Not Just Any Fence Will Do

Previously, homeowners with swimming pools built prior to 2010 were exempt from certain safety regulations, such as having a fence. Now, by September 30, 2025, all inground and semi-inground pools, no matter the year they were installed, must be surrounded by an enclosure.

Furthermore, this barrier must be completely impassable. A hedge or a low stone wall, for example, is insufficient. In point of fact, only fences, whether made of wrought iron, meta or glass, are acceptable. The fence must equally be at least 1.2 metres high and prevent the passage of a 10 cm diameter ball (between the bars or at ground level).

Some Aboveground and Inflatable Pools Need to Be Secured as Well!

Likewise, a portable (inflatable) pool with a water depth of over 60 cm and a wall height of 1.4 m must be surrounded by a fence. Same thing goes for aboveground pools with a wall height below 1.2 metres.

An Effective Fence Gate

The law also requires that the gate close automatically after being opened, by means of a spring latch mechanism, for example. Another very important stipulation is that the latch be installed inside the gate, so that it’s difficult for children to reach.

Beware of “Easily Climbable” Objects

What’s the point of erecting a fence if it can be effortlessly jumped over with the help of something left nearby? With this in mind, the Regulation stipulates that any structure or fixed object must be positioned more than one metre away from the fence. So remember to adequately distance any landscaping components from the pool’s enclosure (such as play structures, flowerpots, filtration systems, water heaters and other equipment) to prevent a foolhardy child from using them to scale the fence.

Do You Have a Swimming Pool? You Have Until 2025 to Comply with New Safety Regulations

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