Do you live in Quebec and have a pool? Then you’ve probably heard about the new rules for pool railings and fences. If you haven’t yet, don’t panic! We’ll tell you everything you need to know to comply before the 2026 deadline (date to be confirmed by the government).
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Why are there regulations on pool railings?
The main reason behind these new rules? Safety, especially for children. Every year, tragic incidents occur due to poorly protected pools. Quebec has therefore decided to add a new set of rules to better prevent pool drowning.
Does this apply to you?
Good question! Here are the most common cases:
- If you have an in-ground or above-ground pool installed before 2010, yes, you’re concerned, because there’s no longer any acquired right: everyone must comply by 2026.
- You’ve just bought a house where the pool had previously an acquired right, and you have no choice but to bring your house up to standard.
- You’re planning to install a pool in the near future and want to make sure you comply with the new pool regulations to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Here are the main points to check:
Fences or railings that delimit your pool
- They must be at least 1.2 metres (48 inches) high.
- There must be nothing to allow easy climbing (e.g. inadequately spaced horizontal rungs).
- It must completely enclose the pool, unless access is otherwise secured (e.g. with a well-enclosed built-in deck).
Door and gate
- Pool doors must be equipped with an automatic closing and locking device. In the photo, you can see our standard-compliant latch supplied in the Kleco door kit.
Access via terrace or balcony
- Access to the pool must be secure at all times. No one should be able to access the pool without passing through a locked gate.
- You must also make sure that no furniture or decorative elements allow easy access to the pool. For example, your pool’s filtration or heating system should be more than one metre away from the pool.
**After reading our article, we advise you to contact your city’s urban planning department, as we’ve noticed that the new standards are interpreted differently from one city to another, and that some municipalities are stricter and less flexible than others.
👉Here’s a great example of a project by one of our customers, who installed 48-inch Kléco glass railings to comply with the new regulations. The use of glass gives a more airy effect, as well as improving visibility over the pool.
Do I have to install railling if I have an above-ground pool?
Yes, they are also covered by the regulations. If a platform is used to access the pool, it must be protected by a barrier or locked when not in use.
What happens if I decide I don’t want to comply?
Starting on October 1, 2025, municipalities will be able to issue tickets with fines. But beyond the penalties, it’s above all a question of responsibility and accident prevention.
Since more than 80% of drownings among young children occur as a result of inattention or lack of supervision, it’s essential to protect our children and those in our neighborhood from our pool.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about pool railings
Do I have to change my fence even if it met the old standards?
Yes, unless it already meets the new requirements, an update is required before 2026.
Can I install the pool fence myself?
Of course you can! In fact, our Kleco railing have been designed for easy installation AND to meet the latest standards. And don’t hesitate to contact us. Since every backyard is different, we can help you to make sure your project meets all the requirements. And if you don’t know where to start, we’ve got the article you need!
How much does a swimming pool fence cost?
Because the layout of each project greatly influences the price, send in a quote request to receive a free quote, within 2 working days.
Where can I buy pool railing and gates?
Kleco products are available at many retailers and can be delivered anywhere in Quebec. Check the map to find the store nearest you.
How do I know if my municipality have additional rules?
Some cities may have stricter requirements. To avoid unpleasant surprises, check directly with your municipal planning department!
How much will it cost if I decide not to comply with the new standards?
The cost of violating the new regulations seems to vary from city to city. According to our research, for a first offence, we’re talking about $500 to $700, while for a repeat offence, the amount can be an additional $700-$1,000. Also, some municipalities are stricter than others and have also planned an additional amount per day of non-compliance. 😕
In short: What do you need to do now?
✅ Check current standards on the government’s downloadable guide (french only)
✅ Inspect your current fence and landscaping
✅ Plan any necessary work or improvements before 2026
✅ Check with your city to avoid surprises!
✅ Draw your plan and contact us for help with your project
That’s it! We hope this article has answered many of your questions. If you need any help, here are two links below that will be very useful to get you started: a spreadsheet to draw your project and calculate your materials, and the link to send us your project for a free quote. 🙂
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