Pool law 2025: The guide to mandatory fencing

Summer means swimming and fun, but also safety. The Government of Quebec has implemented the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation to prevent drownings, especially among young children. An important deadline is fast approaching: September 30, 2025.

As of this date, all residential pools, without exception, must comply with the current standards. Do you think you're protected by a "grandfather clause" because your pool was installed before 2010? Think again. That exemption is ending.

As fence experts, we've prepared this guide to help you understand the requirements and ensure your installation is not only safe but also fully legal.

Understanding the September 30, 2025 deadline and the end of grandfather clauses

The most important point of the new regulation is the end of grandfather clauses for pools installed before November 1, 2010. If you are one of these homeowners, you have until September 30, 2025, to complete the necessary upgrades to meet the standards. For all other pools, compliance is already mandatory.

Who is affected by this new regulation?

The regulation applies to any outdoor pool (in-ground, semi-in-ground, above-ground, or portable models like inflatable pools) that can hold 60 cm (24 inches) of water or more.

(Spas (except those over 2000 liters), natural water ponds, and water gardens are not covered by this regulation.)

The golden rule: Why a safety enclosure is essential

The main goal of the law is to prevent a young child from easily accessing the pool. To achieve this, an enclosure (fence) is mandatory to control access.

The case for in-ground and semi-in-ground pools

It's simple: they must be surrounded by a fence. Discover the solutions we offer on our in-ground pool fences page.

The case for above-ground pools

The rule depends on the height of your pool's wall:

• Wall of 1.2 m (48 in) or more: Installing a fence around the pool is not mandatory IF access is secured by one of these means:
  • A ladder with a safety gate that closes and locks automatically.
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  • A platform or deck whose access is secured by a compliant fence and gate.
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• Wall of less than 1.2 m (48 in): The pool must be surrounded by a fence.

The case for portable pools (inflatable, tubular)

• Wall of 1.4 m (55 in) or more: No fence is required if access is secured.
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• Wall of less than 1.4 m (55 in): The pool must be surrounded by a fence.

What are the features of a compliant fence and gate?

A pool fence is more than just a simple boundary. It must meet strict criteria to be considered safe.

Specifications for the fence:

• Height: Must be at least 1.2 m (48 inches) high.
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• Anti-climb: It must not offer any easy handholds for a child. Fences with horizontal slats ("ladder style") are therefore prohibited.
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• Maximum spacing: The space between the pickets must not exceed 10 cm (4 inches). The space under the fence must also not exceed 10 cm.
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• Chain link ("Frost") fence: The mesh openings must be 3 cm (1 ¼ in) or less. If they are larger, slats must be inserted to reduce the openings.

Specifications for the access gate:

• Self-closing: The gate must be equipped with a device (spring hinges, etc.) that allows it to close and lock automatically.
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• Latch position: The safety latch must be located on the pool side, in the upper part of the gate. If it is on the outside, it must be at a height of at least 1.5 m (60 inches) from the ground.

Consider other access points and potential dangers

Safety doesn't stop at the fence. Think about the pool's entire environment:

• Filter and equipment: Any device or structure that could be climbed (filter, heat pump, storage bin) must be located more than 1 meter from the pool wall or enclosure.
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• House wall: A building wall can serve as part of the enclosure, but it must not have any openings (doors or windows) allowing direct access to the pool, unless the window is more than 3 m from the ground or its opening is limited to 10 cm.

The crucial step: Why you must consult your municipality

The provincial regulation establishes the minimum standards. However, your municipality has the right to impose stricter rules. Before undertaking any work, it is imperative to contact your city's planning department to:

1. Verify local regulations.
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2. Obtain a construction or installation permit.

Non-compliance with the regulation can result in fines ranging from $500 to over $1000, not to mention the tragic risk that a non-compliant installation represents. To help you validate your installation and understand all the details, the government provides a self-assessment form and a complete application guide.

Are you ready to comply?

The September 30, 2025 deadline is approaching quickly. Don't take any risks with the safety of your loved ones and the compliance of your installation.

Contact us today for an assessment of your situation and a free quote. Our team will ensure that your new fence meets all current standards, while perfectly harmonizing with your landscaping.