Install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more
Want to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, an in-ground spa or a rooftop spa? You must comply with some regulations, and in certain cases, you are required to obtain a permit. Here is an overview of the standards you must meet to ensure that your installation is compliant.
When installing a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, an in-ground spa or a rooftop spa, you must meet certain provincial standards, to which may be added the requirements of your borough. Each of these types of spas must meet the standards applicable to in-ground pools.
Please wait for authorization from your borough before you purchase and install your spa.
My borough
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Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, rooftop spa and in-ground spa
You must meet the same safety standards as those applicable to in-ground pools.
You need a permit to install a spa if:
- Its capacity is more than 2,000 litres
- Its depth is more than 60 cm
Location
The spa must be installed at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) from the property limits.
It is prohibited to install a spa in a front yard.
It cannot be installed in a servitude (in French)
A minimum of 20 per cent of the backyard area must be covered with plants in the open ground once the spa has been installed.
Safety fence
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence:
- must be located at least 1 m from the edge of the spa
- must measure between 1.2 m (4 ft) and 2 m (6 ft 6 in) in height
- must be installed at least 10 cm from the ground
- must not have a fixing element, projection or hole that could facilitate climbing.
The fence can feature bars, on the condition that they are less than 10 cm apart.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
The railings alongside a rooftop spa must meet the setback requirements for a rooftop construction, in compliance with the urban planning by-law.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m from the spa side panels or from the fence, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure
- restricting access to the pool
- in a shed
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Get a permit
A permit is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, an in-ground spa or a rooftop spa. This permit also authorizes you to:
- build a platform to access the spa
- fell a tree (if the spa cannot be installed in a different location)
- install a fence
- set up any other equipment or structure required to install the spa
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, rooftop spa and in-ground spa
You must meet the same safety standards as those applicable to in-ground pools.
Location
You must install a spa or hot tub in the backyard.
However, spas are permitted in a front or side yard of a home where the rear yard is less than 6 m long.
The spa must be installed at least 1,3 m from the property limits.
Safety fence
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence must:
- must be located at least 1 m from the edge of the spa
- must measure between 1.2 m and 2 m in height
- must be installed at least 10 cm from the ground
- must not have a fixing element, projection or hole that could facilitate climbing
The fence can feature bars, on the condition that they are less than 10 cm apart.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence, at the top of the gate.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m from the spa side panels or from the fence, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure restricting access to the spa
- in a shed
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Get a permit
A permit is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, an in-ground spa or a rooftop spa.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
You need another permit to:
- Build, modify or replace a platform to access the spa, if the platform is more than 60 cm high
- Cut down a tree in the planned location of the spa.
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more and in-ground spa
You must meet the same safety standards as those applicable to in-ground pools.
Location
The spa must be installed at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) from the property limits. It is prohibited to install a spa in a front yard.
Avoid installing in-ground pools too close to the foundations of a building. Frozen water can infiltrate the foundation and cause major damage to the building
Check to see whether there is a no build easement on your certificate of location.
Safety fence
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence:
- must be located at least 1 m from the edge of the spa
- must measure at least 1.2 m (4 ft) in height
- must be installed at least 10 cm from the ground
- must not have a fixing element, projection or hole that could facilitate climbing
The fence can feature bars, on the condition that they are less than 10 cm apart.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence, at the top of the gate.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
Do not leave the ladder out when you are not using the pool.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m from the spa side panels or from the fence, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure
- restricting access to the pool
- in a shed
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Get a permit
A certificate of authorization for a swimming pool is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more or an in-ground spa.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, rooftop spa and in-ground spa
You must meet the same safety standards as those applicable to in-ground pools.
Location
Your spa must be installed at least 1 m from the main building, at least 1 m from the property limits, and at least 2 m from a door or a window. If your property is located on the riverfront, your spa must be at least 1 m from the water’s edge.
It is prohibited to install a spa in a front yard.
Safety fence
The property must be surrounded by a fence measuring 1.8 m (6 ft) in height.
