Maintenance

Maintenance Categories• Daily or regular maintenance• Preventative or long term maintenance• Seasonal maintenance

Daily Maintenance -Pool Opening• Inspect the grounds, safety equipment, the pool itself,

deck, bathhouse, office area, pump room, chemicalrooms, and auxiliary areas for:• Broken or malfunctioning equipment• Minor maintenance needs• Vandalism

• Test the water and record the chemical readings• Add chemicals and make chemical adjustments as

needed• Turn off: Security lights and alarms• Turn on: Pool, deck, bath house and office lights• Vacuum the pool, then clean the vacuum

Daily Maintenance -Pool Opening• Clean the hair & lint strainer• Backwash the filters if needed• Scrub off the scum line• Empty and clean the skimmer baskets or gutter grates• Sweep, rinse and disinfect the deck• Clean the deck drains• Wash down and arrange the deck furniture• Insert clean garbage bags and put the garbage cans

back out on the pool deck• List jobs that need to be done during the day• Report any repair needs to the proper department or

supervisor

Daily Maintenance -Pool Opening• Clean auxiliary areas:

• Guard room• Pool Office• First aid room• Pump room• Chemical rooms• Storage rooms• Bath house and locker rooms

• Perform preventative maintenance tasks scheduled forthe day

• Unlock the entrance doors to the pool after completingthe morning maintenance, putting away cleaningsupplies, and immediately before opening to the public

Daily Maintenance -Pool Closing• Pick up the refuse and debris on the deck• Straighten-up or put away deck furniture• Empty the garbage cans, rinse and store off deck• Take the final chemical readings• Make chemical adjustments and superchlorinate if

necessary• Clean the locker rooms or bath house• Make sure all running water on the deck and in the

bath house is turned off• Compile a list of maintenance jobs or repairs that

need to be done before reopening the next day

Daily Maintenance -Pool Closing• Check all areas of the facility to make sure all patrons

have left the premises• Lock all doors and gates• Turn on the security lights and alarms• The person actually completing the maintenance job

should initial the log• At the end of the day, the maintenance supervisor

should sign the log verifying that all maintenanceduties were satisfactorily completed as indicated

Daily Locker RoomMaintenance Checklist• Trash containers emptied• Litter, debris, clothes, or misplaced articles picked up• Area checked for unpleasant odors, mold or mildew• Mirrors cleaned• Toilet bowls and urinals cleaned and disinfected• Sink basins cleaned• Toilet paper and towels available• Soap containers filled• Suit dryer operational and in good repair• Hair dryers operating properly• Diaper changing area clean and sanitary bed liners

available

Daily Locker RoomMaintenance Checklist• Markings and graffiti removed• All lights operational; burnt out light bulbs replaced• Floor drains cleaned• Floors swept, rinsed and disinfected• Walls and ceiling cleaned• Non-slip floor mats removed for rinsing and disinfection• Lockers opened and checked for items left behind

Interior and exterior of lockers cleaned and disinfected• Showers, faucets and toilets working properly• Plumbing checked for dripping water or leaks• Benches or seating secure and in good repair

Preventative Maintenance• Long range maintenance plans• Prevents breakdowns and costly

downtime• Identifies causes of problems• Prepares for corrective measures• Servicing, repairing, replacing, cleaning• Extends life expectancy of equipment• Analogy: Car oil change

Preventative MaintenanceChecklist - SampleEquipment: FilterType: High rate sand, fully automaticBrand: Environmental Products DivisionModel: EPD-200Size: 13.5 ft2/tank x 2 = 27 ft2 @ 15 gpm/ft2Description: 2 carbon steel tanks with epoxy

interior lining and tan colored exteriorpolyurethane finish coating

Date Installed: 1991Purchase Price: $32,000.00

Preventative MaintenanceChecklist - SampleManufacturer: EPDAddress: 10959 Jersey Blvd.City, State, Zip: Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730Phone: (714) 987-4741Contact: George Bowman

Vendor: Knorr Pool Systems, Inc.Address: 2709-A S. Orange Ave.City, State, Zip: Santa Ana, CA 92707Phone: (714) 754-4044Contact: Larry Knorr, Rich Robert

