From maple-lined avenues to cobblestone streets, Quebec is a mix of old world charm and modern culture at its finest. A thriving hub of culture, comedy, and sports, Quebec is one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada. But sometimes, you just want a corner of Quebec to call your own. There’s a pool for every backyard and Latham is here to help you find the right pool for your needs.
Whether you daydream about sipping ice wine while floating on the shimmering waters of a fibreglass pool, or splashing it up with friends and family of all ages at summer get-togethers, the pool possibilities are endless. If you’re considering taking the plunge into owning a new pool or want to remodel an older one, we’ll dive deep into planning your pool, maintenance expectations and other considerations to bring your pool dreams to life. We’ll also cover some of the rules and regulations that apply to pools throughout Quebec.
Inground Pool Design Considerations for Quebec
A little thoughtful planning goes a long way when choosing a pool to fit your lifestyle. Beyond the size and shape of your backyard and the aesthetic appeal of your pool, you’ll want to think about how you plan to use your pool and who will use it.
- Do you have young children or teens?
- Will they bring friends over to use the pool?
- Will seniors or individuals with compromised mobility use your pool?
- What safety features will you need so everyone can safely enjoy your pool?
- Do you want your pool to be the focal point of your backyard? Or would you prefer it to be one part of a larger multi-use space? Maybe you dream about planting a vibrant veggie garden or colourful flower beds? Or perhaps you want a swing set and sliding board for the kids alongside an outdoor grilling station?
- Do you plan to use your pool for entertaining? If so, how many people typically attend your backyard get-togethers? This can help you determine how big a pool you’ll need to comfortably accommodate your guests.
- Do you plan to use your pool for exercise, relaxation or both? If you love sneaking in a few laps before or after work, a pool can be a great way to incorporate gentle exercise into your daily routine. Adding an inground or spillover spa can up the relaxation ante, giving you a place to soothe sore muscles after a long day, too!
Considering the practical elements of what you want your pool to offer comes first. Then, you can determine the look and feel of your pool.
Pool materials do more than add to your pool’s aesthetic value. They also factor into pool maintenance. Fibreglass pools come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, giving you tons of personalization potential. Beyond being beautiful to behold, fibreglass pools are low-maintenance, giving you more time to enjoy your pool instead of tending to it.
When planning your pool, an autocover can be an excellent add-on that enhances pool safety, preventing kids and pets from accidentally falling in when your pool is not in-use. Autocovers can also help you save on energy costs and overall pool maintenance, making them a smart investment.
When seeking out inspiration, a professional pool builder can help you transform your ideas into a fully realized pool that you’ll love for years to come. Throughout this guide, you’ll see several breathtaking pools we’ve helped build throughout Quebec. Pay a visit to your local independent builder to see even more images and videos of pools that might not be available online just yet.
Smaller Pools in Quebec
If you live in a larger, metropolitan area like Montreal, Quebec or Gatineau, chances are you have a smaller yard and are in close quarters to your neighbours. This is where compact pools shine as an option that helps you pack a lot of fun into a smaller space. Even if you have a larger yard, smaller pools can be a welcome addition that gives you all the fun of a pool, but with ample space to devote to a garden, dining area and space for the kids to run and play.
Maybe you’ve never thought of a pool as a tool for self-improvement? However, a smaller pool can be the perfect place to relax or exercise, giving you some well-deserved “me time” to indulge in quiet moments of self-care or enjoying aquatic aerobics or swimming laps to switch-up your workout routine.
Rectangular-shaped pools can be a great choice for swimming laps – but also the perfect place to entertain guests. Their clean, crisp lines make them a timeless choice that never goes out of style. For instance, the 10’ x 16’ Milan is a striking plunge pool with non-slip steps and plenty of swim-up seating, making it equally at home for entertaining as it is for exercise.
A slightly larger compact pool that packs a lot into a tidy package is the Axiom 12 Deluxe. The Axiom is an eye-catching freeform pool with a wide tanning ledge that can double as a wading area for small children, as well as a built-in spillover spa – fantastic for soothing sore muscles.
Spacious Pools
If you have a larger backyard to work with and live in one of the smaller villages or suburban enclaves scattered throughout Quebec, a more spacious pool may be an option.
Imagine unwinding after a long day and relaxing into a refreshing oasis in your own backyard. A larger pool can be part of a beautiful outdoor living space that harmonises with your patio, flower garden or any other purposes you have in mind for your yard. A large pool gives you a big,
An attractive freeform option with winding curves that mimic a natural stream, the Caribbean delivers a taste of the tropics in a 16’ x 40’ package. Equipped with slip-resistant corner steps and tons of swim-up seating, the Caribbean makes your backyard a destination for fun.
