Residential swimming pools: Rules in force

To particularly protect children from drowning, rules regarding the safety of residential swimming pools have been in force since July 1, 2021.

These rules specifically concern enclosure fencing, including gates and locking systems, as well as installations around the enclosure, such as pool operating devices and diving boards. Among other things, these rules have the effect of depriving homeowners whose pools were built before November 1^st, 2010 of certain acquired rights. Homeowners have until September 30, 2025 to bring their installations into compliance, including enclosures, access gates, platforms, decks, ladders and diving boards.

Non-compliant installations or those requiring alterations may represent a significant investment and should be mentioned in the Declarations by the seller of the immovable form.

To learn about all the rules in effect and to be able to inform, advise and provide accurate information to the parties involved in a real estate transaction, please consult this application guide of the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation (in French only).

It is also important to specify that that when it comes to residential swimming pools, each city is free to adopt rules and penalties that are stricter than the provincial regulation. It is therefore wise to make the necessary verifications with the municipality where the seller's residence is located, whenever a residential swimming pool is involved.