The body of a four-year-old boy who was reported missing on Wednesday night was found in his grandparents' swimming pool, Halifax District RCMP say.

Nicholas Baker was last seen just before 10 p.m. at his grandparents' house, police said, located along Nova Scotia's Highway 224. His grandparents live in the community of Elmsvale, about 63 km northeast of Halifax.

Police confirmed his body was found just after 2 a.m. on Thursday in the backyard swimming pool.

Police say Nicholas Baker was last seen just before 10 p.m. at his grandparents house. (RCMP)

RCMP Cpl. Jadie Spencer said it took several hours to find the boy's body because a preliminary check of the pool found that the surface of the water was dirty and "appeared to be undisturbed."

The officers couldn't see the bottom of the pool, Spencer said.

When ground search and rescue crews went back to the pool hours later, they searched it thoroughly and found the boy.

Police say they do not believe his death is suspicious.

Spencer said the in-ground pool had a fence, in keeping with bylaws for the Halifax Regional Municipality. He said he doesn't know if the gate was open or closed — the bylaws state such gates must have a latch, but they don't have to have a lock.

More details are expected after the medical examiner's investigation.