Building a swimming pool: what you need to know before you start
- coraliefortin076
- Jul 1
- 9 min read
Updated: Aug 21
Having a backyard pool is a dream for many Quebecers, especially when summer hits hard and temperatures rise quickly. But before embarking on such a project, it's essential to be well informed about the steps involved, the types of pools available, the regulations in force, and the associated costs. Building a pool isn't just about digging a hole in the garden. It's a residential development project in its own right, requiring careful thought and planning.
At Plan Maison Québec, we assist many clients each year in designing personalized plans for their outdoor projects, including pool construction. Here's everything you need to know to make your backyard a dream space perfectly suited to the Quebec climate.
Why build a swimming pool at home?
The benefits of owning a residential pool are numerous. First, it allows you to fully enjoy the summer months without having to travel to public beaches or often crowded municipal pools. It becomes a family gathering place, a relaxation area, a playground for children, and even an architectural feature that enhances your property.
Building a pool can also increase the resale value of your home, especially if the installation is well integrated into the existing environment. With the right aesthetic choices, careful landscaping, and attention to detail, a pool becomes much more than a luxury: it's an investment in quality of life.
Well-thought-out planning for a sustainable pool
Before even considering the materials or shape of your pool, you must focus on planning the entire project. Location is undoubtedly one of the most determining factors. It must take into account the available space on your lot, sunlight exposure, proximity to trees and underground utilities, as well as how you use your yard on a daily basis.
This is where Plan Maison Québec's expertise makes all the difference: we help our clients design a harmonious, functional, and aesthetically pleasing layout, taking into account the orientation of the lot, shaded areas, privacy, and access to the house.
Furthermore, each municipality in Quebec imposes specific rules regarding the construction of a swimming pool. Minimum setbacks must be respected, distances must be observed from the house or fences, and, of course, strict safety standards must be implemented. It is essential to check with your city or regional county municipality before beginning work. A permit application is almost always necessary.
Integrate the swimming pool into the exterior design
A swimming pool, no matter how beautiful, must blend naturally into its surroundings to add value to the property. One of the major challenges is to harmonize the pool with other outdoor features: deck, shed, outdoor kitchen, plantings, or even a playground. At Plan Maison Québec, we believe that a well-integrated pool is one that looks as if it has always been part of the yard. This requires good positioning, a careful choice of materials for the coping stones, and attention to circulation and relaxation areas.
Adding a perimeter sidewalk, paving stones, or a composite wood deck helps unify the space. You can also consider lighting, surrounding vegetation, and privacy screens. All of these elements must be considered from the design stage of the exterior plan.
What type of swimming pool should you choose in Quebec?
Choosing the right pool type is an essential step in your project. Each option has specific characteristics that influence cost, maintenance, aesthetics, and integration into the residential environment. At Plan Maison Québec, we advise our clients based on their priorities, the layout of their property, and their overall budget. Here are the main options available on the Quebec market.
1) The inground pool: luxury and durability
The in-ground pool remains the most popular choice among homeowners seeking a high-end, durable, and personalized design. Constructed of concrete, fiberglass, or with a steel frame and vinyl liner, it offers great design freedom. Whether you dream of a classic rectangular pool, a free-form lagoon-inspired design, or a lap pool, the in-ground pool can be adapted to almost any style.
Its main advantage lies in its longevity. With proper maintenance, it can last for several decades. Furthermore, it blends harmoniously into the landscape thanks to coping stones, perimeter walkways, a deck, or carefully arranged plantings. However, its construction requires more time, more site preparation, and a higher budget. Plan Maison Québec helps its clients optimize the available space and create a balanced environment around the in-ground pool, perfectly suited to their lifestyle.
2) Above-ground pool: economical and quick to install
More affordable and faster to install than an in-ground pool, an above-ground pool is an ideal option for families looking to enjoy the pleasures of water without a major investment. It is often constructed of steel or resin and covered with a vinyl liner. Installation can be completed in one or two days, allowing you to enjoy the summer season without lengthy construction delays.
However, above-ground pools are more exposed to the elements and require greater safety precautions, as they can be more easily accessible for young children. For these reasons, they must also be surrounded by a safety barrier and regulated access. Plan Maison Québec can integrate this type of pool into your exterior plans in a structured manner, including a raised patio, railings, and a layout that enhances the aesthetics of your yard.
3) The semi-above-ground pool: the perfect compromise
Halfway between an in-ground and an above-ground pool, the semi-above-ground pool combines the advantages of both types. It is particularly suitable for sloping sites, where it would be costly to completely level the ground. This type of pool also offers a more elegant visual integration than a fully above-ground pool, especially when surrounded by a deck or carefully landscaped grounds.
It offers better thermal insulation than in-ground pools, which helps retain the water's heat longer. It is also a less expensive option than an in-ground pool, while offering significant durability. Plan Maison Québec often recommends semi-above-ground pools for projects where space is limited or where the land presents significant natural constraints.
4) The oval pool: elegance in simplicity
Less common than the rectangular pool, the oval pool is nevertheless an attractive option from both an aesthetic and functional perspective. Its rounded shape facilitates movement around the pool and can better adapt to certain terrain configurations. It is often chosen for above-ground models, although it can also be built in a semi-inground or in-ground version depending on the materials chosen.
