Ensure Water Quality Safely

Maintaining consistent water quality at your aquatic facility is a top priority to ensure safety of swimmers and staff alike. Clear water provides a clear view for lifeguards, and proper water quality is necessary to keep swimmers safe from waterborne illnesses and to ensure proper air quality. Following the suggested maintenance practices for your pool and sanitization system is essential to ensure the water is clear and safe.

Q: We want to prevent problems with our pool. Where should we begin?

A: Start by working with a manufacturer to design a comprehensive water maintenance solution specifically to meet your pool's needs. Systems that use chlorination as a primary sanitization method, adjusting to changes in your pool's water on an ongoing basis via feeders and controllers, will help maintain consistent water quality. Discuss with your supplier such factors as bather load, pool size and hours of operation to ensure you get a system tailored for your pool's specific needs.

You can find a variety of chemicals in addition to chlorine to help maintain consistent water quality. Clarifiers and coagulants, often used to solve problems with a pool's water, can also be effective tools for routine maintenance. Talk to your chemical supplier about ways to use these products to reduce your consumption of sanitizer, while also removing undesirable compounds before they cause problems.

Following required maintenance and preventive steps suggested by your supplier will help you avoid problems. Be sure you are regularly testing and checking the pool's water. It is much easier to adjust to changes as they happen.

Q: How can we ensure safety of our staff and swimmers?

A: Water clarity is one of the most central factors in ensuring swimmers are safe in your pool. Cloudy water makes it harder for lifeguards to see swimmers who are in trouble.

When it comes to the operation of your water maintenance system, make sure you provide in-depth training for your staff on how the system operates and the exact steps that need to be taken to maintain water quality. It is crucial that there is always a professional on hand who understands best practices for maintaining water balance and sanitizer residuals. Be aware also that chlorine tablets are safer than liquid systems, in terms of storage and handling.

Q: What else should we know?

A: Be sure that you plan early for ongoing maintenance. Ideally, a preventive maintenance plan should be a part of your planning when you are designing and budgeting your facility's construction. If you are following regular maintenance procedures, with a plan and budget in place, you will be far less likely to run into problems, or even emergencies that might require the pool to be shut down entirely.

Be aware of the regular maintenance requirements for your filtration and sanitization systems, and be sure to clean the pool's surface on a regular basis. Follow local regulations in terms of testing your pool's water, and adjust to changes as needed. Test the water more often during periods of heavy use, and keep a written record of all regular maintenance practices.