For a sleek, rectangular option, the Astoria is a 15’10” x 40’ pool with a wading area, spillover spa, and slip-resistant steps. Its clever features make it a great fit for any yard – and for families of all ages and sizes.
Landscaping Considerations for Quebec Pools
Quebec is brimming with gorgeous scenery. Whether it’s the provincial charm of Old Quebec with European-inspired architecture or the natural beauty of the Rougemont apple orchards, Quebec offers a wealth of visually appealing locales. As a part of your very own backyard refuge from the worries of the day, a pool can allow you to bring in elements of what you love to bring to life a vision that’s uniquely yours. Creative landscaping ideas surrounding your pool can enhance your vision.
- Look for local inspiration: Quebec experiences all four seasons – not to mention a blend of French culture woven into the province’s fabric. Distinctive pool add-ons, like water features offset by rockscaping can create the illusion of a backyard waterfall – like a smaller-scale version of Montmorency Falls.
- Winterproof your landscaping: Even if you have a green thumb, Quebec’s harsh winters mean selecting plants that can tolerate cold temperatures and potentially heavy snowfall. Consider perennials that regenerate in the spring year after year, evergreens and hardy ornamental grasses around your pool area.
- Old World elegance: Reflect Quebec’s rich French heritage in your landscaping. If you crave a sliver of the grand gardens of the Les Jardins de Quatre-Vents of La Mallbaie, surround your pool with well-appointed boxwood hedges and a thoughtful selection of backyard blossoms with symmetrical layouts to gift your pool with a glorious view.
- Fire and water: Consider adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to your pool area. When temperatures take a tumble, this simple addition can transform your pool into a cosy place to congregate poolside on chilly Quebec evenings.
Inground Fibreglass vs. Vinyl Liner Pools: Finding the Best Pool Material for Your Home
Selecting the best pool material plays a big part in its longevity and maintenance, as well as enhancing your enjoyment. Fibreglass pools are a particularly smart choice, boasting quick installation and minimal upkeep. fFibreglass pools make an excellent option for Quebec pool owners due to their resilience to the province’s varied weather conditions and steep snowfalls, clocking in at approximately 117 inches per year.
On the other hand, vinyl liner pools offer nearly limitless customization options to suit any backyard aesthetic or complement your lifestyle. Compared to concrete pools, which require frequent resurfacing and are prone to algae growth, both fibreglass and vinyl liner pools present a more hassle-free and cost-efficient solution, making them an attractive option for Quebec homeowners looking for a long-lasting and beautiful swimming pool.
Over time, a concrete pool can become rough and chalky. Their more porous properties contribute to algae growth, making balancing your water chemistry a challenge. Both fibreglass and vinyl liner pools are outstanding options if you plan to replace an older concrete pool, both fibreglass and vinyl liner pools are durable and easy to maintain, offering sizable cost savings over the lifetime of your pool.
Compare fibreglass, vinyl liner and concrete pools to choose the best material for your pool lifestyle needs.
Fibreglass Pool Benefits
Fibreglass pools are more than just striking good looks. They feel soft-to-the-touch and are a treat for your feet when wading in. Their smooth surface also makes fibreglass pools easier to clean and less prone to algae growth. This adds to the low-maintenance vibes of fibreglass pools, reducing the amount of tinkering with water chemistry and increasing the time you have to enjoy your pool.
And because carefully engineered, high-quality fibreglass pool shells are manufactured off-site and ready to install in your backyard, it reduces the amount of time required to install your pool. Once again, fibreglass pools shine in terms of giving you more time to enjoy them!
Learn more about the benefits of a fibreglass pool
Vinyl Liner Pool Benefits
Vinyl liner pools offer a number of benefits , such as ease of maintenance, affordability, and extensive customization options. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and liner colours and patterns, vinyl liner pools allow for a personalised touch.
Add-on features can evolve with the vision you have in mind for your pool through the years —from playful slides and water features for kids to sophisticated lighting and lounging areas for adults. Although they require a bit more upkeep compared to fibreglass pools, the cost benefits outweigh the extra bit of maintenance.
And unlike concrete pools that need resurfacing every decade, vinyl liners are a much lighter lift, offering a cost-effective solution to maintaining your pool’s aesthetics and hygiene. If you’re considering making renovations to your vinyl liner pool – either adding or removing custom features – consider scheduling these upgrades when replacing your vinyl liner, as these can be more evasive.
Installing an Inground Pool in Quebec
What’s the sweet spot for timing your pool installation to make sure it’s summer-ready? Quebec winters are cold and snowy, conditions can make it difficult to excavate a spot for your pool due to the ground being too hard and frozen to dig. Typically, the best time of year to start your pool project is in either spring of fall. Your local builder can help you determine the best time-frame for your project based on current demand.
