Residential swimming pools, whether above-ground, in-ground or even removable, pose a significant risk of drowning in young children, particularly when they escape adult supervision and the facilities are not adequately secured.
Adopted in 2010, the Regulation respecting the safety of residential swimming pools ( French only) essentially aims to control the access of young children to residential swimming pools by simple measures such as the installation of an enclosure equipped with a safety door.
This document presents at a glance the requirements applicable to residential swimming pools under the Regulation, including the most recent modifications which will come into force on July 1, 2021. To learn more about the modifications, consult the MAMH (French only) webpage.
It should be noted that municipalities are responsible for enforcing the By-law and that a municipal permit is required for the following work:
- Build, install or replace a swimming pool;
- Install a diving board;
- Build an enclosure, a platform or a terrace opening onto a swimming pool.
In addition, municipalities may adopt more stricter rules than those contained in the by-law.
Owners or future buyers should therefore check with their municipal administration to find out exactly what rules apply.
