Pool inspection: 5 tips to prepare for peak season

Pool inspection: 5 tips to prepare for peak season

With the arrival of warmer weather, pool management services around the country are getting ready for peak season. Lifeguards must be hired and programming must be finalized.

Furthermore, facilities must be inspected for safety before opening for the summer. There are many areas of the pool that’ll need to be checked on. Depending on your familiarity , you may even require some help from pool maintenance workers.

Know what to look for
If you’ve performed a pool inspection before, then you know what to look out for. However, if this is your first check or if you’re working at an unfamiliar site, you may have trouble figuring out what to inspect.

Consider asking other members of management for help. You can also get a better idea of common areas that require pool inspection by taking a look at this list.

1. Barriers: One of the most important parts of pool safety and maintenance is keeping would-be swimmers out of the water after hours. Aquatics International pointed out that fencing rails should be no more than 4 inches apart. Children can squeeze through openings that are wider than this. Furthermore, don’t place any fixtures near the fence that can help people climb the fence, such as boxes or benches. Check with local safety regulations regarding commercial pool barriers to ensure pool compliance.

2. Gates: The entry point for pools should be self-latching, self-closing and open outward. The latches should be placed out of reach of children.

3. Water clarity: The water should be clear enough to see the drains on the bottom. Of course, this is the quick way of checking on the water quality. You should have maintenance workers who are certified in chemical handling check on the levels to ensure that the water is safe to swim in.

4. Drain covers: All commercial facilities must have drain covers that are compliant with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. These anti-entrapment features heighten water safety. If you’re unsure of whether your pool has such covers, schedule a pool inspection with your local pool company.

5. Work with a pool company: Having professionals from a pool company do the pool inspection can take the burden off your shoulders. They can also give you advice on best practices and answer any questions you may have regarding pool safety.

In addition to a comprehensive pool inspection at the beginning of the season, pool staff members should also perform checks on a regular basis to ensure overall safety throughout the summer.