Safety tips
Fences and gates are essential for limiting access to the pool and preventing accidents. They must not only prevent access to the pool from neighbouring properties, but also create a secure barrier between the pool and the house.
In-ground pools, semi-in-ground pools, and temporary pools less than 1.4 m high must be enclosed by a fence on all sides. For above-ground pools, any deck, platform, or terrace providing access to the pool must also be enclosed to control access.
Requirements
Be at least 1.2 m high.
Prevent the passage of any object 10 cm in diameter between the bars and between the ground and the bottom of the enclosure.
Be designed so that it cannot be easily climbed.
Have passive safety devices on all gates so that they close and lock automatically.
Chain-link fences with mesh openings wider than 30 mm must be fitted with privacy slats.
No structure or fixed equipment that could be used to climb over the pool wall or enclosure may be installed within 1 m of it.
*Since July 1, 2021, windows are permitted in a wall forming part of an enclosure if they are located at least 3 m above the ground or if their maximum opening is no more than 10 cm.
This is an automatic closing mechanism, often consisting of spring-loaded hinges and a latch. To prevent gates from accidentally being left open, install passive safety devices so that fence gates close and lock automatically.
Requirements
The gate must always close and lock automatically.
The passive safety device (latch) may be installed in one of two locations: on the inside of the enclosure, in the upper portion of the gate, or on the outside of the enclosure, at least 1.5 m above the ground.
Avoid ladders that must be removed after every swim. Instead, install a ladder equipped with a device that closes automatically. This type of ladder has the advantage of having no handrails or accessible steps when closed, making it impossible to access the pool without an adult present.
Removable or retractable ladders present a certain risk because they may accidentally be left accessible after swimming. If you choose this type of ladder, make sure it is properly enclosed in accordance with the requirements of the provincial Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation.
Install your filtration system and any other objects, such as stairs, rocks or flower planters, more than 1 m from the pool wall. Regularly check that no bins, toys or other objects have inadvertently been placed near the pool or fence.
Requirements
The filtration system and any other pool equipment must be installed so that they cannot be used to climb over the enclosure or pool wall. They must therefore be located more than 1 m from the pool wall or enclosure when installed outside the enclosure.
Equipment may be located within 1 m if it is installed:
inside an enclosure;
under a structure at least 1.2 m high that cannot be easily climbed and that prevents access to the pool or enclosure from the equipment (e.g., under a deck); or
inside a shed.
Learn first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Research has shown that how quickly emergency care is provided can make a significant difference in whether a victim recovers without lasting effects. Learning emergency response techniques could therefore save the life of someone close to you.
Post the home address and emergency numbers near the phones.
Although 9-1-1 is easy to remember, a babysitter, for example, may not know the home address by heart or know how to reach the appropriate emergency contacts.
Keep a cordless or mobile phone near the pool.
If the phone rings, you can answer it without interrupting supervision. More importantly, it will be readily available to call for help in an emergency.
Keep everything you may need nearby.
Have drinks, sunglasses, towels and sunscreen within reach so you do not have to leave the pool area.
Keep rescue equipment near the pool.
Have a lifebuoy, flotation device, lifejacket or reaching pole readily available. If someone is in distress in the pool, you can use the equipment to assist them while remaining in a safe position.
Establish rules for everyone using your pool.
Do not allow head-first diving, running or pushing around the pool, or games involving holding one’s breath underwater.
Assign an adult to supervise the pool.
During aquatic activities, responsibility for supervision can easily become unclear, especially when several adults or participants are present. Never assume that “someone else is watching.” Explicitly designate one person to supervise the pool at all times to help prevent dangerous situations involving children, teenagers and adults.
Never take your eyes off children in the water.
Remain alert at all times when children are swimming. Avoid distractions such as reading or using social media on your phone. Preschool-aged children should always remain within arm’s reach.
Never leave a child alone in the pool, even for a few seconds.
If you absolutely must leave the pool area, have the children get out of the water and come with you, even if you will only be gone for a moment.
Always swim with someone else.
Regardless of your age or swimming ability, never swim alone.
Know how to recognize the signs of drowning.
A person in distress may not be able to call for help because their survival instinct focuses their efforts on breathing rather than shouting. Drowning is often silent, which is why it is important to recognize the visual signs that someone may be drowning.
Signs of drowning may include:
- The face and eyes show signs of panic.
- The child may appear to be playing in the water.
- The body is in a vertical position.
- The arms make vigorous movements to the sides and in front of the body.
- The person looks upward.
