally uses the Pool Data Sheet as a guide. The Pool Data Sheet lists all the key mechanical equipment in the pool and requires a signature by design professional. Therefore, changes that require an updated Pool Data Sheet would usually trigger the requirement for a Construction Permit.
Please see the list of examples of when a Construction Permit is required and when a Construction Permit may be waived.
To apply for a Construction Permit Waiver, submit the Construction Permit Waiver Request form via email to Island Health Public Health Engineering at hpes.engineering@islandhealth.ca.
Please note that applications for Pool Construction Permit Waivers should be made in writing at least 60 working days before approval is needed.
Your submission must include:
A health operating permit will be required to open the pool for use. A health operating permit is issued by the Environmental Health Officer and is not transferable to new owners. New owners or operators of an existing pool must apply for a new health operating permit and not operate the pool until a permit has been issued.
To apply for an operating permit, submit the following to your local Environmental Public Health office:
An Application for a Recreational Water Facility form should be submitted for each pool. A copy of legal ownership documentation is required if the ownership type is a corporation, society or partnership.
Ownership types include sole proprietor, society, corporation or partnership.
A Pool Safety Plan is required for all pools. The plan should include written operating procedures as well as actions to take in the event of an injury, emergency or incident in order to protect the health and safety of pool users. More information on how to write a pool safety plan is available in the Guide and Pool Safety Plan for Pool Operators.
A copy of the as-built pool data sheet should be provided. The pool data sheet should be signed, dated and sealed by the design professional.
Health operating permit fees must be paid annually. For seasonal establishments, the fee is based on the number of operating months.
Pool with an area less than 19 square meters: $150
Pool with an area greater than 19 square meters: $250
Permit fees can be paid in person at a local Environmental Public Health office or via telephone. Visa, Mastercard or cheques are accepted (payable to Island Health).
Note: Recreational water facilities are required to connect to a water supply system that complies with the Drinking Water Protection Act and Drinking Water Protection Regulation. Contact your local Environmental Public Health office or visit our Drinking Water page for more information.
The Environmental Health Officer will conduct an initial inspection to ensure the facility is in compliance with the Pool Regulation and will not likely constitute a health hazard. Once satisfied that all requirements are met and permit fees paid (if applicable), the Environmental Health Officer will issue a health operating permit. A health operating permit is required prior to opening the pool for use.
BC Guidelines for Swimming Pool Design
BC Guidelines for Swimming Pool Operation
Model Aquatic Health Code
Guideline for Mitigating Suction Hazards in Pools
Pinkeye
Residential Hot tubs and Pools: Health and Safety Tips
Residential Hot tubs and Pools: Safe Water Quality
Responding to Pool Contamination
Short-term Private Residential Pool Rental
