Residential pool inspection checklist

A health inspector is coming to assess your community pool. Are you prepared?  If not, a pool inspection can be a major source of anxiety for your board members and residents.  But don’t throw in the towel – there are steps you can take to make sure your inspection goes...well, swimmingly.
 
The professionals at American Pool Enterprises, the largest swimming pool management company in the U.S., offer five proven tips to help you prepare for your next pool inspection. So the next time a health inspector is on the way, remember...

1. The inspector is not your enemy. Yes, citations for infractions can necessitate repairs, which may be inconvenient or expensive. But remember, the inspector’s job is to ensure your pool is safe for your residents and guests -- increasing your peace of mind and reducing your liability.  Furthermore, seeing your upcoming inspection in a positive light will help make the experience less stressful. So on inspection day, keep the visit friendly and informative and be prepared to answer questions, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.
    
2. Conduct your own pre-inspection.  You can conduct your own inspection to avoid unpleasant surprises later on. Verify the water flow with a dye test, inspect all of your safety equipment to make sure it’s in good working order, tighten ladders and handrails, confirm necessary signage is visible, and examine all landscaping and fencing to be sure everything is in compliance. In addition, examine rescue tubes, telephones, first-aid kits, flow meters and pump-strainer baskets to ensure they’re all working properly. And don’t forget to check equipment that may have become dirty or damaged, like cracked tile. Disorderly or dirty pump rooms are another common infraction, as are hot water valves that have been turned off for an extended period of time.
    
3. Know the requirements for operational inspections. As soon as summer arrives, so do your periodic inspections.  Loose or missing drain covers are common violations, so be sure everything is in place. Also, pay close attention to water chemistry, and be sure that if you have pool staff they are trained and licensed. Many communities are cited because chlorine levels are too low, the pH is too high or licenses aren’t current – chlorine and pH can be checked regularly (some states require hourly checks), so there’s no reason to be cited for improper levels.
    
4. Consider hiring a pool management company. Effectively maintaining and managing a pool’s licensing and facilities can be overwhelming for a busy community manager.  Your community association management company can recommend a quality pool management company to handle everything from A to Z.  Even better, by eliminating potential violations and citations, your savings will likely offset the additional fees.
    
5. Know your regulations. Swimming pool rules and regulations differ by state and often change over time – therefore, it’s crucial to keep up-to-date on all current state and local regulations to ensure compliance at all times. Again, a pool management company may be the answer if you don’t have time to stay abreast of the changing regulatory landscape.

There’s a lot that goes into managing a community pool. Sign up below to download our easy-to-follow pool safety infographic, and to learn more about the benefits of working with a property management team, contact FirstService Residential.