Do not leave toys floating in the pool.
Toys and floating objects can attract children to the water and increase the risk of an accidental fall into the pool.
Make sure all access points are properly secured.
Check that fence gates have closed and locked automatically, and remove any objects near the pool that could be used to climb over the enclosure.
Alarm systems and rigid safety covers are complementary safety devices. When used on their own, they are not sufficient to provide maximum protection. Priority should always be given to installing a fence or enclosure that controls access to the pool.
The Lifesaving Society does not recommend any specific supplementary alarm system. Its primary mission is to encourage homeowners to create a safe residential pool environment and comply with provincial regulations. However, when children are participating in aquatic activities, nothing is more effective in preventing drowning than constant, attentive and distraction-free supervision.
These systems sound an alarm when a person or object falls into the water. They detect changes in water movement caused by an immersion.
Criteria to consider:
The immersion detection system should be capable of detecting objects or people weighing 9.1 kg (20 lb) or more. Systems designed to detect weights below 20 lb may be more prone to false alarms, which can lead users to ignore or deactivate them.
The system should reactivate automatically approximately 10 minutes after swimming to reduce the risk of forgetting to turn it back on.
Batteries should last at least four months to reduce the risk of the system becoming inactive during the swimming season.
This immersion alarm consists of an adjustable wristband, typically secured with Velcro, that is worn by a young child. When the wristband is immersed in the pool, it automatically sends a signal to a base unit installed near the pool, immediately triggering an audible alarm.
The child should wear the wristband whenever there is a risk of accessing the pool, since drowning can occur unexpectedly. Several wristbands can generally be connected to the same base unit.
This type of alarm can be installed on various types of materials and sounds an alert when a pool gate or fence gate is opened. It is intended as an additional safety measure and does not replace a self-closing and self-latching gate.
This type of system controls access to an above-ground pool through the gate while providing additional protection with safety panels installed around the perimeter of the pool.
The panels tilt and trigger an audible alarm if a child attempts to climb over the pool wall. Some systems may also offer a supervision mode for a person swimming alone. For additional protection, certain systems can be connected to a central alarm system.
Safety covers, tarps and pool covers are complementary safety devices because they require an adult to install or remove them. In addition to their safety function, these covers can offer several practical benefits.
Features to consider:
Their anchoring system is strong and resistant to weather conditions.
They can cover the pool during the winter and make seasonal opening and closing easier by protecting the pool from leaves and debris in the fall.
They are generally easy to install and may be more aesthetically pleasing than traditional black pool covers.
Many safety-cover materials allow rainwater to drain while blocking sunlight, helping to reduce algae growth.
Their long lifespan can make them a worthwhile investment, and many manufacturers offer warranties of up to 15 years.
Make sure that all sources of electricity are safe and do not pose a hazard around the pool.
Electricity can present a serious risk around pools and spas. Electrical wires, outlets and electrical equipment must all be considered when creating a safe swimming environment.
Choose a fibreglass pole.
Long-handled accessories, even those made of wood, can cause electrocution if they are used too close to power lines. Standard pool-cleaning poles are often made of aluminum, which conducts electricity. When fully extended, these poles can reach approximately 4.8 m (16 ft), creating a potential hazard.
Choose a non-conductive pole available from pool retailers. Even when there are no power lines nearby, a fibreglass pole can help protect against potential electrical hazards.
Make sure your pool or spa is located at the minimum required distance from power lines.
Whenever possible, avoid installing a pool or spa beneath power lines. If this cannot be avoided, consult Hydro-Québec's clearance requirements for pools and spas.
Improper electrical installation can result in serious electrical shock or electrocution hazards. Hire a master electrician to ensure that your pool equipment and electrical connections are installed safely and comply with current standards.
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) quickly cuts off the electrical supply when a current leak is detected. This protection is particularly important around pools, where the presence of water increases the risk of electrical shock.
Lighting fixtures and electrical equipment installed in or near a pool must be designed and installed for use in this type of environment. Have your installation inspected by a qualified professional to reduce the risks associated with electricity near water.
Very few residential in-ground pools in Quebec have the dimensions required for the safe use of a diving board. Because numerous serious accidents have been reported, a construction standard has been established to regulate this type of installation.
A pool equipped with a diving board must be installed in accordance with BNQ Standard 9461-100 in effect at the time of installation. This standard specifies, among other things, the dimensional and geometric characteristics of the minimum water envelope required to provide a safe environment for diving in a residential pool.
To learn about all applicable requirements, it is important to consult the complete BNQ 9461-100 standard directly. The document is available free of charge from the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ).
