Water Quality at Bota Bota

Bota Bota cares deeply about the quality of water in its baths, and even the water in the Saint Lawrence River!

The Water in Our Baths:
The company has invested more than $1 million on system design, maintenance equipment and filtration of its pools. This system delivers a minimum filtering capability of 37 000 gallons per hour, which means the water is filtered 4 times per hour. The required minimum for filtration is one to two times per hour.

We are proud to count on a water treatment system that combines UV rays, ozone and chlorine to ensure our customers enjoy clean and healthy water. Our water is tested at regular intervals to ensure optimal quality, and disinfectant is dosed and rebalanced as needed .

Throughout the day, the water in our tanks is treated with calcium hypochlorite, and the dosage is electronically controlled.

Our trained staff perform tests* 7 times a day on the physical and chemical parameters of the water to ensure adequate disinfectant properties. This is done concurrently as a fail-safe for our automated systems. If necessary, the levels are readjusted manually.

Every two weeks Bota Bota takes samples of water which are sent to S.M. Laboratory Services Inc., an independent laboratory accredited by the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Environmental. The tested parameters are the following, and the results obtained are consistent and in conformity with the requirements:
1) Presence of fecal coliform bacteria
2) Turbidity ≤ 1,0 NTU

According to Article 17 of the Regulation on the water quality of swimming pools and other artificial baths:

“The pool supervisor must immediately clear everyone out of the water and close access to the pool (…)
– In case of bacteria above the stipulated standards
– In case of turbidity greater than 5.0 NTU”

In the event of a turbidity greater than 1.0 NTU but less than 5.0 NTU, adjustment of the physical and chemical parameters (for example chlorine levels, pH or alkalinity) is required.

What is Turbidity?
Turbidity is a measure of the relative transparency or opacity of the water. It is not a direct measure of suspended matter in the water, but rather a general measure of the effect of scattering and absorption of light. Source: Health Canada

Turbidity can be caused by several factors, including the dust of the city which is deposited in a bath, traces of sunscreen, shampoo or other cosmetics, an adjustment in the treatment of the water, or fluidized sand or silt. This measurement should be put into context in order to make a good analysis of water quality.

The Water of the St. Lawrence River:
During the period of use of the river access, a coliform test is done every two weeks to ensure that the surface water of the river is safe for swimming. The results are posted at the entrance of the access to the water, and this access is closed when needed, for example due to heavy rains. With surface water (such as beaches), turbidity is not tested because it is insignificant.

Ask Us!
Clients may ask to see our latest laboratory tests as well as our physical and chemical tests by contacting our staff.

* Physical-chemical parameters tested 7 times per day (every 3 hours during business hours):

− Free chlorine
− Combined Chlorine (chloramines)
− Total Chlorine
− PH
− Alkalinity
− Calcium Hardness
− Temperature