A Co-ownership Pool: An Amenity That Comes with Significant Responsibilities

The new water quality requirements that came into force on July 2 serve as a reminder of a reality that is often overlooked: a swimming pool is one of the most demanding common assets to manage in a co-ownership. Between routine maintenance, regulatory obligations and long-term capital planning, syndicates of co-ownership should never view a pool as simply a recreational amenity.

For many co-owners, a swimming pool is a valuable feature. It enhances residents' quality of life and can even increase the appeal of a unit at resale. Beneath the clear blue water, however, lies a much more complex reality.

On July 2, new provisions of Québec's Regulation respecting the water quality of swimming pools and other artificial basins came into force. These requirements apply to swimming pools, hot tubs and other artificial basins accessible to residents of co-owned properties. While the changes are intended to improve the health and safety of users, they also underscore the importance of maintaining rigorous maintenance practices.

More Complex Than It Appears

"Operating a swimming pool is a major responsibility for co-ownership administrators," says Daniel Delorme, President of Odyssée Aquatique, a company specializing in aquatic facilities for nearly 60 years and an RGCQ partner.

According to Mr. Delorme, administrators and property managers are already responsible for overseeing numerous components of a building, including the roof, elevators, mechanical systems, fire safety systems and the building envelope. In that context, the swimming pool can sometimes become a lower priority.

Yet its operation requires constant attention. Water quality testing, filtration system maintenance, equipment replacement and water treatment all involve recurring tasks that require time, expertise and financial resources.

Costs That Go Well Beyond the Opening of the Swimming Season

Maintaining a swimming pool involves much more than purchasing pool chemicals.

Pumps, filters, lighting, mechanical equipment and technical service calls all generate ongoing expenses year after year. Added to these costs are the new regulatory requirements, which may lead some syndicates of co-ownership to review their maintenance practices or service contracts to ensure compliance.

Mr. Delorme also points out that a heavily used swimming pool will have very different maintenance needs than one that is used only occasionally. For example, a rooftop pool in a downtown residential tower that welcomes dozens of users on hot summer days requires significantly closer monitoring than a pool serving only a small number of residents.

An Asset That Must Be Included in Long-Term Planning

Beyond day-to-day maintenance, a swimming pool is an important asset of the building.

Following the implementation of the provisions introduced under Bill 16, syndicates of co-ownership must now include this type of equipment in both their maintenance logbook and their contingency fund study. The expected service life of liners, filtration systems and other equipment must be considered in order to properly plan future repairs and replacements.

This long-term planning is especially important because a failure can result in significant damage, particularly where residential units, parking garages or mechanical rooms are located beneath the pool.

An Opportunity to Review Current Practices

The coming into force of the new water quality requirements provides an excellent opportunity for syndicates of co-ownership to assess the condition and management of their aquatic facilities.

The RGCQ recommends that syndicates work with their service provider or another qualified professional to ensure that their maintenance procedures, equipment and water quality monitoring practices comply with the new regulatory requirements.

As an RGCQ partner, Odyssée Aquatique has been supporting owners and managers of aquatic facilities for nearly 60 years. The company offers a full range of services, including pool maintenance and operation, water quality testing, equipment inspections, seasonal opening and closing, as well as repairs, modernization and renovation of aquatic facilities. RGCQ members also benefit from a 10% discount on the company's services.

Odyssée Aquatique can also assist syndicates of co-ownership in assessing the condition of their equipment, planning maintenance and replacement work, and ensuring that their facilities comply with current regulations. This expertise can be particularly valuable as regulatory obligations continue to evolve.

Ultimately, a swimming pool remains a highly valued amenity in a co-ownership. However, it deserves the same level of attention as any other major building asset. Proactive management, proper maintenance and sound long-term planning will not only help ensure the safety of residents, but also preserve the value of this shared facility for years to come.

Visit the Odyssée Aquatique website to learn more about the full range of services available for the maintenance, management and optimization of your aquatic facilities.

Odyssée Aquatique

Based on an article published in La Presse [in French].