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence:
- must be located at least 1 m from the edge of the spa
- must measure at least 1.2 m (4 ft) in height
- must be installed at least 5 cm from the ground
- must not have a fixing element, projection or hole that could facilitate climbing
The fence can feature bars, on the condition that they are less than 10 cm apart.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence, at the top of the gate.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m from the spa side panels or from the fence, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure
- restricting access to the pool
- in a shed
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Get a permit
A permit is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, an in-ground spa or a rooftop spa. This permit also authorizes you to set up any other equipment or structure required to install the spa.
If you wish to change or replace an existing platform, or if you must fell a tree, you are required to obtain the necessary permits.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more and in-ground spa
You must meet the same safety standards as those applicable to in-ground pools.
Location
Your spa must be installed at least 1.2 m from your property limits and at least 1.2 m from the main building. It cannot be installed in a servitude (in French). It is prohibited to install a spa in a front yard.
Safety fence
The spa must be equipped with a safety cover that is kept locked when the spa is not in use.
The yard in which the spa is installed must be surrounded by a fence measuring between 1.5 m and 1.83 m in height.
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence:
- measure between 1.2 m and 1.83 m in height
- must be installed at least 10 cm from the ground
- must not have a fixing element, projection or hole that could facilitate climbing
The fence can feature bars, on the condition that they are less than 10 cm apart.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence, at the top of the gate.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
Get a permit
A permit is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more or an in-ground spa. This permit also authorizes you to:
- install a fence
- build a platform to access the spa
If you wish to change or replace an existing platform, or if you must fell a tree, you are required to obtain the necessary permits.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more and in-ground spa
You must meet the same safety standards as those applicable to in-ground pools.
Location
You can install a spa or hot tub in a backyard or a side yard. Please contact us if your property is bordered by two streets.
The spa must be installed at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) from the property limits. It is prohibited to install a spa in a front yard.
Safety fence
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence:
- must be located at least 1 m from the edge of the spa
- must measure between 1.2 m (4 ft) and 2 m (6 ft 6 in) in height
- must be installed at least 10 cm from the ground
- must not have a fixing element, projection or hole that could facilitate climbing
The fence can feature bars, on the condition that they are less than 10 cm apart.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence, at the top of the gate.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m from the spa side panels or from the fence, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure
- restricting access to the pool
- in a shed
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Get a permit
A permit is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more or an in-ground spa. This permit also authorizes you to:
- build a platform to access the spa
- install a fence
- set up any other equipment or structure required to install the spa
If you wish to change or replace an existing platform, you must obtain the required permits.
It is prohibited to fell a tree in order to install a spa.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more and in-ground spa
You must meet the safety standards applicable to residential swimming pool safety.
Location
Your spa must be installed at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) from the property limits and from a fence. It is prohibited to install a spa in a front yard.
Safety fence
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence:
- must be located at least 1 m from the edge of the spa
- must measure between 1.2 m (4 ft) and 2 m (6 ft 6 in) in height
- must not have a fixing element, projection or hole that could facilitate climbing
The fence can feature bars, on the condition that they are less than 10 cm apart.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence, at the top of the gate.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m from the spa side panels or from the fence, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure
- restricting access to the pool
- in a shed
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, rooftop spa and in-ground spa
You must meet the same safety standards as those applicable to in-ground pools.
Location
You must install a spa or hot tub in a backyard or a side yard. You must install your spa at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) from your property limits.
It is prohibited to install a spa in a front yard.
If your property is bordered by two streets or one street and one alley, please contact your borough to find out where you can install the spa.
The spa must not occupy a total area of more than one third of the property or 60 per cent of the backyard.
It is prohibited to install a spa under an electrical power line or wire.
If your property is located beside a body of water, in a flood-prone area, in a special intervention zone or in a zone subject to the interim control by-law, please contact the point of service in your borough.
