Regulation respecting water quality in swimming pools and other artificial pools

The Regulation respecting water quality in swimming pools and other artificial pools came into force on January 1, 2007, replacing the Regulation respecting public wading and swimming pools. Amendments to the Regulation came into force on July 2, 2026.

This regulation is designed to provide a framework for water quality monitoring through the application of quality standards and the requirement to perform regular monitoring and maintain a record.

To better understand the Regulation

• The official text
• The Interpretation Guide (French, PDF, 636 KB)
• The pamphlet which summarizes the main requirements (French, PDF, 1,7 MB)
• The Guide on methods for taking and preserving samples (PDF, 601 KB)
• The Quick reference for collecting pool water samples (PDF, 867 KB)

Here are some tools to ensure the optimal operation of pools subject to the Regulation

• Guide for operating swimming pools and other artificial pools (French, PDF, 1.3 MB)
• Information sheet on best practices for public spas  (French, PDF, 554 KB)
• Summary of best operating practices (French, PDF, 391 KB)

The Ministère makes record templates available in order to facilitate the work of those responsible for pools that are subject to the Regulation

• Intended for those responsible for public or semi-public and private pools serving more than 50 dwelling units (French,Word, 671 KB)
• Intended for those responsible for private pools serving between 10 and 50 dwelling units (French, Word, 40 KB)

You can also access tools to educate bathers or your employees on the importance of maintaining good water quality

Graphic materials

• Interior and outdoor pools
  • Keep your little swimmers healthy!
    Full poster (French, PDF, 1,4 MB)
• Interior pools
  • Bathers, to the shower… interior, without soap!
    Full poster (French, PDF, 1,7 MB)
  • Hygiene measures for bathers
    • Full poster
      11 x 17 format (French, PDF, 1,7 MB)
      24 x 32 format (French, PDF, 3,2 MB)
    • Simplified poster
      11 x 17 format (PDF, 781 KB)
      24 x 32 format (PDF, 1,4 MB)
    • Small poster: showers
      8 ½ x 11 format (PDF, 667 KB)
      11 x 17 format (PDF, 2.6 MB)
  • The operator’s regulatory requirements
    11 x 17 format (French, PDF, 85 KB)
• Outdoor pools
  • Bathers, to the shower… outdoors, without soap!
    Full poster (French, PDF, 5,1 MB)
  • Hygiene measures for bathers
    • Full poster
      11 x 17 format (French, PDF, 1.7 MB)
      24 x 32 format (French, PDF, 3.4 MB)
    • Simplified poster
      11 x 17 format (PDF, 906 KB)
      24 x 32 format (PDF, 3 MB)
    • Small poster: showers
      8 ½ x 11 format (PDF, 624 KB)
      11 x 17 format (PDF, 1 MB)
  • The operator’s regulatory requirements
    11 x 17 format (French, PDF, 105 KB)

We encourage you to download these posters, print them and display them where they can be seen by users and staff members.

You can also consult reports and other useful references

• Report on the advisability of amending the Regulation respecting water quality in swimming pools and other artificial pools (French, PDF, 558 KB)
• Study of the microbiological contamination of public spas in Québec
• Impact of four methods for treating swimming pool water on disinfection sub-product concentrations: an exploratory study
• Santé mieux-être portal: Preventing Health Problems Associated with Bathing Waters (information intended for the general public)

If you have questions at any time concerning the Regulation, do not hesitate to contact your regional office of the Ministère.