My Tips for a Safe Summer

With the arrival of warmer weather, many Quebec homeowners are eager to enjoy their pool. But be careful: to avoid accidents and legal issues, it's essential to ensure your setup complies with current regulations. Here are the key points to check before diving in.

Understanding Current Regulations

Since July 2021, Quebec has tightened residential pool regulations to improve safety, especially for children. Regardless of when it was installed, all pools (in-ground, above-ground, or inflatable pools deeper than 60 cm) must be enclosed by a secure fence at least 1.2 meters high.

⚠ Important: Even pools installed before the new rules are now subject to these requirements (with a transition period until July 2025).

Check the Fence, Access Points, and Distances

The fence must prevent direct access to the pool. This means no nearby furniture, trees, or objects that could be used for climbing. A gate with a spring mechanism that automatically closes and locks is required. Also, there must be no direct access from the house unless there's a door with an automatic locking device. These measures are meant to prevent accidental drownings, especially among young children.

When it comes to distances, your pool must meet certain setbacks from property lines, buildings, and electrical installations. Check your municipal regulations, as these requirements can vary by city. As a real estate broker, I often see property sales delayed due to non-compliant pools discovered during inspection.

Maintain Safety Equipment

Beyond the legal requirements, properly maintaining your safety equipment is crucial:

• Regularly inspect the condition of the fence, locks, and alarm systems.

• Make sure surfaces around the pool are non-slip.

• Keep a pole, a life ring, and a phone nearby in case of emergency.

Why Is This Important?

A non-compliant pool can lead to fines of up to $5,000, civil liability in the event of an accident, and complications when selling your property. Not to mention the heavy moral responsibility of a tragic but preventable incident. Remember: as a homeowner, you have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of your pool.

Before enjoying summer fun, take the time to verify that your pool meets the current standards. For more information, check with your municipality or visit the Government of Quebec’s website. And if you're planning to sell, don’t hesitate to contact me: I’ll help you identify what needs to be corrected for a smooth transaction:

📲 (514) 961-4332
📩 dominic.brisebois@remax-quebec.com ↗