Swimming Pools: Summer Fun or Summer Burden?

Many communities have swimming pools for residents to enjoy. A lot goes into maintaining a clean, healthy, safe and fun swimming pool facility. These community facilities can add great value to the properties, but are they fun, or a burden for those who are responsible for maintaining all necessary expectations for smooth operation? Below are some guidelines to help ensure the successful operation of pool facilities and to provide SUMMER FUN.

The first thing to consider – is it possible for you to hire a professional swimming pool management company? There are many reasons to hire a professional company when it comes to the swimming pool. A professional company can ensure not only staffing needs and safety, but also that the swimming pool is licensed and properly maintained. Proper, continuous inspection and maintenance by trained professionals is essential for a safe pool environment. Whether you take care of the swimming pool in-house or hire a professional pool company, there must be a CPO (Certified Pool Operator) overseeing the needs of the pool. Most of the pool inspection should be completed much earlier than the first swim of the season. Opening the facility after a long winter requires an inspection for possible damage on the pool’s surface, coping, and tile. The pool mechanical equipment and safety devices, such as pumps, heaters, fencing, and rescue equipment, also need inspection. Lifeguards and maintenance personnel should be hired and trained. During the pool season, daily maintenance of the water chemistry is completed and recorded, and the equipment inspected to be sure it is properly working. Pool rules need to be in place and enforced for safety purposes. During the facility’s seasonal closing the pool needs to be winterized, a safety cover should be secured, and all equipment should be put away. A report should be put together of repairs and maintenance work recommended for an easy start up for the following spring.

If your community lacks the budget or inclination to hire a professional company, maintenance and safety precautions still need to be in place for the proper operation of your pool and the safety of your residents.
Safety of the residents is one of the most important aspects of using the facility. Does your pool have lifeguards or pool attendants? If not, have proper signage posted, secure safety equipment for emergency use, and have a telephone available for emergency phone calls.

Accidental drowning is the second leading cause of death for U.S. children under age 5. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3,896 people died by accidental drowning in the United States in 2015, which has been the norm since the year 2000. It is important to be sure you have the proper preventative measures. Such things as proper fencing, equipment and signage is a good start. In addition, it is beneficial to have rules for residents that require parental supervision, age requirements, no swimming alone, rest periods for young children, etc. The ability to provide trained lifeguards on staff is an excellent way to help avoid accidents and drowning.

Lifeguards are a great way to keep swimmers safe, not only by reacting to water emergencies, but also by practicing prevention, surveillance, and emergency care. They are usually responsible for keeping the facility clean, removing objects from the pool and deck that may cause incidents, putting devices in place to prevent accidents, and providing a welcoming atmosphere. Lifeguards often ensure only residents of the community use the facility and that patrons follow the rules that are in place.

The benefits of having a swimming pool facility are great, as long as it functions as a clean, healthy, safe and enjoyable amenity. From open to close, from inspections and maintenance, to rules and safety, it is a lot of work that is well worth it. Be prepared and make it a FUN pool season!

Alison Hurtado

Alison Hurtado is the Vice President of Employee Relations at Aqua-Guard. Alison's favorite part of the job is educating not only the staff, but also the residents...

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