Summer 2025 may be coming to a close, but if you have a pool at home, there is one more deadline you cannot ignore.
On September 30, 2025, Quebec's new pool safety rules officially kick in. And if your home swimming setup does not meet the standards, you could face fines starting at $500 and reaching up to $1,000.
The rules themselves are not brand new. They were first introduced in 2010 but until now, only applied to pools built or purchased after that year. Starting this month, that exemption disappears. Every pool in the province must now follow the same guidelines, whether it is in-ground, above-ground, inflatable or temporary. For example, if your pool has a diving board, there's one more rule: it must meet BNQ safety standards to reduce the risk of injuries.
The changes are meant to reduce the risk of drowning, especially for children, by making backyard pools more secure.
Here's what you need to do, depending on the type of pool you own.
In-ground and semi-in-ground pools
- Must be surrounded by a fence that is at least 1.2 metres high.
- Pool walls, hedges or bushes do not count as barriers.
- Gates and doors that lead to the pool area need to close on their own, latch properly and be designed so they cannot be climbed.
- Pools must also have safe entry and exit points, such as steps or a ladder.
Above-ground pools
- A fence is not required if the pool walls are at least 1.2 metres high and cannot be climbed.
- If the walls are shorter or easier to access, a fence is mandatory.
- Ladders and decks must be secured or blocked when not in use.
Inflatable and temporary pools
- If the pool is deeper than 60 centimetres, it must be fenced (even if it is only set up for the summer).
- In some cases, a municipal permit may be required.
Other important details
- Keep anything that could be used to climb, like barbecues, tables, bins or planters, at least a metre away from the fence.
- Some municipalities have their own extra rules, so check locally before the deadline.
Not respecting the new requirements can lead to fines between $500 and $700. If you have already been warned and still do not comply, the amount can reach $1,000.
With September 30 just around the corner, now is the time to review your setup and make sure your pool is safe and compliant.
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MAPAQ's summary of fines issued to the owners of EsconditeMAPAQ
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