Health Departments around the United States are requiring licensed public and private swimming pools remain closed to the public. This is in attempts to encourage social distancing. This order does NOT apply to residential backyard swimming pools and/or spas. If you are a homeowner with a swimming pool or spa this guide is NOT for you.
If you are a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) of a facility this guide is for you! Your facility's swimming pool and/or spa may be closed to the public, but do not let it become a public hazard through improper care!
Be Ready to Open and Maintain a Safe Environment by Following These 4-Steps:
1. Keep all Safety Barriers in Place. Children will want to swim! Walk the premises ensuring no gaps in fences and other safety barriers. Make sure "pool closed" signage is still in place and located on all entry points. Keep entries locked! Consider formally informing all your patrons of the closure. Inspect your safety cover for tears or damage from the winter. Learn more about our safety covers here.
2. Circulate, Circulate, Circulate! This is the number one defense against algae growth and other problems. Stagnant water during the warm months attracts misquotes, rodents, and allows for a variety of diseases to be present. Poor circulation also causes low visibility. Cloudy water could camouflage bathers at the bottom of the swimming pool. Keep your swimming pool and/or spa filtering. Continue proper filter cleaning or backwashing practices.
3. Continue Proper Sanitation and Water Chemistry Practices. Improper care, such as low pH and Alkalinity can damage equipment and surfaces. In addition to filtration, keep chlorine levels at 1-3 ppm. This will prevent hazardous conditions. Achieve this through a floating feeder filled with three-inch chlorine tablets instead of automation systems. This will ensure no problems arise with the auto-feed while the facility is closed to the public. Consider how to monitor other automation systems such as the autofill(s). We recommend continuing normal record-keeping. REMEMBER: Water chemistry needs to be monitored even if no one is swimming. Water parameters are still prone to change.
4. You Choose the Temperature. You may opt to maintain a low water temperature to save on operating costs. However, be mindful of how your new temperature will adjust the water's overall saturation index. The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance recommend a saturation index of -0.3 and +0.3. Download our Saturation Index Worksheet below for help with your calculations. Print extras for your facilities' record keeping.
Our certified technicians and staff are on call for any of your facility needs. Call us at 801-392-5923 x 2 or email service@leisurepoolandspa.com, we are here to help!
As always, Certified Pool Operators are essential to any aquatic facility. We support your ongoing work!