A hotel pool without clear policies is a liability waiting to happen
Having a hotel pool means more than maintaining water quality and equipment. Alberta's Pool Standards require facilities to have documented policies and procedures that demonstrate how the pool will be operated safely, maintained properly, and managed when issues arise.
A strong set of written policies and procedures helps ensure your hotel pool is operated safely, consistently, and in compliance with Alberta's Pool Standards. These documents should clearly outline how your pool facility protects guests, supports staff, responds to incidents, and maintains safe operating conditions.
The written policies and procedures should include the following five sections:
1. Pool Safety and Supervision Plan
This plan should outline how the facility will manage pool safety, including supervision practices, safety checks, emergency response procedures, chemical handling protocols, and lifesaving equipment requirements.
The Lifesaving Society has a template that may be used to help with developing a Safety and Supervision plan in both a lifeguarded and non lifeguarded facility.
2. Patron Education and Notification (Including Signage)
Guests must be informed of pool rules, hazards, and safety requirements. This section should cover required signage and other measures used to communicate important safety information to patrons.
You can also use the requirements listed under section 11.2 of the Pool standards, July 2014 (amended January 2018) - Open Government (alberta.ca)
3. Water Quality Incident Response Plan
A comprehensive Water Quality Incident Response Plan is essential for maintaining a safe swimming environment. Pool operators should have clear procedures for responding to unsatisfactory microbiological test results and water quality issues such as improper chlorine levels, pH, ORP, or poor water clarity. Facilities must also establish site-specific processes for managing contamination incidents involving blood, vomit, or fecal matter in accordance with Alberta’s Pool Standards, including documenting all vomit and fecal incidents in a Water Contamination Log, click HERE for a copy. Regular testing, prompt corrective action, and thorough recordkeeping help protect guest health and ensure compliance with public health requirements.
Resources include:
Microbiological Sample Collecting Procedures for Pools
Interpreting Microbiological Sample Test Results for Public Swimming Pools AHS
Pseudomonas Treatment document
4. General Sanitation Plan
A well-developed sanitation plan helps ensure a clean, safe, and enjoyable pool environment for guests. The plan should identify the cleaning and disinfecting products used and establish a routine schedule for maintaining key areas. These should include:
Regular cleaning of scum lines, removal of debris, and consistent sanitation of high-use areas are essential for preventing the spread of germs and maintaining overall pool hygiene.
This template can be used as a starting point to develop a cleaning schedule for your pool. Ensure to include PPE where required.
5. Anti-Entrapment Compliance Plan
An Anti-Entrapment Compliance Plan helps protect swimmers from serious entrapment hazards by identifying risks and documenting the safety measures in place at a facility. Pool owners and operators are responsible for assessing entrapment risks and ensuring compliance with anti-entrapment requirements. Because these assessments can be complex, facilities may choose to engage qualified professionals or engineers to assist with evaluating equipment and completing compliance documentation. Alberta Health Services provides guidance documents and forms to help facilities meet these important safety requirements.
Resources include:
Information to Complete Anti-Entrapment Compliance Plan for Public Swimming Pools
Anti-Entrapment Compliance Plan Form
Looking for additional guidance?
AHLA's Swimming Pools Resource Page brings together regulatory information, compliance tools, operator licensing guidance, and resources to help hotels manage safe, compliant pool facilities.
AHLA’s hotel-specific Pool Operator Training course on TourismWorks helps staff understand water quality, pool chemistry, maintenance requirements, and operational best practices.