Swimming Pools
Maintaining cleanliness and chemical balance in swimming pools is crucial. Regular testing and monitoring of pH levels, disinfectants, and filtration systems are necessary for a safe swimming environment. Following industry standards helps pool plant operators address maintenance concerns with management.
Spa Pools
Spa pools are famous for relaxation and therapeutic benefits, but they need careful attention. Maintaining temperature, disinfection, and pH balance is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Following guidelines is important to prevent disease transmission and preserve the pool’s integrity.
Hydrotherapy Pools
Hydrotherapy pools are designed to aid in recovery and provide medical benefits to those with physical impairments. It’s important to regularly monitor water temperature, disinfectant levels, and filtration systems to ensure user safety. Adhering to industry standards allows operators to effectively manage concerns and maintain optimal pool performance.
Hot Tubs
Users prioritise a luxurious and relaxing hot tub experience. Proper upkeep is crucial for their safety and satisfaction. It’s important to monitor water temperature, disinfection levels, and filtration systems to prevent harmful bacteria growth and maintain water quality. Following industry standards enables effective communication and prompt addressing of concerns with pool management.
Industry Guidelines
These industry standards provide comprehensive guidance for pool operators. By adhering to these guidelines, pool plant operators can confidently discuss any issues with management. The numbers cross reference to where the guidance comes from. This might assist pool plant operators when discussing issues with management.
| Swimming Pools | Spa Pools | Hydrotherapy Pools | Hot Tubs | |
| Check water clarity before first use | Daily | Daily at opening and every two hours thereafter 2 | Daily | At least twice daily depending on risk assessment and usage 2 |
| Check automatic dosing systems are operating (including ozone or UV lamp if fitted) | Daily | Daily 2 Before opening the pool | Daily | Daily 2 |
| Readouts from the controller checked against the results from manual tests of the sample cell. | Daily 1 | Daily 1 | Daily 1 | - |
| Check that the amounts of dosing chemicals in the reservoirs are adequate | Daily | Daily 2 Before opening the pool | Daily | Daily where appropriate 2 |
| Determine pH value and residual disinfectant concentration (automatically controlled systems) | Daily 1 At least 3 times per day | Daily 2 Before opening the pool, and then every 2 hours | Daily Before the pool opens, every two hours while it is open and then after it closes. | At least twice daily depending on risk assessment and usage 2 |
| Determine pH value and residual disinfectant concentration (non-automatic systems) | Daily 1 Before the pool opens, every two hours while it is open and then after it closes. | Daily 1 Before the pool opens, every two hours while it is open and then after it closes. | Daily 1 Before the pool opens, every two hours while it is open and then after it closes. | Daily 1 Before the pool opens, every two hours while it is open and then after it closes. |
| Determine combined chlorine concentration | Depending on risk assessment and usage | Depending on risk assessment and usage | Depending on risk assessment and usage | Depending on risk assessment and usage |
| TDS check | Weekly 1 | Daily 2 | Weekly | - |
| Clean water-line, overflow channels and grills | At last monthly 3 | Daily 2 At the end of the day after closing the pool | At least weekly 3 | Check daily and clean as appropriate but as a minimum at water replacement 2 |
| Clean pool surround | Daily 1 | Daily 2 At the end of the day after closing the pool | Daily | Check daily and clean as appropriate but as a minimum at water replacement 2 |
| Backwash sand filter | According to filter manufacturer guidelines, or pressure gauge readings 3 At least weekly 3 | Daily 2, 3 At the end of the day after closing the pool 2 | According to filter manufacturer guidelines, or pressure gauge readings 3 At least weekly 3 | - |
| Check, clean, disinfect and dry filter cartridge | - | - | - | Between each group of users or weekly, whichever is shorter 2 |
| Inspect strainers, clean and remove all debris if needed | Every backwash | Daily 2 At the end of the day after closing the pool | Every backwash | At water replacement 2 |
| Record any untoward incidents | Daily | Daily 2 At the end of the day after closing the pool | Daily | As appropriate 2 |
| Drain spa pool, clean whole system including strainers and refill | - | Daily to weekly based on risk assessment 2 | - | Between each group of users or at least weekly, whichever is shorter 2 |
| Drain and clean balance tank | Inspected once per year and cleaned as necessary 3 | At least twice per year based on risk assessment and weekly visual checks 2, 3 | Inspected once per year and cleaned as necessary | - |
| Microbiological tests (colony count, coliforms, E coli, P aeruginosa) | Monthly 1 | Monthly 2 | Weekly 1 | Monthly 2 |
| Microbiological tests (legionella) | Not normally required unless risk assessment indicates a problem | Quarterly 2, 3 | Quarterly 3 | Quarterly 2 |
| Remove and inspect accessible pipework and jets for presence of biofilm; clean as necessary | - | Weekly 2 | - | Weekly 2 |
| Disinfect flexible hoses | - | Monthly 2 | - | Monthly 2 |
| Clean input air filter | - | Monthly 2 | - | Monthly 2 |
| Check all automatic systems are operating correctly e.g. safety cut-outs, automatic timers etc. | - | Daily 2 | - | Daily, where fitted 2 |
| Disinfectant/pH controller - clean electrode and check calibration | Monthly or according to manufacturers’ instructions | Monthly or according to manufacturers’ instructions 2 | Monthly or according to manufacturers’ instructions | Monthly, where fitted, or according to manufacturers’ instructions 2 |
| Check sand filter and effectiveness of filtration | Annual check and sand replacement every 5 – 10 years 3 | Quarterly check and annual sand replacement 2 | - | |
| Clean and disinfect airlines | - | Quarterly 2 | - | Weekly where appropriate 2 |