If you’ve got a pool in your backyard in Quebec — whether it’s an in-ground oasis or a blow-up one you grabbed on sale at Canadian Tire — heads up: the rules are changing, and fast.
Starting September 30, 2025, every residential pool in the province, no matter when it was installed, will have to meet the same safety standards introduced back in 2010.
Previously, only pools built after 2010 had to follow certain safety rules. But the province is cracking down, and that old inflatable unicorn floatie might not be the only thing in your yard needing an upgrade.
The change is all about keeping kids safe. The Quebec government is hoping to prevent tragic drownings by tightening up regulations — especially for the types of setups that might seem harmless but can actually be pretty risky.
So, what exactly do you need to do? Well, it depends on your setup.
If you’ve got an in-ground pool, you’ll need a fence at least 1.2 metres high all the way around it. And the existing pool walls do not count as a fence, even if they’re tall.
What’s more, all gates or doors to the pool area must close automatically and have a working latch.
For above-ground pools, there’s a bit more wiggle room. If the pool walls are at least 1.2 metres high and are not easy to climb, they can be considered a natural barrier. If not, the pool must be surrounded by a fence.
If you’ve got a ladder or platform, those must also be fenced off or secured with a proper locking system.
Temporary or inflatable pools — even if they’re only up for the summer — also have to follow the same fence rules if they’re deeper than 60 centimetres (around two feet). That’s not a lot, so a number of backyard setups might be affected. And yes, you may be required to get hold of a municipal permit, even for a temporary pool.
One last thing: make sure there’s nothing close to the fence that someone could use to climb over it — no barbecues, picnic tables, recycling bins, or anything like that within a metre of the barrier.
Some cities may have additional rules, so checking with your municipality is essential if you want to get familiar with the specifics.
And not playing by the rules could cost you. Fines come in between $500 and $700, and can go up to $1,000, especially if you don’t fix things after getting a warning.
So, if you want to enjoy your pool worry-free this summer, now’s the time to make sure you’re in the clear.
Call your municipality, double-check your setup, and get ahead of it before the hot days hit. Because nothing ruins a pool party like a fine — or worse.
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