Standards for aboveground and in-ground pool fences
New standards for pool enclosures in Quebec - Effective September 2025
Are you planning to install a pool in your yard soon or do you want to replace an existing fence? In this guide, we present the main points to look out for when securing the perimeter of your pool according to current standards with an aluminum fence, a glass pool railing, or a combination of the two.
Under the updated residential pool safety rules, all pools, regardless of their year of construction, must now comply with the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation, and owners have until September 30, 2025 to do so. In addition, new rules for new installations have been in effect since July 1, 2021.
For more info, visit this Quebec government page
Railings and fences for aboveground pools
Fence (enclosure)
If the walls of your aboveground pool are at least 1.2 m high, you do not have to put a fence around it, unless the structure has support struts. However, you have to secure access to the pool by a barrier.
Access to an aboveground pool
You can secure access to an aboveground pool in three ways:
- With a ladder equipped with a safety gate that opens outwards and closes and locks automatically.
- With a platform secured by an enclosure at least 1.2 m high.
- With a deck attached to the house and secured by a compliant barrier, railing, or fence.
For more info, consult the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation .
Railings and fences for in-ground pools
All in-ground or semi-in-ground pools have to be surrounded by a fence or railing (enclosure) to protect access.
- Be at least 1.2 m (48 in.) high;
- Block the passage of a spherical object 10 cm (4 in.) in diameter;
- Be latticed if it is a chain-link fence;
- Be free of any element making it easier to climb.
Access gate
Any gate that is part of a pool fence must:
- Be at least 1.2 m high;
- Block the passage of a spherical object 10 cm in diameter;
- Be free of any element making it easier to climb;
- Include a safety device on the inner side, in the upper part of the door, which closes and locks the gate automatically.
Around the pool
To prevent children from climbing to access the pool, operating equipment (such as the pump and filter) must be located more than 1 m from the wall of the pool or enclosure.
Your pool fence project
Are you starting a pool fence project? We can take care of the whole process, from measurements to installation, or you can order the parts from our shop and do it yourself.
Any questions on installing a pool railing or fence? Contact us!