Preventative MaintenanceChecklist - SampleDaily Maintenance:• Observe and record the pressure differential across

the influent and effluent pressure gauges• Check to see that the automatic backwash valve is set

to backwash when the pressure differential exceeds12 psi

Weekly Maintenance:• Manually bleed off air in the filter tanks• Check that the time clocks have not lost their display

and time due to a power failure, and that the correct dayof week and time of day are displayed

Preventative MaintenanceChecklist - SampleMonthly Maintenance:• Wash the exterior of the filter tanks with soap and

water, then rinse with fresh water

Annual Maintenance:• Inspect the filter tank interior• Replace the magnesium sacrificial anodes• Inspect the filter media for the presence of

contaminants, channeling, and media migration• Inspect the interior surfaces of the automatic

backwash valve and lubricate

Warnings:

Seasonal Maintenance• Seasonal opening or start-up• Winterizing• Off season maintenance of pools in mild

climates -- idling• Winter operation of outdoor pools and spas• Converting a pool into an ice rink for the

Winter• Converting a pool into a fishing pond for the

off-season

Seasonal Opening Checklist

• Start seasonal opening procedures at least onemonth prior to the scheduled opening day.

• Conduct a complete inventory.• Check for winter damage and vandalism.

Seasonal Opening Checklist• Make sure that chemical and maintenance contracts

are in effect. Check to see that repairs and/orrenovations scheduled during the off-season werecompleted

• Hire the staff. Plan pre-season training programs.• Order staff uniforms. Purchase sunscreen products

and personal protective gear.• Replace worn or missing rescue equipment.• Restock the first aid kit.• Prepare all record forms and logs. Revise the staff,

policy and operating manuals.

Seasonal Opening Checklist• Pump any accumulated water and debris off the top of

the winterizing pool cover.• Remove the winter pool cover. Clean and store it

away for the season.• Turn the water supply back on.• Have the phone company restart service.• Empty all debris from the pool. Don't try to pump out

dead or decaying leaves and animals.• Drain the pool with a trash pump.• Pump remaining liquid from the pool using a sump

pump with an auto shut-off.

Seasonal Opening Checklist• Rinse down the pool using a high pressure nozzle and

hose. Flush out the gutters or skimmers.• Sandblast, acid wash, chlorine wash, recoat, repaint,

replaster, fiberglass, patch liner tears, or otherwiseprepare the pool surface.

• Remember to paint or touch-up depth markings, drop-off lines, lane lines and targets, step edges, andgraphics before refilling the pool.

• Clean all pool and deck equipment.• Remove the winterizing plugs and expansion blocks.

Uncap the inlets.• Lubricate all metal parts and hardware.• Replace gutter drain grates, bolts, gaskets, inlets, and

plugs.

Seasonal Opening Checklist• Check for proper operation of the hydrostatic relief

valve.• Bolt the main drain grates to the pool bottom.• Clean and replace skimmer baskets, weirs and lids.• Reassemble circulation pipes, pump and motor. Drain

anti-freeze from all piping and flush with fresh water.• Pressure test all circulation lines to make sure the

pipes have not broken during the off-season. Repairbroken pipes before leaks develop.

• Service and reinstall flowmeters, pressure and vacuumgauges, thermometers, and hygrometers.

• Reinstall the hair and lint skimmer basket. Replacegaskets or o-rings. Make sure the lid seals tightly.

Seasonal Opening Checklist• Replace cracked or chipped tile.• Replace broken or burnt out pool lights, lenses and

seals. Lubricate, tighten bolts, and reinsert in thepool wall.

• Check that all ground wires are connected.• Service the heater, replace elements, turn on the gas

and relight the pilot, or check electrical connections.• Clean the filter media or elements. Repair or replace

filter elements or cartridges if necessary. Close andreplug the filter tank.

• Test the manual air pressure relief valves onpressurized filter tanks.

Seasonal Opening Checklist• Drain and clean the surge chamber. Check that

valves, overflow, and water level devises are inoperating order.

• Have the maintenance and start-up chemicalsdelivered.

• Reinstall the chlorinator, controllers, and otherchemical feed pumps.

• Begin filling the pool with water at least seven to tendays prior to the anticipated opening day.

