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Wading Pools and Splash Pads

This page was reviewed or revised on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 4:16 PM

Wading pools and splash pads are water play areas that provide a refreshing way to cool down on a hot, summer day. These facilities normally operate from late spring to early fall, and are located in parks and with other recreational water facilities.

What is a wading pool?

A wading pool is a structure that holds water at 75 cm or less at any point.

What is a splash/spray pad?

A splash pad, also known as a spray pad, is a water play area with interactive structures and/or equipment, such as nozzles that spray water, and has no standing water; it drains immediately.

Lambton Public Health aims to reduce the risk of injury, illness or fatality to wading pool and splash/spray pad users, especially when young children are present. Public health inspectors inspect these facilities to ensure they are operated in a clean, safe and sanitary manner.

To prevent the possible spread of illness from contaminated water, the owner or operator of a wading pool or splash/spray pad must:

• Maintain the facility in a clean and sanitary state
• Maintain water chemistry to reduce the potential spread of communicable diseases
• Respond to adverse incidents that may affect the health of facility users

Wading Pool and Splash Pad information:

Inspections

Resources

Operating Procedures for Non-Regulated Recreational Water Facilities Guidance Document, April 2010

Talk with a Public Health Inspector (PHI) about a wading pool or splash pad in Lambton County. Call 519-383-8331 or toll free 1-800-667-1839.