As of September 2025, a new Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation will come into effect across Quebec. This regulation will require all owners of outdoor pools — including above-ground, semi-inground, inground, and even removable models — to install safety enclosures to help prevent drowning incidents, particularly among young children.
This article summarizes the new legal requirements and offers practical advice for planning the necessary upgrades with help from qualified professionals.
🎯 Purpose of the Regulation
The regulation aims to increase safety in residential backyards across Quebec. It removes the grandfather clause previously granted to pools built before 2010: all existing pools, regardless of installation date, will need to comply with the new rules.
Municipalities will be responsible for enforcing the regulation, and a municipal permit will now be required for:
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Building, installing, or replacing a residential pool;
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Installing a diving board;
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Building a safety enclosure, platform, or deck that leads to a pool.
🏊♂️ Who Does This Apply To?
The regulation applies to any outdoor residential pool that can hold 60 cm (2 feet) of water or more. This includes:
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Above-ground pools;
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Semi-inground or inground pools;
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Removable pools, including inflatable models.
📌 Exceptions:
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Spas are not subject to the rules unless they hold more than 2,000 litres of water;
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Natural ponds and ornamental water features not intended for swimming are also excluded.
🔐 New Safety Measures
Once in force, the regulation will require specific safety measures to limit access to the pool area:
For above-ground pools:
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If the pool wall is under 1.2 m (4 ft) in height (or 1.4 m for removable pools), a conforming safety fence is mandatory.
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If the wall is 1.2 m or more, access may be allowed via:
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A removable ladder with a self-closing, self-latching safety gate;
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A fenced platform;
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A deck attached to the house, secured by a safety fence on the pool side.
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For inground and semi-inground pools:
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A fully enclosed safety fence will be mandatory, without exception.
⚠️ Equipment such as filtration systems must be placed at least 1 metre (3.3 ft) away from the pool, or installed inside a shed, to prevent children from climbing them to access the water.
✅ Fence and Access Gate Requirements
Starting in September 2025, all fences surrounding a residential pool must meet the following criteria:
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Minimum height of 1.2 metres (4 feet);
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No openings large enough to allow a 10 cm (4 inch) ball to pass through;
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Non-climbable design with no footholds or horizontal rails;
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Gate latches must be:
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Installed at 1.5 metres (5 feet) from the ground on the outside;
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Located at the top of the gate on the inside.
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🛠️ Get Help from Professionals
Bringing your pool up to code may require modifications to your fencing, landscaping, or access points. Consider consulting:
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A landscaping contractor or pool specialist;
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A landscape technologist or architect;
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Your municipality, which can confirm what’s required and help with your permit application.
🧾 In Summary
As of September 2025, all residential outdoor pools in Quebec — even those built before 2010 — must meet the new safety standards.
The goal is to protect children and prevent drowning, while standardizing safety across the province.
Make sure your pool is compliant in time — for the safety of everyone.
