New rules for outdoor pools are coming to Quebec — And fines could reach $700

If you've got a pool in your backyard in Quebec — whether it’s a luxurious in-ground setup or a budget-friendly inflatable you grabbed on sale Canadian Tire, you’ll want to pay attention: the safety rules are changing soon.

As of September 30, 2025, all residential pools in the province, regardless of their installation date, will need to comply with the same safety standards that were introduced back in 2010.

Until now, only pools installed after 2010 had to follow specific safety regulations. But Quebec is stepping up enforcement — and it’s not just your inflatable unicorn floatie that might need 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? That depends on the type of pool you have.

If you own an in-ground pool, you’ll need to install a fence that’s at least 1.2 metres high completely surrounding it. And no — the pool’s existing walls don’t count, even if they’re tall.

Plus, any gates or doors giving access to the pool area must close automatically and be equipped with a functional 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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