Safety fence
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence:
- must be located at least 1 m from the edge of the spa
- must measure at least 1.2 m (4 ft) in height
- must be installed at least 10 cm from the ground
- must not have a fixing element, projection or hole that could facilitate climbing
The fence can feature bars, on the condition that they are less than 10 cm apart.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence, at the top of the gate.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m from the spa side panels or from the fence, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure
- restricting access to the pool
- in a shed
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Get a permit
A permit is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, an in-ground spa or a rooftop spa. This permit also authorizes you to fell a tree to install your spa.
If you wish to add or replace an existing platform, or to install a fence, you are required to obtain the necessary permits.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, rooftop spa and in-ground spa
You must meet the same safety standards as those applicable to in-ground pools.
Location
You can install a spa or hot tub in a backyard or a side yard. If your property is bordered by two streets or one street and one alley, please contact your borough to find out where you can install the spa.
It must be installed at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) from the property limits. It is prohibited to install a spa in a front yard.
Safety fence
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence:
- must be located at least 1 m from the edge of the spa
- must measure between 1.2 m (4 ft) and 2 m (6 ft 6 in) in height
- must be installed at least 10 cm from the ground
- must not have a fixing element, projection or hole that could facilitate climbing
The fence can feature bars, on the condition that they are less than 10 cm apart.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence, at the top of the gate.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m from the spa side panels or from the fence, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure
- restricting access to the pool
- in a shed
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Get a permit
A permit is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, an in-ground spa or a rooftop spa. This permit also authorizes you to:
- build a platform to access the spa
- set up any other equipment or structure required to install the spa
If you wish to change or replace an existing platform, or if you must fell a tree, you are required to obtain the necessary permits.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, rooftop spa and in-ground spa
You must meet the same safety standards as those applicable to in-ground pools.
Location
You can install a spa or hot tub in a backyard or a side yard. It is prohibited to install a spa under an electrical wire or in a servitude (in French).
The spa must not occupy more than one third of your property.
It must be installed at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) from the property limits. It is prohibited to install a spa in a front yard.
Safety fence
A spa is authorized only in a fenced yard.
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence:
- must be located at least 1 m from the edge of the spa
- must measure between 1.2 m (4 ft) and 2.15 m in height
- must not have a fixing element, projection or hole that could facilitate climbing
The fence can feature bars, on the condition that they are less than 10 cm apart.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence, at the top of the gate.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m from the spa side panels and from the fence surrounding it, and at least 1.5 m from the property limits, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure
- restricting access to the pool
- in a shed
Any equipment used to keep spa running must be located at least 1.5 metres away from the property line.
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Get a permit
A permit is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, an in-ground spa or a rooftop spa.
This permit also authorizes you to set up any other equipment or structure required to install the spa.
If you wish to change or replace an existing platform, or if you must fell a tree, you are required to obtain the necessary permits.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, rooftop spa and in-ground spa
You must meet the same safety standards as those applicable to in-ground pools.
Location
You must install a spa or hot tub in a backyard. If your property is bordered by two streets, please contact your borough to find out where you can install the spa.
It must be installed at least 1.5 m from the property limits and any building.
Safety fence
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence:
- must measure at least 1.2 m (4 ft) in height
- must not have a fixing element, projection or hole that could facilitate climbing
The fence can feature bars, on the condition that they are less than 10 cm apart.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence, at the top of the gate.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m from the spa side panels or from the fence, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure
- restricting access to the pool
- in a shed
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Get a permit
A permit is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, an in-ground spa or a rooftop spa. This permit also authorizes you to install a fence to secure access to the spa.
If you wish to change or replace an existing platform, or if you must fell a tree, you are required to obtain the necessary permits.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, rooftop spa and in-ground spa
You must meet the same safety standards as those applicable to in-ground pools.
Location
You must install a spa or hot tub in a backyard.
The spa must be installed at least 1.5 m from your property limits, at least 2 m from the main building, and at least 1 m from an accessory building.
The spa must not occupy more than 50 per cent of the backyard area.
It is prohibited to install a spa in a front yard.
