Pool and Spa Safety and Regulations

• An adult must always be present when children are near the pool.
• Never swim alone.
• Children under 3 years old or who cannot swim should wear a personal flotation device (PFD).
• Enroll your children in swimming lessons and water safety courses.
• Take a first aid and CPR course for added safety.
• Remove the solar cover completely before every swim.
• Regularly remove any water that has accumulated on the solar cover.
• Empty kiddie pools after each use.
• Raise and lock the ladder or gate immediately after swimming.
• Protect the pump/filter system with a GFCI breaker.
• Remove toys or furniture near the pool to prevent climbing.
• Do not let children play near the pump, filter, or hoses.
• Follow manufacturers’ instructions for products and equipment.
• Do not allow swimming if the water is cloudy or dirty. Have the water tested first.
• Store pool chemicals in a dry place and out of children’s reach.
• A child should never be near a pool without direct supervision.
• No slides or diving in an above-ground pool.
• Keep a rescue pole or life ring near the pool.
• In a thunderstorm, exit the pool immediately.
• If a child is missing, check the pool first.

Mandatory fence (above-ground, in-ground, or semi-in-ground pool):

• Minimum height of 1.2 metres.
• Must prevent the passage of a 10 cm round object.
• Must not be climbable.
• Self-closing gate with latch on the inside.
• Above-ground pools with support braces must be enclosed by a barrier.

A fence is not required if:

• The above-ground pool has a rigid wall at least 1.32 metres high.
• Access is via a ladder, deck, or platform equipped with a self-closing gate/barrier.

Ladder or stairs: An in-ground pool must be equipped with a ladder or stairs.

Diving board: Must comply with BNQ 9461-100.

Equipment

• Heating or filtration equipment must be 1.53 metres or more from the pool edge (verify with your municipality).
• Flexible conduits must be non-climbable.

A permit is required to install a pool or any structure that provides access to the pool.

Official reference: Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation www.publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca

• Never heat the water above 40 °C.
• Limit sessions to 15 minutes.
• Not recommended for pregnant women, young children, or people with high blood pressure or heart conditions.
• Do not use the spa under the influence of alcohol or medication.
• Never use electrical devices near the spa.
• Avoid using the spa with open wounds.
• Remove snow from the cover in winter.
• Lock the cover when the spa is not in use.

Spas under 2,000 litres:

• No fence required.
• Must be closed with a rigid, lockable cover.

Spas over 2,000 litres:

• Subject to the same requirements as pools.
• 1.2 m fence fully enclosing the spa.
• No opening that allows entry into the enclosure.
• Spa on a deck: 1.2 m guardrail with a self-closing gate.

• Read instructions carefully.
• Always add chemicals to water—never water to chemicals.
• Never mix two pool chemicals together.
• Add one product at a time and rinse the container before using another.
• Store in a cool, dry place out of children’s reach.
• In case of ingestion or contact: Poison Control 1 800 463-5060.
• Do not smoke nearby.
• Do not store liquids above solids.

Piscines René Pitre, in collaboration with Hydro-Québec, provides an interactive tool to help verify the electrical compliance of your installation.

https://www.hydroquebec.com/securite/lignes-electriques/normes-installation-piscine-spa.html