• Start circulating and filtering the water as soon aspossible after the water level covers the inlets.Remembering to shut off the skimmer lines to prevent air from entering the system.

Seasonal Opening Checklist• Add sequestering or chelating agents to prevent

mineral staining.• Superchlorinate or use a non chlorine shock product to

oxidize organic contaminants out of the water andprevent an algae bloom.

• Add a clarifier so suspended particles will floc andeither settle or filter out of the water.

• Balance the water.• If planning to stabilize, add cyanuric acid gradually.• Restock the test kit with fresh reagents. Calibrate

testing instruments.• Vacuum and backwash as needed until the water

clears.

Seasonal Opening Checklist• Conduct a dye test to check inlet operation and locate

circulation "dead spots" in the pool.• Turn on the water heater and begin to raise the water

temperature to desired levels.• Cover the pool with a solar or insulating pool blanket

to help prevent heat loss and reduce energy costs.• Reinstall ladders, rails, guard chairs, backstroke flags,

stanchions, slides and diving boards.• Replace handles on hose bibs and fill spouts.• Clean and disinfect the decks. Inspect for cracks or

deterioration. Resurface if necessary.• Clean and arrange the deck furniture.

Seasonal Opening Checklist• Repaint, "spruce up", and clean the pool building,

locker rooms and auxiliary areas.• Replace vandalized or missing signs. Check that all

signage required by code is posted.• Stock supplies.• Continue regular grounds maintenance.• Conduct a pre-opening inspection and facility safety

audit.• Run mandatory pre-season training sessions for the

pool.

Winterizing Options

• Drain the pool• Turn off the pump and wait for Spring• Winterize properly

Winterizing OptionsDonʼt drain the pool and let it sit empty all Winter• The pool shell may pop or float out of the ground• Pipes, tile and skimmers may crack• The pool surface may be damaged• An empty pool is a target for graffiti “artists”• Skateboarders may damage the pool shell

Winterizing OptionsDonʼt just turn off the pump and wait for Spring• The water will quickly become stagnant creating a

swamp• Leaves, algae and dead animals will accumulate in

the water and begin to decay in the Spring• An algae filled pool is a potential health and safety

hazard• Seasonal start-up procedures will be unpleasant, will

take much more time, and will involve a greaterexpense than if the pool was properly winterized

Pool Winterizing Checklist• Water should be retained to protect surfaces.

• Adding logs, tires or other objects to the water in an attemptto prevent expansion damage to the pool from freezing is atotal waste of time.

• The water in the pool can be allowed to freeze, but the pipesand equipment must be protected to avoid damage.

• Test, analyze and chemically adjust the water.• If necessary, adjust the chemical to within recommended

ranges and balance the water.• Superchlorinate to eliminate chloramines and remove all

organic matter from the water.• Add an algaecide to prevent algae growth• Add sequestering or chelating agents to prevent mineral

staining and scale build-up.

Pool Winterizing Checklist• Clean and vacuum the entire pool since any debris

left in the water will biodegrade and consumechlorine during the off season.

• Empty, remove and store skimmer baskets and hairand lint traps.

• Backwash filters• Add a filter cleaning solution to dissolve mudballs and

eliminate any channeling which occurred over the season.• Drain sand filters.• Remove cartridges or diatomaceous earth filter elements.• Inspect for tears or excessive wear, and store the filter

elements for the winter.

Pool Winterizing Checklist• Lower the water level to below the skimmers and

return lines.• If underwater wet niche lights are exposed to the

elements, remove them from their niches and lowerthem to the bottom of the pool.• This will prevent water from seeping in and freezing, and the

lenses from cracking.• Install the winter safety cover over the pool.• Open all pump room valves and loosen the lid from

the hair and lint skimmer.• If the pump is below pool water level, close the valves

leading from the pool to the filter or you will accidentally drainthe pool to the level of the lowest pipe in the system.

Pool Winterizing Checklist• If necessary, remove the remaining water trapped in

the recirculation lines using an air compressor orindustrial type tank vacuum cleaner.

• Add a non toxic antifreeze such as propylene glycol tothe pipes to prevent bursting.• 1 part antifreeze diluted in 2 parts of water.• Do not use automotive antifreeze.