If your property is located beside a body of water, in a flood-prone area, in a special intervention zone or in a zone subject to the interim control by-law, please contact the point of service in your borough.
Safety fence
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence:
- must be located at least 1 m from the edge of the spa
- must measure at least 1.2 m (4 ft) in height if the yard is surrounded by a fence or 1.5 m if the yard is not surrounded by a fence
- must not have a fixing element, projection or hole that could facilitate climbing
The fence can feature bars, on the condition that they are less than 10 cm apart.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence, at the top of the gate.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m from the spa side panels or from the fence, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure
- restricting access to the pool
- in a shed
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Get a permit
A permit is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, an in-ground spa or a rooftop spa.
If you want to add, change or replace a platform or fell a tree to install your spa, please contact your borough to find out if a permit is required.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, rooftop spa and in-ground spa
You must meet the same safety standards as those applicable to in-ground pools.
Location
You must install a spa or hot tub in a backyard.
The spa must be installed at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) from the property limits.
Safety fence
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence:
- must be located at least 1 m from the edge of the spa
- must measure at least 1.2 m (4 ft) in height
- must be installed at least 10 cm from the ground
- must not have any protruding elements or open parts (holes) that could be used for climbing
This fence must be assembled in such a way that spherical items with a diametre of 10 cm or less cannot pass through.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence, at the top of the gate.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m from the spa side panels or from the fence, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure
- restricting access to the pool
- in a shed
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Get a permit
A permit is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, an in-ground spa or a rooftop spa. This permit also authorizes you to:
- build a platform to access the spa
- set up any other equipment or structure required to install the spa
If you wish to change or replace an existing platform, you must obtain the required permits.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, rooftop spa and in-ground spa
You must meet the same safety standards as those applicable to in-ground pools.
Cité-Jardin area
Authorization from borough council is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more.
Location
You must install a spa or hot tub in a backyard or a side yard.
You must install your spa at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) from your property limits.
Safety fence
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence:
- must be located at least 1 m from the edge of the spa
- must measure between 1.2 m (4 ft) and 2 m (6 ft 6 in) in height
- must be installed at least 10 cm from the ground
- must not have a fixing element, projection or hole that could facilitate climbing
The fence can feature bars, on the condition that they are less than 10 cm apart.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence, at the top of the gate.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m from the spa side panels or from the fence, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure
- restricting access to the pool
- in a shed
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Get a permit
A permit is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, an in-ground spa or a rooftop spa. This permit also authorizes you to:
- build a platform to access the spa
- set up any other equipment or structure required to install the spa
If you wish to change or replace an existing platform, you must obtain the required permits.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, rooftop spa and in-ground spa
You must meet the same safety standards as those applicable to in-ground pools.
Location
You must install a spa or hot tub in the backyard. Please contact us if you wish to install one in a side yard or if your property is bordered by two streets.
The spa must be installed at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) from your property limits. It must not be placed in front of a door or a window on the main building, or under an electrical wire.
Safety fence
It is not mandatory to install a fence around a spa if it is equipped with a safety cover that is locked when the spa is not in use.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m from the spa side panels or from the fence, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure
- restricting access to the pool
- in a shed
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Get a permit
A permit is required to install any type of spa. This permit also authorizes you to build a fence in order to limit access to the spa.
If you wish to add or replace an existing platform, you must obtain the required permits.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more and in-ground spa
You must meet the same safety standards as those applicable to in-ground pools.
Location
You must install a spa or hot tub in your backyard or side yard, and it must not block a window.
The spa must be installed at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) from the property limits.
If the spa is installed in a backyard or a side yard facing a street, it must be a minimum distance of 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from the property limits.
Safety fence
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence:
- must be located at least 1 m from the edge of the spa
- must measure between 1.2 m and 1.8 m in height
- must be installed at least 10 cm from the ground
- must not have a fixing element, projection or hole that could facilitate climbing
The fence can feature bars, on the condition that they are less than 10 cm apart.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence, at the top of the gate.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m (3 ft 3 in) from the spa side panels or from the fence, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure
- restricting access to the pool
- in a shed
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Get a permit
A permit is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more or an in-ground spa. This permit also authorizes you to build or change a platform to access the spa.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more and in-ground spa
You must meet the same safety standards as those applicable to in-ground pools.
