Residential Pool Safety

The ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation (MAMH) has implemented new regulations aimed at improving the safety of residential pools and spas. These regulations require that all pools and spas built before November 1, 2010 comply with the new standards by fall 2026.

The main aim of the by-law is to control access by young children to residential swimming pools with measures such as installing a fence with a safety gate. A municipal permit is also required for any work relating to the installation of a swimming pool and the fitting out of adjoining equipment, such as a terrace, platform or enclosure.

In June 2024, the Town sent a letter to property owners with a swimming pool and/or spa informing them of the new regulations and the steps to be taken to ensure that their facilities are compliant.

Quebec clarifies the application of certain requirements of the Act

July 2025 update: The Ministry has recently updated its documents to provide clarifications regarding the application of certain requirements of the Residential Pool Safety Act.

These changes clarify certain provisions of the Act to help property owners and municipal officers apply and comply with them more easily.

They mainly concern:

• requirements for doors and windows that form part of an enclosure
• Installation standards for double gates within a pool enclosure
• Minimum height requirements for guardrails on decks providing pool access or on balconies without external exits.

Consult the most recent documents on the Ministry website (in French only)

The government has made a number of tools available to the public to help ensure that residential swimming pools comply with current standards:

• Guide d’application du Règlement (French only) is a source of information for any owner wishing to install or replace a residential pool. It is also intended for municipal officials responsible for enforcing the By-law;

Self-assessment forms

To check whether your current installation meets the standards set out in the Regulation, or to find out more before buying a residential pool, use the self-assessment form for the type of installation you want.

• Above ground pool with a wall height of at least 1.2 m
• Portable pool with a wall height of at least 1.4 m
• Semi-inground pool
• Above ground pool with a wall height of less than 1.2 m
• Portable pool with a wall height of less than 1.4 m
• Inground pool

Consult the updated self-assessment forms on the Ministry’s website (in French only)

Additional resources

• Check if your pool or spa meets the new safety requirements by consulting the document entitled Residential Pool Safety Act.
• Ensure that your pool or spa also complies with the municipal requirements of the zoning by-law by reviewing it here Zoning by-law 2020-002.
• Depending on the work that is necessary to bring your pool or spa into compliance, one or more building permits may be required. Contact the Urban Planning Department for more information.
• To find a qualified contractor to bring your pool or spa up to standard, visit acpq.com to consult the association’s directory of members.