Making sure your swimming pool is safe and legally compliant

Swimming pools are incredibly fun and encourage quality outdoor time every day of the summer.  Unfortunately for homeowners, a swimming pool (and any body of water) can also be incredibly dangerous. As every responsible homeowner knows, every time swimmers are in your pool, it is essential that they are supervised, and that the pool area is free of hazards. But, what about those times when no one is around the pool? 

Swimming alone is very dangerous. A swimming pool can be an attractive hazard to children and other vulnerable people, encouraging them to take a dip even when no one is home. A swimming pool can also present danger for anyone who falls in by accident. It is shocking how quickly danger can develop in a body of water. Even if you’ve mastered pool safety and supervision when you’re at home, you’ll still need to be sure that your pool is safe, secure, and difficult to access at all times – even when you’re not at home. 

Local by-laws and regulations for swimming pools 

Almost every municipality in Canada recognizes the danger that a swimming pool can pose a serious danger in the local area. As a result, there are by-laws in place all over Canada that govern exactly how your pool should be set up for safe operation and environmental compliance. These by-laws will vary from place to place, but usually set out a list of sensible restrictions that make your pool safer for the local community. 

By-laws are put in place to protect local children, neighbors, and the environment. Laws will usually govern specifics like pool fencing, pool equipment, water depth, decking, space between structures, and other elements of your swimming pool structure and operation. 

By-laws can range from very straightforward to overwhelmingly complex. If you are unsure how to interpret and comply with local regulations, you may want to rely on a local professional for assistance. Pool professionals have experience with structure, negotiating permits, and working with local regulations, and will be able to help you get into compliance. Rather than trying to understanding these regulations yourself, you may want to rely on the help of a swimming pool professional to help you understand these rules and how they apply to your swimming pool. 

How by-laws apply to your existing swimming pool 

Canadian by-laws are different in every city. This can be confusing but, local lawmakers have a duty of balancing the importance of law, and convenience for their community. Usually, when a new regulation is put into effect, you will have time to get into compliance, unless there is a very urgent safety concern. 

One example of this is by-laws that govern your swimming pool equipment. If your local area introduces a new law that mandates that all swimming pool pumps must be energy-efficient, it is unlikely that you’ll be forced to go out and purchase a new pump immediately. Your existing pool and equipment will usually be “grandfathered-in” or exempt from the new regulations until the next time you must install new equipment. This will give you time to get into compliance but ensure that you’re making the right choices when the time comes to upgrade your pool. 

If you have a swimming pool in place in your home, chances are that you’ll have a level of exemption from any brand new laws that are created. 

Building a new residential swimming pool 

If you’re planning to build a new swimming pool on your property, you’ll need to make sure that every aspect of your pool is compliant with the local laws and regulations. Any new build will need to have correct permits and plans that illustrate how each element complies with local environmental and safety regulations. 

Because local by-laws can contain a lot of complicated rules for your swimming pool, we recommend that you have a professional review any of your plans and permits before you move ahead with construction. These regulations will apply whether you’re building your pool from a kit or designing a concrete wonder of your own. Make sure that a pool professional is in charge of any plans involving decks, ladders, fencing, or major changes to your pool. A pool professional should also review any permit applications you need to submit. 

It is essential that you ensure that any plans you have for building a pool are in compliance with laws before you invest money or begin to build. If your pool is unsafe or noncompliant, you’ll need to make repairs, changes or upgrades at your own expense. 

Checking your insurance policy 

It is important that you understand and comply with any laws that apply to your swimming pool. But, you should also be sure that you take a detailed look at your insurance policy to be sure that your pool is in compliance. You’ll want to be familiar with every part of your policy to be sure that additional stipulations will not prevent or impact your coverage. If you’re planning to make changes to your pool, you may need to adjust or update your insurance to maintain coverage after the changes have been made. 

If you are part of a tenant’s association or homeowner’s association, you will also want to be sure that your pool is in compliance with any regulations to avoid the cost of making changes (or the headache of dealing with your neighbors). 

Going above and beyond local by-law regulations 

A swimming pool brings so much fun to your home each summer. But, it can also pose a hazard for children and inexperienced swimmers. Even if your pool falls within local regulations, you should regularly evaluate your swimming pool for potential hazards. 

To ensure your pool is safe for your family, guests and neighbors, you may want to consider making some pool regulations of your own. Adding swimming pool fencing, a yard fence, or even a pool alarm can give you additional peace of mind, and further protection from any dangerous incidents by the water. 

A safe home and a safe swimming pool 

When you’re enjoying your pool with family and friends, it is very important to be vigilant and ensure that all swimmers are safe and supervised in the pool. But, when no one is home, it is also essential that you make sure your pool is completely secure. A swimming pool can be very attractive to children and inexperienced swimmers, and you’ll need to be sure you make your pool inaccessible to anyone who may enter it unsafely. 

There are many laws in place that dictate what you’ll need to do to keep your pool safe, but these pools vary between areas. You’ll need to check out your local regulations to be sure that your pool is compliant. But, when it comes to safety, we always recommend that you go above and beyond. The bare minimum outlined in your local by-laws may not be enough, and it is important that you do everything you can to make sure your pool is safe at all times.