1. Adequately fence in your pool.
Fences and barriers are a must. They are the most important way you can limit access to your pool. In addition to keeping neighbours out, they separate the pool from the house.
To be secure, a fence must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Have a minimum height of 1.2 m, prevent the passage of any object of 10 cm in diameter between the bars and between the ground and the bottom of the enclosure and not be designed so that they can be climbed easily.
- Be equipped with self-closing, self-locking passive security devices on all its gates.
- Chain link fences with a width of more than 30 mm must be slatted.
- Have no elements that stick out or could be fastened on to, or no openwork sections that could be climbed.
- Since July 1st, 2021, windows are authorized in a wall forming part of an enclosure if they are located at a minimum height of 3 m or if their maximum opening is at most 10 cm.
2. Install spring hinges and a latch on all fence gates.
To avoid gates being accidentally left open, install passive security devices that automatically close and lock all the gates to your fence.
3. For above-ground or semi in-ground pools choose a ladder with a self-closing gate or barrier.
Do not choose a ladder that must be removed after using the pool each time. Instead, install a ladder with a self-closing device. This type of ladder has the advantage of having no support arms or steps, meaning the pool cannot be accessed without an adult present.
A removable or foldable ladder carries a risk: forgetting to remove it after a swim. If you do choose this type of ladder, make sure that it is adequately fenced in according to provincial regulations.
4. Keep away from the pool any object that a person could climb to access the pool.
Install your filtration system or any object (staircase, rocks, flower boxes) at least one metre from the sides of the pool and regularly check that no box, toy or other object has been inadvertently placed near the pool or fence.