Pool or Spa

How to Obtain a Certificate of Authorization for a Pool or a Spa

Throughout the City of Pointe-Claire, a certificate of authorization shall be required in order to build or install a swimming pool or a hot tub.

What is considered a pool?

An outdoor basin, permanent or temporary, intended for swimming, which has a depth of water of 60 centimeters or more and is not regulated by the Regulation respecting safety in public baths (Chapter B-1.1, r.11) excluding a whirlpool, spa or hot tub with a water capacity of 2,000 liters or less. A lake or man-made pond are not considered a pool when they are not destined for swimming.

To submit a request to obtain a certificate of authorization to install or replace a pool or hot tub, you will need:

1. The certificate of authorization application form completed and signed
2. A copy of the certificate of location of the property: Prepared by a land surveyor and consisting of a written description, a plan of the lot and building(s) and all existing registered servitudes. The location of the pool or hot tub and the distances between it and other structures, buildings and property lines should be clearly indicated on this document;
3. To show the location of all existing trees to be protected or to be felled, and the new plantings that are proposed, along with a description of the characteristics (species, size, health and structural condition) of all trees, both existing and proposed;
4. A plan drawn to scale showing:
   • The exact shape and dimensions of the pool or hot tub;
   • The proposed location of mechanical equipment and the distances between it and other structures, buildings and property lines;
   • The proposed location of the back-wash pipe and the direction of water;
   • The location of aerial wires;
   • The location of (both primary and secondary enclosures, existing and/or to be installed;
   • The location of all openings (doors and windows) the principal and ancillary buildings on or near the property.
5. Details of both the primary and secondary enclosures (existing and proposed). These details should include the type, height and self-closing mechanisms. If the enclosure consists of a fence, refer to the certificate of authrorization application form for fences.

All projects shall be done in conformity with all the planning by-laws of the City of Pointe-Claire.

Application Procedure

All forms and documents related to an application for a certificate of authorization must be sent by email in PDF format to urbanisme@pointe-claire.ca. Should someone other than the property owner obtain the certificate, written authorization is required. 

If it is necessary to install a fence to render the existing ones conforming, a request for a certificate of authorization to install a fence should be made prior to or simultaneously with the pool request.

2025 Fees and deposits

Fees (payable to the City of Pointe-Claire) shall be paid upon filing the application and are non-refundable: 

• $52 for a portable pool or spa;
• $105 for a spa with a maximum capacity of 2000L;
• $265 for any pool (including a spa with a capacity of more than 2000L). 

A security deposit of $625 for an in-ground pool/spa and a semi-in-ground pool/spa as well as any fees required by the Engineering Department shall be paid prior to or at the issuance of the certificate of authorization. The security deposit is refundable when the work is completed according to the approved plans and if there is no damage to City property.

Approval or refusal, and issuance of a Certificate of Authorization

If the application conforms to the by-laws, the Department shall approve the project within a period of 30 days from the time the application is complete, unless the planned work is subject to The SPAIP by-laws, which justifies that a longer treatment period is necessary. 

The applicant will then be invited to come to the Planning Department for the issuance of the Certificate of Authorization. When said certificate concerns an operation requiring the protection of trees, a proof (photos) that the protection measures are already installed on site is required as a condition to obtaining the certificate.

Conditions and obligations attached to a certificate

Work shall not commence prior to the issuance of the certificate. Anyone who contravenes this provision commits an infraction. The permit shall be displayed in a prominent location on the lot where the construction is taking place. 

An application that is approved or a certificate issued shall be considered null and void if the Certificate of Authorization has not been issued or the work has not commenced within six months from the date of its approval by the Director; or if the work has not been completed within one year from the date of the issuance of the Certificate of Authorization.