Regardless of when you break ground on your new pool, it can be helpful to know more about the process itself. The path to installing a pool differs slightly, depending on the type of pool materials you choose.
Installing a Fibreglass Pool
Installing your new fibreglass pool begins by excavating a spot for it in your backyard. Your building team will then set your pool in place and configure all systems before backfilling the area and filling your pool.
Learn more about the fibreglass pool installation process.
Installing a Vinyl Liner Pool
Your building team will first measure the space for your new vinyl liner pool before excavating a spot in your backyard. Before you know it, your vinyl liner pool is ready for you to splash away all summer long – and beyond!
Learn more about the vinyl liner pool installation process.
Quebec Inground Pool Maintenance
Much like the installation process differs slightly based on the type of pool material you choose, so will your maintenance schedule. That said, both fibreglass and vinyl liner pools are relatively simple in terms of upkeep.
Fibreglass Pool Maintenance
Fibreglass pools have a slight advantage when it comes to ease of maintenance. They’re blissfully simple to take care of, requiring only a few low-effort tasks to keep it running beautifully. Each week, take time to skim your pool, empty filter baskets and test your water chemistry. Once each month, set aside time to flush your filtration system. Then, kick back and float on!
Learn more about maintaining your fibreglass pool.
Vinyl Liner Pool Maintenance
Vinyl liner pools require slightly more maintenance than fibreglass pools, but their overall cost savings makes it worth it. Set aside time each week to test your water chemistry. You’ll also want to gently scrub your vinyl liner with a soft-bristled brush. This can not only prevent stains from setting in, but can discourage algae growth that can also impact your water chemistry and lifetime of your liner.
Besides routine cleaning and water chemistry tasks, there are a few other simple things you can do to keep your liner in good shape. Be sure that only soft pool toys are used, minimising the risk of any accidental tears or punctures in your liner. Stock up on foam pool noodles and inflatable toys! Also, take time each month to check your liner for any small tears and patch them immediately to prevent them from getting any bigger.
Get your vinyl liner pool maintenance checklist.
Pool Covers
From warm, enjoyable summers to brisk winters, Quebec residents enjoy all four seasons. For pool owners, an automatic pool cover can help minimize maintenance, guarding against spring pollen and autumn leaves landing in your pool. Accumulated pollen grains run the risk of clogging your filter if not skimmed, while soggy leaves can make your pool a breeding ground for algae.
Additionally, autocovers can also help you save up to 50% each year on heating and filtration costs, as well as reduce water evaporation. As a happy consequence, less water evaporation can make it easier to balance your water chemistry.
However, the most important benefit of an autocover is that it can save lives, preventing kids and pets from accidentally falling in when your pool is unattended. An automatic pool cover can also provide an added barrier to people helping themselves to your pool when you’re not there.
Winter Covers in Quebec
While an automatic pool cover is a wise investment during prime pool season, Quebec residents may also want to consider a winter cover. These specially-designed covers are made to withstand the weight of heavy snow that could otherwise compromise the delicate mechanics of an autocover. Given that Quebec sees roughly 117 inches of snow annually, a winter cover can help protect your investment.
Inground Pool Costs in Quebec
If you live in Quebec and are ready to take the plunge into pool ownership, installation costs can vary due to a number of factors. Pool materials, size and custom features can impact the total cost of your pool, as can availability of materials within your region. Additionally, property constraints that may require more specialized solutions to properly install your pool can also contribute to the total cost of your pool.
An autocover can also be a smart investment as part of your pool package. While it may tack on funds to the up-front cost of your pool, it can yield cost savings over time. Beyond your pool itself, you’ll also want to account for accessories that surround your pool – such as regulation fencing, gates, landscaping and decking.
Reasons to Install an Inground Pool in Quebec
Maybe you’re thinking about adding a new pool to your backyard or updating an existing pool. There are a number of reasons to dive into owning a pool in Quebec!
- Make the most of summer: Quebeckers (or Québécois for our French-speaking friends) take their summers seriously. An inground pool lets you maximise every drop of sunshine. Enjoy evening swims as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the majestic Montmorency Falls or the peaceful Lac Saint-Jean. Adding a heating element to your pool or an inground or spillover spa can also help you extend summer fun into spring or fall, maintaining comfortable water temperatures before it’s time to close your pool for winter.
- A better way to soak in the scenery: A pool can create a tranquil atmosphere to come home to after a long day at work. Ease into relaxing waters and enjoy the natural beauty of your hometown from the comfort of your backyard. Whether you gaze out at the Chateau Frontenac or find peace taking in the rolling vineyards in the eastern part of Quebec, a pool gives you the best seat in the house to enjoy it all.
