FAQ
Since 1982
ALBATROS POOLS Inc.
Everything You Need to Know About Pool Maintenance and Repair
Have questions about your inground pool? Here are the answers to the most frequent concerns from our clients on the South Shore of Montreal.
Regulation
Does my swimming pool need to comply with the new safety standards?
Yes. The Quebec government has confirmed that the compliance deadline is now September 2027. All residential pools must have a fence at least 1.2 m high with openings no larger than 10 cm. Non-compliant owners face fines of $500 to $700.
Is an RBQ license required for swimming pool work?
In Quebec, anyone performing construction work must hold an RBQ license, unless legally exempt. In-ground pool installations and structural repairs require this license, which certifies the contractor's professional qualifications. Since 1982, we have complied with all regulatory requirements to protect your investment.
Inground Pool Water Loss
How Much Water Loss Is Considered a Leak Versus Evaporation?
When you can observe 1 centimetre of loss per day or when you need to add water every 3 days, you should contact a professional to find the leak.
Can I Help Locate the Water Loss to Reduce Costs?
Yes, by performing a comparative water loss test:
- The motor running for 24 hours
- The motor off for 24 hours
What Are the Timelines?
In the vast majority of cases, and thanks to our 14 experienced teams, you should plan for less than 24 hours for a pressure test or a few days for a liner examination. Allow one to two weeks to complete the repair.
How Do You Detect Leaks?
In the liner: using an electronic sonar device. In the majority of cases, this is sufficient. If the sonar test is inconclusive, we must deepen our investigation by going under the liner, after draining the pool; this is the last resort.
In the plumbing: we detect the loss by pressurizing the pipes with air and water. If there is a pressure loss, we use an electronic device to detect the location of the leak.
Concrete Pool
Do You Repair Concrete Pools?
Yes, our specialty for more than 40 years:
- Crumbling walls
- Cracks in the concrete
- Leaks
- Skimmers and returns
- Lights, etc.
- Opening, painting, and closing
Walkway and Interlocking Pavers
Do You Do Pool Surrounds (the Walkway)?
Yes. We redo the walkway with double reinforcement and fibre-reinforced concrete. We also redo pool surrounds in pavers, composite material, engineered plastic faux wood, etc.
Commercial Pools
Do You Repair Commercial Pools?
Yes: plumbing, skimmers, return jets, filtration, cement, painting.
Equipment Sales
Do You Sell Pumps, Filters, Salt Systems, and Heat Pumps?
Yes, and we come to you at no charge to do an assessment and address the specific needs of each pool.
Pump
Can a Noisy Pump Be Repaired?
Yes, it will need to be assessed on site.
What Pump Is Recommended for My Pool?
Based on the plumbing, pool size, and filter, we will need to assess on site.
Filter
If the Water Is Cloudy, What Should I Do?
Cloudy water can come from 3 different factors:
- The filter sand or cartridges
- Water chemistry
- Filter size
What Filter Is Recommended for My Pool?
It needs to be assessed on site based on the pump, pool size, and plumbing.
Pool Heating
Is It Recommended to Heat Your Pool Water?
To extend the short summer season, 90% of our clientele owns a pool heater in Quebec.
What Type of Heater Is Recommended?
The electric heat pump is the most economical. You need to take into account:
- Sun exposure of the pool
- Pool size
- Electrical availability
Pool Closing
Why Hire Professionals?
It is easy to forget a plug, and that can be very costly.
When Is the Right Time to Close the Pool?
In Quebec, close your pool as late as possible, ideally in October, because closing too early promotes algae growth. Our teams follow a rigorous protocol that includes all available additional services.
When Is It Too Late to Close the Pool?
Past November 10, snowfall may occur that makes the work more difficult and can cause the filter to freeze if there is a power outage.
Should You Add Chemicals to the Water When Closing?
It is recommended to use the closing kit to make the spring cleaning easier.
Pool Opening
Why Choose Professionals for the Opening?
Entrusting the work to experts starts the season off on the right foot by ensuring balanced water chemistry. This lets you enjoy your pool instead of turning it into a nightmare.
Why Balance the Water?
To prevent the water from irritating skin or damaging your equipment.
Lifespan of an Inground Pool Liner
How Long Does an Inground Pool Liner Last?
A well-maintained vinyl liner generally lasts between 8 and 12 years. Sun UV exposure and water chemical balance affect this lifespan.
When Should I Replace Rather Than Repair My Liner?
When the vinyl becomes brittle with age, it can become too fragile for a repair to adhere properly. Multiple tears, loss of elasticity, detachment from the track, and persistent leaks indicate a necessary replacement.
Weekly Maintenance
Do You Offer Weekly Maintenance?
For a worry-free summer, we offer weekly maintenance packages to keep your pool water pristine.
What Services Are Included in a Maintenance Visit?
We balance the water, perform a backwash, clean the waterline, and vacuum the pool.
Pool Condition Inspection
Do You Offer Pool Inspections Before Buying a Home?
Yes. We perform pre-purchase inspections with a full report on the condition of the pool and its equipment.
