Is your pool up to code? Here's a review of Quebec's rules
Summer weather is fast approaching. But before you dip a toe in the backyard pool, make sure it's up to code with Quebec's safety regulations.
Quebec's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act applies to all backyard pools holding 60 centimetres or more water, whether in-ground, semi-in-ground, above-ground or demountable (inflatable or other).
Here's what you need to know:
FENCING
An enclosure, i.e. a fence, must surround all inground and semi-inground pools, as well as any above-ground pools less than 1.2 metres high and demountable pools less than 1.4 m high.
The fence must be at least 1.2 m tall, with bars no more than 10 cm apart. If it's a chain-link fence, the holes can't measure more than 30 millimetres across.
(Quebec/Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation)
The wall of your house or garage can serve as part of the enclosure, as long as doors don't provide access to the pool. If a door is in the way, additional fencing should be installed around it.
If using a wall as part of the enclosure, windows must be more than 3 m off the ground, unless they have a limited opening of 10 cm or less.
All of the enclosure's gates must be equipped with a self-closing and self-latching security device. The same goes for platforms or patios used to access above-ground pools.
(Quebec/Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation)
Hedges and bushes never count as an enclosure.
CLIMBING RISKS
Any device linked to the pool's operation should be installed at least 1 m from the enclosure wall, as well as the pool wall, if applicable.
This is to prevent children from climbing the fixture to either get over the fence or into the pool.
(Quebec/Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation)
Exceptions can be made if the device is hidden to prevent access to the water -- for example, in a shed.
In addition, pipes linking the device to the pool should be flexible and installed in a way that doesn't enable climbing.
All inground and semi-inground pools must have a ladder or steps to enter or exit the water.
Ladders that access the pool must contain a safety door that closes and latches automatically.
(Quebec/Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation)
PERMITS
If you want to build, install or replace a pool, a permit is required from your municipality. If you live in Montreal, click here to learn more.
The same goes for the installation of diving boards or the construction of a structure that prevents access to the pool.
FINES
Anyone who violates Quebec's pool safety rules is subject to a $500 to $700 fine. Subsequent offences are subject to penalties of $700 to $1,000.
RULES APPLY TO ALL POOLS, OLD AND NEW
The Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act now applies to all pools on the territory, regardless of when they were installed. The change is a response to coroners' recommendations following several child drownings in recent years.
Pools installed before Nov. 1, 2010 were previously exempted; owners now have until Sept. 30, 2025 to make the necessary adjustments.
These are just the basics of Quebec's regulations; click here to read the bylaw in full (English), here for a visual guide (in French), and here for a list of frequently asked questions (English).
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Another suspect arrested in Toronto Pearson airport gold heist: police
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Hailey and Justin Bieber are expecting their first child
Hailey Rhode Bieber, Canadian musician Justin Bieber's wife, announced her pregnancy on social media on Thursday. Hailey posted a series of photos showing her baby bump alongside husband Justin.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Poilievre-led government 'would never' use notwithstanding clause on abortion, his office says
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street