Pool owners should consult a professional to ensure that their installation complies with the standard. Among other requirements, site and construction plans must be prepared for any residential pool equipped with a diving board.
This requirement applies only to pools and diving boards installed on or after July 1, 2021. However, pools or diving boards purchased before that date and installed no later than September 30, 2021, are also exempt from this requirement.
At 0.84 m (2 ft 9 in) in front of the end of the diving board, the pool must be at least 3.05 m (10 ft) deep. Directly below the end of the diving board, the minimum depth is 2 m (6 ft 7 in).
The pool configuration—including its length, width, depth, the position of the diving board and the slope of the pool bottom—must comply with the requirements of BNQ Standard 9461-100 in effect at the time of installation.
The required dimensions may vary depending on the characteristics of the diving board and the pool. It is therefore important not to rely solely on a few general measurements to determine whether a pool can safely accommodate a diving board.
Site and construction plans that comply with the standard must be prepared for any residential pool equipped with a diving board. It is recommended that you consult a professional to confirm that the installation is compliant.
Resources from the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation (French only)
Guide d’application du Règlement sur la sécurité des piscines résidentielles
Trousse de participation à la campagne de prévention
Fiche synthèse résumant les normes du Règlement
Don’t forget to keep your hot tub safe!
No matter the season, relaxing in a hot tub can be very enjoyable. Since safety is essential around all aquatic environments, here are a few important tips to keep in mind.
Does your hot tub hold 2,000 litres or more? If so, you must comply with Quebec’s Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation and the requirements applicable to your installation.
Make sure the hot tub cover is replaced and locked after every use.
Limit your alcohol consumption if you plan to use the hot tub. The high water temperature can intensify the effects of alcohol, impair your judgment or make you drowsy.
Due to the high water temperature, hot tub use is not recommended for children under 5, pregnant women, or people with high blood pressure or heart conditions.
A hot tub is an aquatic environment just like any other. Never use a hot tub alone and always keep a close eye on children.
Hygiene Rules for Hot Tubs
Take a shower before entering the hot tub.
Do not consume food or beverages in the hot tub area.
Avoid using a hot tub if you have symptoms of diarrhea, nausea, skin infections or open wounds.
Respect the maximum number of bathers allowed.
Make sure all small bodies of water around your home are safe.
A child can drown in just a few centimetres of water. It is therefore important to consider the potential risks associated with other types of water features found around the home.
Hot tubs with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more are subject to Quebec’s Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation. In-ground hot tubs with a depth of more than 60 cm are also subject to the Regulation.
For other types of hot tubs, always use a cover that children cannot remove. For maximum safety, also install a lock or an enclosure to ensure that the hot tub remains inaccessible to children at all times.
Because drownings have occurred in water gardens, we recommend avoiding their installation in areas that may be accessible to children or that are partially or completely hidden from view.
Although these installations are not intended for swimming and are not subject to the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation, it is recommended that access to them be restricted by an enclosure.
Empty and put away wading pools and any other artificial pools intended for swimming that are less than 60 cm deep after every use.
This helps prevent drowning and prevents rainwater from accumulating in these types of pools.
Follow the regulations in effect.
The Government of Quebec, as well as many municipalities, have adopted regulations to help ensure the safety of residential swimming pools. These requirements are intended to reduce the risk of drowning, particularly among children under the age of 5, by controlling and restricting access to residential pools.
To learn about the current requirements, consult Quebec’s Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation or the summary sheet.
In July 2021, the Government of Quebec updated the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation, originally adopted in 2010. All pool owners must now comply with the Regulation. There are no longer acquired rights (“grandfathering”) for pools installed or built before 2010.
The Regulation sets out safety requirements for residential pool installations, including the pool itself, the enclosure restricting access to the pool, and equipment related to its operation.
The Regulation applies to:
In-ground pools
Semi-in-ground pools
Above-ground pools
Temporary pools (with flexible walls, inflatable or otherwise)
Hot tubs with a capacity greater than 2,000 litres
Municipalities are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation. They may adopt and enforce requirements that are stricter than those established by the provincial Regulation, provided that they are compatible with it.
Residential pool owners should therefore contact their municipality to find out which requirements apply in their area.
A permit must be obtained from the local municipality to build, install or replace a pool, or to build a structure that provides or restricts access to a pool.
Anyone who has obtained a permit to install a temporary pool is not required to apply for a new permit when reinstalling the same pool in the same location and under the same conditions.