Maintaining a commercial swimming pool requires more than just routine cleaning—it’s about ensuring the safety, cleanliness, and longevity of the facility for all its users. Whether it’s at a hotel, gym, or community center, learning how to maintain a commercial swimming pool is crucial for providing a safe and enjoyable experience for swimmers. Proper maintenance involves balancing water chemistry, keeping the pool and its equipment clean, and adhering to safety protocols. In this blog, we’ll cover essential steps to help you keep your commercial pool in top shape.
Water Chemistry Balance
One of the fundamental aspects of maintaining a commercial swimming pool is balancing the water chemistry. Incorrect pH levels or an improper chemical balance can lead to algae growth, cloudy water, and skin irritation for swimmers. Proper chemical balance ensures the pool is safe, clean, and comfortable.
Key Parameters to Monitor:
pH Level:
The pH of the pool water should be between 7.2 and 7.8. If it’s too low, the water becomes acidic, which can corrode pool equipment and irritate the skin. If it’s too high, the water becomes too basic, leading to scaling and cloudy water.
Alkalinity:
Total alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH levels and should be kept between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million).
Chlorine Levels:
Chlorine is critical for sanitizing pool water. For a commercial pool, chlorine levels should typically be between 3.0 and 5.0 ppm to kill bacteria and prevent algae growth.
Cyanuric Acid:
This chemical helps stabilize chlorine, especially in outdoor pools exposed to sunlight. It should be maintained at 30 to 50 ppm.
Calcium Hardness:
Low calcium levels can cause plaster corrosion, while high levels lead to scaling. Aim for 200-400 ppm of calcium hardness.
To ensure consistency, test the pool’s water chemistry at least twice a day. Many commercial pools use automated chemical monitoring systems to streamline this process and ensure a constant balance of chemicals.
Regular Cleaning and Skimming
A clean pool is super crucial for the health and enjoyment of swimmers. Commercial pools, due to their size and heavy usage, accumulate dirt, debris, and oils more quickly than residential pools. Regular cleaning involves several tasks:
Skimming the Surface:
Use a pool skimmer to remove leaves, bugs, and other floating debris from the surface.
Vacuuming the Pool Floor:
Depending on the pool size and debris accumulation, you may need to vacuum the pool manually or use an automatic pool cleaner.
Brushing Pool Walls and Floors:
Algae and dirt can build up on the walls and floor of the pool. Regular brushing (at least once a week) helps remove this buildup and prevents staining.
Emptying Strainer Baskets:
The pool pump has a strainer basket that collects debris from the water before it enters the filter. Empty these regularly to ensure proper water flow and filtration.
Implementing a daily cleaning routine will keep the pool looking pristine and inviting, reducing the likelihood of buildup that can cause water contamination or equipment failure.
Proper Filtration System Maintenance
The filtration system is the backbone of a clean and functional commercial pool. It helps remove small particles, bacteria, and debris from the water. A well-maintained filter ensures that the water remains clear and safe.
Types of Filters:
Sand Filters:
These are the most common in commercial pools. Water passes through sand, which traps debris. Backwash sand filters once a week or when the pressure gauge rises 8-10 psi above the normal range.
Cartridge Filters:
These contain pleated cartridges that trap debris. They need to be removed and cleaned with a hose every few months.
DE (Diatomaceous Earth) Filters:
These use a fine powder to coat grids that trap debris. Backwash these filters monthly and recharge them with new DE powder.
Regularly check and clean the filters, and monitor the pressure gauges. If you notice a consistent increase in pressure or reduced water flow, the filter may need cleaning or replacement.
Maintain Pool Circulation
Proper water circulation is essential for ensuring that the water stays clean and chemically balanced. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for algae, bacteria, and debris buildup. In commercial pools, it’s crucial to keep the water circulating efficiently through the filtration system.
Ensure that all pumps, skimmers, and jets are working correctly. Pumps should run for at least 8-12 hours per day, depending on pool size and usage, to ensure adequate water turnover. Proper placement and adjustment of return jets help create a circular water flow, distributing chemicals evenly and pushing debris toward the skimmers.
Prevent and Manage Algae Growth
Algae can be a persistent problem, especially in commercial swimming pools where usage is high, and environmental factors like sun exposure and wind-blown debris are prevalent. Once algae take hold, they can be difficult and time-consuming to eliminate.
Preventative Steps:
Maintain Proper Chlorine Levels:
Chlorine is your first line of defense against algae. Regularly test chlorine levels and keep them within the recommended range.
Use Algaecide:
A preventative algaecide can be added weekly to inhibit algae growth. Different types of algaecide are available depending on the type of algae.
Shock the Pool:
Regularly shocking the pool (adding a large dose of chlorine) helps oxidize contaminants and prevent algae blooms. This should be done weekly, especially after heavy usage or rainfall.
Brush Pool Surfaces:
Regular brushing prevents algae from attaching to pool surfaces, making it easier for chlorine to work effectively.
If algae do form, treat the pool immediately with a high dose of chlorine (super chlorination) and algaecide, and scrub the surfaces thoroughly.
Safety Equipment and Inspections
Commercial swimming pools are required by law to maintain safety equipment, such as lifeguard stations, rescue tubes, backboards, first aid kits, and signage. Regularly inspect safety equipment for wear and ensure it is up to code. In addition to equipment inspections, ensure that drains and other pool safety features, like grates and covers, comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act), which is essential for preventing suction entrapment.
Routine Safety Checks:
- Inspect drain covers and ensure they are securely attached.
- Check for loose tiles or cracked surfaces that could pose a safety hazard.
- Ensure ladders, diving boards, and slides are securely mounted.
Water Temperature and Heater Maintenance
Comfortable water temperature is essential for swimmers. For a commercial pool, the recommended temperature is typically between 78°F and 82°F for general swimming, and warmer (84°F to 88°F) for therapeutic or leisure pools.
Regularly check the pool heater for proper function, and clean out any debris that might be blocking the heater’s exhaust or intake valves. If the water temperature fluctuates or the heater fails to maintain the desired temperature, schedule maintenance or repairs to avoid customer complaints and equipment damage.
Regular Health and Safety Audits
In most regions, commercial pools are subject to health inspections by local authorities. These inspections ensure that the pool meets all safety, cleanliness, and health regulations. Conduct regular self-audits to ensure compliance with local health codes, which can vary by jurisdiction but often cover aspects like:
- Water quality standards
- Safety equipment checks
- Lifeguard certifications and staff training
- Chemical storage and handling procedures
Being proactive about audits and inspections helps avoid fines, shutdowns, and safety incidents.
Record Keeping
Maintaining a commercial pool involves keeping accurate records of water chemistry tests, equipment maintenance, and incident reports. In case of an inspection or health issue, having detailed records can demonstrate that you are compliant with health standards and following proper maintenance protocols.
Keep Records of:
- Daily water test results
- Chemical additions and adjustments
- Filter cleanings and backwashing
- Equipment inspections and repairs
Digital tools like pool management software can help streamline record keeping and ensure you never miss a scheduled maintenance task.
Final Words
Maintaining a commercial swimming pool requires diligence, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of water chemistry and equipment maintenance. Maintaining a consistent maintenance routine, being diligent with cleaning, and ensuring the water chemistry is balanced are key to creating a safe and enjoyable swimming environment for your guests. Taking proper care of the pool not only prolongs the lifespan of the pool and its equipment but also guarantees a safe and healthy experience for swimmers during every visit.
