The amendments to Quebec’s regulatory framework governing water quality in swimming pools and other artificial bodies of water took effect on July 2, 2026.
They raise several questions among condominium associations:
- Who is responsible for conducting the inspections?
- How often are the tests administered?
- What must be entered in the registry?
- What should you do when a building doesn’t have a doorman?
- What requirements apply depending on the number of units?
Here are the key points you need to know to better prepare yourself.
Why these requirements?
The goal is to improve the protection of swimmers’ health by:
- More structured monitoring of water quality;
- Faster detection of problems;
- Immediate action in the event of noncompliance;
- Improved traceability of inspections;
- Information that is more accessible to users.
What requirements apply to your homeowners’ association?
The requirements vary, in particular, depending on the number of units served by the catchment area.
| Number of units served | Key obligations |
|---|---|
| Fewer than 10 units | The pool is not subject to the water quality controls set forth in Chapter III. However, a sign must be posted at the entrance to inform users of this. |
| 10 to 50 units | pH and residual disinfectant levels must be measured at least twice a day: before opening and midway through the operating period. A log must be kept. |
| 51 units or more | Comprehensive physical and chemical inspections, laboratory analyses, record-keeping, posting requirements, and closure and reopening procedures apply. |
| Public or Semi-Public Pool | The full requirements generally apply. The exact category of the pool must be confirmed. |
The number of units is not the only criterion. The type of pool, its use, its hours of operation, and who has access to it must also be taken into account.
Responsibilities must be clearly assigned
The board of directors must determine:
- Who will conduct the required inspections;
- Who will fill out the register;
- Who will check the signage;
- Who will communicate with the laboratory;
- Who will take action when a result is noncompliant;
- Who can fill in for the person in charge if they are absent?
These responsibilities may be assigned to a trained individual, a specialized service provider, or distributed among several parties, depending on the building’s specific circumstances.
What if the building doesn’t have a doorman?
The absence of a building manager does not automatically exempt the homeowners’ association from its obligations. An appropriate system must be put in place; for example:
- Entrust the inspections to a specialized vendor;
- Schedule visits based on opening hours;
- Appoint and train a person to be in charge;
- Arrange for a substitute;
- Establish written procedures;
- Use the official registry template;
- Establish a mechanism for addressing problems;
- Evaluate the use of continuous monitoring devices.
These devices can make monitoring easier, but they do not necessarily replace all required manual checks.
Is there an official registry template?
Yes. The Department of the Environment provides two templates:
- Register for catchment areas serving 10 to 50 housing units;
- Register for water catchments serving more than 50 housing units and for public or semi-public water catchments.
In particular, the registry must make it possible to document:
- The results of the inspections;
- The date and time of the samples;
- The names of the individuals who conducted the inspections;
- Opening and closing hours;
- Incidents and overspending;
- Corrective actions;
- The results sent by the laboratory.
An inspection to determine the starting point
An audit can help the board of directors:
- Know the current condition of the pool;
- Review the procedures already in place;
- Identify potential discrepancies;
- Identify priority corrective actions;
- Obtain a written report;
- Request comparable quotes.
The union thus retains the freedom to choose the contractor who will perform the work or provide the necessary services.
The Recommended Approach
- Confirm the pool category and the applicable requirements.
- Contact your current supplier.
- Determine which services it supports.
- Identify the person responsible for each inspection.
- Have the system inspected, if necessary.
- Update the registry and the display.
- Prepare the procedures for closing and reopening.
- Train the relevant personnel and arrange for a replacement.
- Retain records of inspections, analyses, and corrective actions.
Accompanying Laucandrique
Laucandrique aims to facilitate this transition by keeping its clients informed, identifying the needs of unions, and referring boards of directors to specialized resources.
Decisions regarding inspections, construction work, and the selection of a supplier are made jointly by the manager and the board of directors.
Key Takeaways
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal, technical, or health advice. Each union must verify the requirements applicable to its facility.