The oval pool creates a softer, less massive visual effect than a square or rectangular pool. It is ideal for families looking for a pleasant swimming space, without necessarily being athletic. At Plan Maison Québec, we design plans that take advantage of this organic shape to create a fluid and harmonious outdoor environment.
5) The lagoon-style pool: an oasis in your backyard
The lagoon-style pool is ideal for homeowners looking to transform their backyard into a true tropical oasis. Inspired by nature, it is distinguished by its irregular shapes, gentle curves, and the addition of details such as decorative rocks, submerged beaches, waterfalls, or even lush vegetation surrounding the pool. More than just a swimming spot, it's a sensory and visual experience.
This pool is generally constructed of concrete, allowing for great flexibility in design. It's ideal for those looking for a space to relax and unwind, far removed from the more linear style of traditional pools. The lighting, the texture of the materials, and the color of the water are all designed to recreate a warm and natural ambiance. Plan Maison Québec excels in designing these custom spaces, where every detail is carefully considered to create a "wow" effect.
6) The spa: for relaxation all year round
Although a spa isn't strictly speaking a pool, it deserves its place in this discussion, especially for homeowners who want to maximize their space and extend the use of their aquatic facility beyond the summer months. A spa integrated into the landscape, or combined with a pool, allows you to enjoy warm baths even in the middle of a Quebec winter.
A spa is an ideal relaxation space after a day of work or physical activity. It can be installed on the patio, indoors, or near the pool. Several models are available: portable, built-in, acrylic, or concrete spas, with massage jets, chromotherapy, or automated functions. Plan Maison Québec often includes a spa in its outdoor design plans to offer clients a complete and evolving wellness experience.
7) Luxury option: the indoor pool
For those who want to enjoy the pleasures of swimming year-round, regardless of the outdoor climate, an indoor pool represents an uncompromising luxury option. Installed inside the home or in a heated annex, it allows you to swim year-round, in a controlled environment, protected from the elements and winter cold. It's ideal for high-end properties or for homeowners for whom swimming is a daily activity.
However, this type of pool requires even more rigorous planning, particularly in terms of ventilation, humidity control, thermal insulation, and architectural integration. The environment must be designed to prevent condensation, mold, and energy loss. The choice of materials, heating system, and water treatment equipment must be carefully considered to ensure a pleasant and lasting experience.
At Plan Maison Québec, we design custom plans to seamlessly integrate an indoor pool into your home, while respecting the highest technical and aesthetic standards. Whether for therapeutic, sporting or simply for pleasure, the indoor swimming pool becomes a distinctive signature of a refined and sophisticated lifestyle.
Regulations and safety in Quebec
In Quebec, any pool with a depth of 60 cm or more is subject to strict safety regulations. The primary goal of these regulations is to prevent drownings, particularly those affecting young children. It is therefore mandatory to fence all residential pools, whether in-ground, above-ground, or even inflatable. The fence must be at least 1.2 meters high, have no climbing holds, and be equipped with a gate with an automatic closing device.
Since 2021, the government has tightened certain standards, and these apply retroactively to all pools, even those built before the law came into effect. Compliance deadlines are, however, set, but it is strongly recommended to comply as soon as possible. In addition, some municipalities impose additional requirements, such as a minimum distance between the pool and the house or the presence of a main drain.
Plan Maison Québec incorporates these regulatory constraints right from the design phase. This avoids costly modifications along the way and allows you to obtain the necessary permits more quickly. We also help you comply with local planning requirements to ensure your pool project goes smoothly.
How much does it cost to build a swimming pool in Quebec?
The cost of an in-ground pool in Quebec can vary considerably depending on the type of pool, the materials chosen, the dimensions, the complexity of the site, and the design options. On average, the price of an in-ground pool starts around $25,000 and can easily exceed $60,000 for a complete installation with deck, lighting, fencing, and accessories.
It's important to consider this budget as a long-term investment. A well-designed, well-built, and well-maintained pool not only adds comfort to your daily life, but also adds real value to your property. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it's essential to work with experienced professionals. Plan Maison Québec offers a customized design service, allowing you to properly budget for each stage of your project, from the initial plan to the smallest execution details.
Swimming pool and real estate development: a winning bet
Building a swimming pool is also a strategic choice to enhance the value of your home. Of course, the impact on market value depends on many factors: location, general condition of the home, and the quality of the outdoor facilities. However, it's undeniable that a well-landscaped yard with a swimming pool is a major selling point, especially in highly competitive residential markets.
A well-designed pool can also significantly improve quality of life. It becomes a gathering place for family and friends, a space for daily relaxation, and even a source of personal pride for homeowners.
At Plan Maison Québec, we understand the emotional dimension that accompanies a swimming pool project. That's why our approach goes beyond simple technical design: it aims to create a tailor-made living space, where every detail counts.
Conclusion : Building a swimming pool in Quebec
Building a swimming pool in Quebec is a challenging but complex project. It requires a thorough understanding of materials, current standards, the climate, and outdoor design in general. Whether you dream of an in-ground pool, a spa, a semi-above-ground model, or even a luxurious indoor pool, the success of your project depends on professional planning and thoughtful design.
Plan Maison Québec is your ideal partner to transform your idea into a functional, aesthetic, and regulatory-compliant living space. We put our expertise at the service of your vision, with customized plans that take into account your needs, your budget, and the constraints of your property.
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