• Clean the surge pit or balancing tank.• Retain balanced and treated pool water in the surge tank.

• Open hose bibs and pool water fill spouts.• Turn off the water supply to the pool and to restroom

showers, sinks and toilets.• Drain the pipes and add antifreeze.• Remove shower heads and drinking fountain handles.

Pool Winterizing Checklist• "Grease" all circulation pipe, filter and heater plugs

and threads using a silicone lubricant designed forpool use.

• Plug the skimmer or gutter lines with winterizing plugsand install expansion blocks.

• Secure the skimmer lids to the deck to prevent loss.• Plug vacuum, return inlet, and the main drain lines.• Disconnect all fuses and open circuit breakers.• Drain and protect the circulation pumps.

• If pumps and motors may be exposed to severe weatherconditions, disconnect, lubricate, perform seasonalmaintenance, and store them in a warm location.

Pool Winterizing Checklist• Disconnect, clean and store the chlorinator,

controllers, and other chemical feed pumps.• Store controller electrodes in liquid.

• Clean and protect pressure gauges, flowmeters,thermometers and hygrometers.

• Drain the pool water heater.• Turn off the heater gas supply, gas valves and pilot lights.

• Return any unopened chemicals and empty storagecontainers to the distributor.• Properly store opened chemicals in tightly sealed containers

in a well ventilated room.• Dispose of test reagents, sanitizers and other chemicals that

will lose their potency over the winter.

Pool Winterizing Checklist• Have the phone company disconnect the pool

telephone and discontinue service for the winter.• Store all deck furniture including chairs, lounges,

tables, umbrellas, and bleachers.• Remove deck equipment, hardware and non

permanent objects to prevent vandalism.• Ladders, rails, slides, guard chairs, starting blocks, drinking

fountains, handicapped lifts, portable ramps, clocks, weirs,and safety equipment...

• Store in a clearly marked, weather protected location.• Cap all exposed deck sockets to prevent water accumulation

and anyone accidentally tripping on the deck.• Remove the diving boards, and store them indoors, upside

down and flat so they will not warp.

Pool Winterizing Checklist• Install a pool and deck alarm system which will notify

security personnel of the presence of trespassers inthe pool area during the off-season.

• Make sure barrier fences are secure and that thegates are locked.

• Inventory all supplies and equipment.• Identify and separate out all furniture or equipment in need of

repair.• Properly dispose of equipment that needs to be replaced.• Make suggestions for preventative maintenance, upgrading,

and needed equipment purchases.• Plan ahead for renovations that should be complete

prior to the start of the next season.

End of Season Evaluation• Gather:

• Staff evaluation forms• Records of audits• Accident statistics• Attendance records• Program evaluations• Daily operation and maintenance logs• Chemical usage records• Site inspection checklists

• Before leaving for the season, complete a thoroughend of season evaluation of the programs, policies,staff, equipment, and overall operation of the facility.

End of Season Evaluation• Set goals for the next season• Suggest policy, operational, programming, staff and

management changes that should be implementedprior to the next season.

• Taking the time to properly close down a pool for thewinter, makes opening back up in the Spring thatmuch easier.

During the Off-SeasonAt least once a week, the pool operator should:• Check that the pool has not been vandalized• Check that the winter cover is in place• Check that damage from the elements has not

occurred.• Check the water level in the pool to make sure water

is not being lost due to a leak in the system or fromthe pool shell.

• Make chemical adjustments, if necessary.

Off-Season Maintenance ofIdling Pools• Most outdoor pools in warm weather or mild climates

which close down to the public for just a few monthsout of the year are not winterized, but rather idled

• Idling is a wise choice when:• Drought restrictions are in effect making it impossible to drain

and refill a pool• Existing water quality is acceptable at the end of a short

operating season• Pool is closed for an extended period of time, such as during

a long holiday vacation break• Algaecides and chelating agents should be added to

the water to prevent any unwanted algae growth ormineral staining

Off-Season Maintenance ofIdling Pools• Install time clocks:

• Circulate pool water intermittently, cycling on and off for a fewhours every day

• Start by cutting back from continuous 24 hour circulation, toon-off cycles every other hour