- Increase property values: Adding a pool today may pay off tomorrow. Typically, homes with a well-maintained pool can see approximately a 7% increase in their resale value. Even if you’re not planning to sell your home – now or ever – a pool can give you and your family years of enjoyment.
Quebec Pool FAQs
Asking questions is a natural part of the pool planning and buying process. Here are answers to common questions we hear from people throughout Quebec.
Do you need a permit to build a pool in Quebec?
Yes, you need a permit to build a pool in Quebec. The province’s Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act requires all pool owners to apply for a permit “issued by the local municipality in whose territory the work will be performed.” A permit is required to build, install, replace a swimming pool or add features (such as a diving board). Quebec defines a swimming pool as any above ground or inground “permanent or temporary artificially constructed outdoor basin intended for swimming that has a water depth equal to or greater than 60 cm (24 inches),” but excludes hot tubs and spas with a capacity less than 2,000 litres (528 gallons).
Depending on where you live in Quebec, the process for obtaining a permit may vary. For instance, the borough of Saint-Laurent in Montreal requires an application for a certificate of authorization to build, install, or remove an in-ground swimming pool. This application must be accompanied by two copies of a site plan indicating distance between the pool, property lines, fences and other information, as well as two copies of the certificate of location to scale. Additional documentation may also need to be provided, depending on whether your pool is above-ground, in-ground, or is surrounded by trees.
Because different boroughs have their own requirements, be sure to check with your local building office to confirm any permits and plans required to ensure your new pool is compliant with local regulations. Working with a licensed pool builder can help you more easily understand the process involved.
Do you have to have a fence around your pool in Quebec?
Quebec’s Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act requires all pools must be enclosed by fencing that meets regulatory requirements.
How high does a pool fence need to be in Quebec?
In Quebec, all pool fencing must be a minimum of 1.2 metres high (4 feet). If you opt for a chain-link fence, mesh must be no wider than 30 mm. Pool gates must also be self-closing and self-latching. Any outside walls of the home that form part of the barrier around the pool should not have any door, window, or opening allowing access to the pool area. For instance, any windows that face the pool area should be a minimum of 3 metres (10 feet) from the ground.
While this law applies throughout the province, different boroughs and cities throughout Quebec may have more stringent requirements. Check with your local building office to confirm the proper height for pool fencing before construction begins.
What is the best time of year to install an inground pool in Quebec?
Scheduling a new pool installation in either spring or fall can be the best time for those living in Quebec. Quebec’s brutally cold winters and steep snowfalls throughout the province can make it difficult to dig into cold, hard ground. Timing your pool installation for spring or fall can ensure it’s ready to enjoy when summer hits!
Is there additional insurance required for pool ownership?
Although Quebec itself does not require pool owners to carry additional insurance, your insurance provider may require you to add additional liability coverage to your home insurance policy if you own a pool. Owning a pool may also increase your insurance premiums, but fortunately, not by much – roughly $50 to $100 extra per year.
Quebec Pool Care Tips
When planning your pool, it’s helpful to think about how materials can impact the amount of care and upkeep to keep it running its best, as well as responsible pool ownership with an eye towards the planet.
How can I reduce water usage and conserve resources with my inground pool?
Autocovers can help reduce the amount of natural resources you use to maintain your pool. They can help reduce water evaporation, requiring you to have to refill your pool less-frequently to maintain optimum levels. Beyond standing as a smart way to reduce your carbon footprint, an autocover can help you save up to 50% on heating and energy costs while running your pool.
What type of pool is best suited for Quebec’s climate?
Although both inground fibreglass and vinyl liner pools are great choices for Quebec homeowners, residents in colder areas of the provinces may prefer fibreglass pools for a number of reasons. Fibreglass pools typically offer a faster installation, giving you more time to enjoy your pool in that first year.
If you live in one of the colder cities throughout Quebec – like Saguenay, Quebec City and Trois Rivieres – fibreglass pools present an appealing option due to their ability to react well to colder temperatures, giving you a longer, happier lifetime for your pool.
That said, vinyl liner pools can also be a great choice, given their customization potential and budget-friendly nature. Speak with a local builder to chat through what you’re looking for in a pool to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Quebec Inground Pool Installation Areas
There’s a pool for every backyard – from bustling urban neighbourhoods in Montreal and Ville-Marie to the quiet charm of Ayer’s Cliff. For more than 50 years, Latham has helped countless Quebeckers create pools that become part of their lifestyle, including those in:
- Drummondville, QC
- Levis, QC
- Longueuil, QC
- Montreal, QC
- Pierrefonds, QC
- St. Hubert, QC
Start Building a Pool for Your Quebec Backyard Today
A new pool can be a welcome addition to your home that brings fun, relaxation, and so much more. Speak with a professional builder to start making memories in your brand new Latham pool today.
Contact us to learn more.
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