Regulation on private pool fences in Quebec postponed to 2025
Every year, inground pool owners in Quebec are faced with a dilemma. They can continue to invest time and (a lot of!) money into their swimming pool for only a few weeks of enjoyment each year, or they can demolish and replace it with a spa or new landscape project.
But on June 1st, 2021, the Quebec Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced new regulations for private pools aimed at reducing the number of drownings.
Many swimming pool owners will have to spend a lot of money to comply with these stricter requirements. If you’ve already been considering demolishing your inground pool, now just might be the time.
No more exceptions for swimming pools built before November 1, 2010
At the recommendation of a number of coroners, the MMAH will require owners of pools built before November 1, 2010, to comply with more recent safety regulations. Until now, these older pools were exempt from the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulations. These pool owners will now have to make the necessary updates.
Deadline extended to September 30, 2025
Initially, all owners of in-ground pools, without exception, had to comply with the new regulation by July 1, 2023.
However, the Quebec government has reversed its decision and announced that the deadline installing appropriate pool enclosures has been extended to September 30, 2025.
This decision was made due to supply issues and labour shortages affecting the construction industry. In-ground pool owners now have a grace period of over two years to make the required changes. Let’s take a look at what this new regulation means.
New regulations for fences surrounding inground swimming pools
All inground swimming pools must be equipped by a protective fence. This enclosure must:
- Be at least 1.2 metres high
- Prevent the passage of a spherical object of 10 cm in diameter
- Be difficult to climb
In addition to these basic criteria, there are more specific requirements, which we list below.
Nearby structures and equipment regulations
To prevent young children from climbing and accessing the pool, no fixed structures or equipment may be placed within one metre of the fence.
Chain link fence regulations
Chain link fences cannot have meshes that are wider than 3 cm. Spherical objects with the diameter of a golf ball should not pass through.
Owners of chain link fences with a mesh size greater than 3 cm may insert slats.
Entrance regulations
The enclosure must have a door that shuts and locks automatically.
Any pool-adjacent patio must also have a fence to limit access.
Diving board regulations
Pools equipped with a diving board must comply with the BNQ 9461-100 standard, which includes requirements for minimum water depth.
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To sum up, this new regulation aims to make private residential pools safer and prevent young children from drowning. A noble goal, to be sure. However, complying with the new rules will cost pool owners.
For some, it will be impossible to conform to the regulation without completely redesigning their yard. They may decide to simply demolish their pool instead.
If this is you, look no further than our pool demolition service. Our turnkey service includes preliminary analysis, pool removal and backfilling of the hole. We can also transport the work-related debris to an authorized site.
Avoid the extra costs and red tape! Contact us to have your inground pool demolished ASAP!