• Eventually circulate one hour out of every four to still permitat least one complete turnover of water per day

• If water quality deteriorates, increase the duration orfrequency of circulation time

• Water should be filtered and chemically treatedthroughout the off-season idling period to:• Remove particulate matter• Keep the water balanced• Prevent damage to the pool surface and equipment• Prevent bacterial and algae growth

Off-Season Maintenance ofIdling Pools• Cover the pool with a Winter safety cover to prevent

large debris, animals or people from entering oraccidentally falling into the water• Because of safety concerns, some health and safety codes

do not permit the use of regular insulating pool blankets,solar covers, or traditional vinyl winterizing covers on publicpools when they are closed for long periods

• Trespassers can slip unseen below regular blankets• Children have been know to drown on top of covers in

shallow pools of accumulated water and debris.• Safety covers which meet strict performance standards set

by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTMF1346-91) can be installed to prevent unauthorized access

Off-Season Maintenance ofIdling Pools• Water should be heated if the pool is located in a cold

climate to keep the pipes from freezing• Circulation pipes should be insulated to prevent heat

loss through conduction• Circulation pumps should not be shut down when the

pool is open for operation, closed for the evening orweekends -- this may lead to unacceptable waterquality and may be a violation of state or local healthand safety codes

• When pools are idled for the Winter, there's no need todrain in the Spring

• Only minor adjustments in water chemistry are neededto bring the facility back up to ideal operating conditions

Continued Winter Operation ofPools & Spas• Some outdoor pools continue to operate on a year

round basis• Common practice in mild climates, and in cold

weather resort areas or vacation destinations• Becoming more prevalent as the need to meet or

exceed expenditures and justify building of newaquatic facilities becomes more common• Most communities can no longer afford to build a recreation

facility which only generates revenue 3 months of the year• Closing a swimming pool the week after Labor Day is more of

a tradition than a necessity, and has more to do with theavailability of staff than with any actual design, operational ormaintenance requirement

Continued Winter Operation ofPools & Spas• Keep the water circulating continuously• Pool circulation and filtration equipment should be

installed in a sheltered, heated well ventilated room• The pool heater should be properly sized and installed

as close to the pool as possible• Pipes and the back of the pool shell can be sprayed

with a foam insulation to prevent heat loss• In the unlikely event that moving pool water in the

pipes freezes during an unusually cold weather spell:• Lines can be unfrozen by pouring warm water in through the

hair and lint skimmer• Frozen equipment should be removed immediately upon

discovery and thawed out in a warm room

Continued Winter Operation ofPools & Spas• Pool water should be heated to the desired

temperature for the primary programming activitiesconducted in the pool

• When not in use, immediately cover the pool with aquality insulating pool blanket

• Trees, fences, windscreens, and advantageouslyplaced buildings can be used as windbreaks toprevent loss of heat through convection to moving air

• Solar tubing can be buried in the deck to keep snowfrom accumulating and keep the decks warm andcomfortable for barefoot bathers

Continued Winter Operation ofPools & Spas• Locker rooms and deck areas must also be heated• Shortly before allowing patrons to enter the facility:

• Uncover the pool and let the steam layer rise over the pooland deck

• Do not allow patrons to swim in a pool, without first removingthe insulating blankets

• The steam layer and warm pool water in relation tothe ambient air will keep bathers remarkablycomfortable in all but the most severe weatherconditions

Ice Rink Conversion• Outdoor swimming pools can be converted into ice

rinks for the Winter, if:• Pool is located in Canada, the Northern U. S., New

England, the Great Lakes states, or some areas ofthe Midwest

• You have at least two months of the year wheredaily temperatures average below 32 degreesFahrenheit

Ice Rink Conversion• A pool can be a safe, supervised location for offering:

• Recreational skating• Instructional figure skating or ice dancing lessons• Competitive hockey leagues• Racing remote control toy cars on the ice

• Allowing the water in a pool to freeze is not damagingto the pool, and actually protects pool surfaces

Ice Rink Conversion• Winterize the pipes and equipment as if you were

going to shut down for the season• Drop the water level in the pool 18 to 20 inches below

the coping• Install a vinyl pool blanket or liner over the pool:

• So it floats on the surface of the water• So it lays up over the side of the pool and coping and onto

the surrounding deck• It is important that the blanket remain in contact with the

water• The blanket must be sized to overlap the pool dimensions by

about two and a half feet so that it can be properly anchored

Ice Rink Conversion• Install weighted water or sand bags around the

perimeter of the pool to hold the blanket in place andprotect the tiles and coping• Link-a-Rink® panels can be installed for the same purpose• Link-a-Rink® panels are patented, hinged, L-shaped,

polymeric energy absorbing panels which lock in place overthe pool cover

• Fit any pool, and stack for convenient off-season storage• Add 4 inches of water to the pool on top of the blanket• Let the water freeze

• Check ice depth daily• Make sure the water has frozen to a minimum depth of four

inches before permitting group skating

Fish Pond ConversionWhy would you want to do this?• To continue using the pool in the off-season• To provide patrons with a second recreational

activity or introduction to a new sport• To continue to employ some pool employees• Still a novel idea in some regions:

• The media might be interested in covering the conversion• Publicity generated from this media exposure will help you to

advertise your Winter programs in the community• You will be able to generate additional revenue to

help justify aquatic facility expenses

Fish Pond Conversion• To prepare the swimming pool for fish, remove all

traces of chlorine from the water (sodium thiosulfate)• Install an aerator to increase the oxygen content of the

water• Aerate the capacity of the pool at a rate of at least once every

24 hours• Maintain a dissolved oxygen content of at least 5 ppm

• Lower the water level below the skimmers or gutters toprevent fish from getting into the circulation system

• Turn off the skimmer line• Drop the water temperature to 60° Fahrenheit

• The fish will survive at temperatures ranging from 40° - 75°,but will be more active at cooler temperatures

Fish Pond Conversion• Adjust the pH to an ideal level of 7.8 and maintain

within a range of 7.0 - 8.4• For safety reasons, and so patrons can see the fish,

maintain clear water• Vacuum daily or more frequently if necessary• Rinse down the decks several times per day, and

disinfect daily• Add copper sulfate algaecide to prevent algae blooms

• Consult with an aquatic biologist or the local Fish and GameDepartment for the proper level

• Obtain a permit or variance from the State Dept. ofFish and Game so participants won't have to purchasefishing licenses

Fish Pond Conversion• Stock the pool with fish

• Purchase a variety of different sized fish• Stock both the main pool as well as the spa or wading

pool for small children• Experience has shown it's best to stock pools with

rainbow trout or catfish• Don't overcrowd the fish--they'll deplete the oxygen

supply and start dying• Stock a maximum of 500 pounds of fish in a 25 yard

pool, and no more than 1,200 pounds of fish in a 50meter pool

• Purchase one large prize winning fish, and tag somefish for special prizes

Fish Pond Conversion• Charge by the hours• Set a limit on number of fish caught• Charge an additional fee for equipment rental• Provide inexpensive bamboo poles or Cuban reels,

sinkers, hooks, bobbers, and bait• Worms, hot dog slices, bacon, frozen corn or peas,

cheese, marshmallows, salmon eggs, or artificial lurescan be used as bait

• Distribute plastic bags for fish, so the fish aren't leftflopping around on the pool deck once caught

• Do not allow patrons to clean fish on the premises• As an additional revenue generating idea, you may want to

provide a fish cleaning service

Fish Pond Conversion• Supervise the fish pond as you would the swimming

pool• Post, distribute, explain and enforce safety rules• Station lifeguards in an elevated position to provide

general supervision in compliance with the "10/20Supervision Rule"

• Station additional guards at deck level to maintain orderand help inexperienced fishermen with baitingand removing fish from hooks

• Make sure each guard is provided with apair of needle nosed pliers

• Enforce direct parental supervision of children

Fish Pond Conversion• For safety reasons, be careful not to lose fish hooks on

the deck or on the grass surrounding a deck• Do not permit overhead casting• When the fishing season is ended:

• Remove any remaining fish• Winterize the pool or idle until Spring

• To return the pool to normal operating conditions:• Drain the pool• Hose down and chlorine wash the pool walls with a solution of

1 part sodium hypochlorite to 20 parts of water• Refill the pool