Location
You must install a spa or hot tub in your backyard. The spa must be installed at least 1 m from the property limits. If your property is bordered by two streets or one street and one alley, please contact your borough to find out where you can install the spa.
A minimum of 20 per cent of your yard area must be covered with grass, trees or plants.
Safety fence
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence:
- must be located at least 1 m from the edge of the spa
- must measure between 1.2 m (4 ft) and 2 m (6 ft 6 in) in height
- must be installed at least 10 cm from the ground
- must not have a fixing element, projection or hole that could facilitate climbing
The fence can feature bars, on the condition that they are less than 10 cm apart.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence, at the top of the gate.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m from the spa side panels or from the fence, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure
- restricting access to the pool
- in a shed
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Get a permit
A permit is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more or an in-ground spa. This permit also authorizes you to build a platform to access the spa.
If you wish to change or replace an existing platform, you must obtain the required permits.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Rooftop spa
Please contact us before installing a spa on a rooftop.
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, rooftop spa and in-ground spa
You must meet the same safety standards as those applicable to in-ground pools.
Location
You must install a spa or hot tub in a backyard a side yard. If your property is bordered by two streets or one street and one alley, please contact your borough to find out where you can install the spa.
It must be installed at least 1.5 m from the property limits.
Safety fence
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence:
- must be located at least 1 m from the edge of the spa
- must measure between 1.2 m (4 ft) and 2 m (6 ft 6 in) in height
- must be installed at least 10 cm from the ground
- must not have a fixing element, projection or hole that could facilitate climbing
The fence can feature bars, on the condition that they are less than 10 cm apart.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence, at the top of the gate.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m from the spa side panels or from the fence, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure
- restricting access to the pool
- in a shed
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Get a permit
A permit is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, an in-ground spa or a rooftop spa. This permit also authorizes you to:
- install a fence
- build or change a platform to access the spa
If you must have a tree felled, you are required to obtain a permit.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Legislation
Residential spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, rooftop spa and in-ground spa
A permit is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, whether it is above-ground or in-ground, and whether it is installed on a rooftop or in your yard.
Location
You must install a spa or hot tub in the backyard or a side yard. If your property is bordered by two streets, please contact your borough to find out where you can install the spa.
The spa must be installed at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) from the property limits.
Safety fence
Any spa with side panels lower than 1.2 m (4 ft) in height must be surrounded by a fence. The fence:
- must be located at least 1 m from the edge of the spa
- must measure between 1.2 m (4 ft) and 2 m (6 ft 6 in) in height
- must be installed at least 10 cm from the ground
- must not have a fixing element, projection or hole that could facilitate climbing
The fence can feature bars, on the condition that they are less than 10 cm apart.
When the spa is partly surrounded by a wall (in addition to the fence), the wall must not have an opening from which to access the spa.
The fence must have an automatic self-locking safety gate. The safety latch must be installed on the inside of the fence, at the top of the gate.
Hedges or shrubs cannot be used as fencing.
Equipment around the spa
For added safety, the equipment required to operate your spa must be installed more than 1 m from the spa side panels or from the fence, except if it is located:
- inside the fence
- beneath a structure
- restricting access to the pool
- in a shed
The pipes and hoses connecting the accessory equipment to the spa must be flexible and must not be installed in a way that facilitates climbing the spa side panels or the fence.
Heat pumps and heating units must be located at least 1 m from any property limits.
Get a permit
A permit is required to install a spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, an in-ground spa or a rooftop spa. This permit also authorizes you to:
- install a fence
- build a platform to access the spa
A permit is required to change or replace an existing platform. Please contact your borough to assess the feasibility of your project.
Continue to: Get a permit to install a residential spa
Legislation
Find a borough
Boroughs
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