Pool Preparation Guide by American Pool Enterprises, Inc.

Pool Preparation Guide

Are you ready? It happens — those tiny check list items slip through the cracks and something goes wrong. Unfortunately, those tiny items can make a big impact. As we prepare for the summer, we want to fill those cracks. That is why we created a comprehensive Pool Preparation Guide — made with you in mind. This 22-page guide will help you make your final checklist before Memorial Day. Here’s to a stress-free summer by the pool!

Make a Contact List Have a contact list available for your pool staff. This list will be specific to your property. Be sure to include the following numbers: maintenance staff, leasing office, property management office and any after hours numbers. Be sure this list is distributed to pool staff and posted in a common employee area.

Post Your Rules Rules should be completed and distributed to the residents and pool patrons in advance of the season. To ensure rules are followed, post them in a highly visible area. Give copies to your pool service representative and lifeguards. Be sure to also post the rules in the pool house and lifeguard break area.

Meet the Staff Set expectations for a successful year and review the specifics of your poolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opening and closing procedures with your staff. Consider topics such as grass cutting day and trash day if specific actions are needed. Making a connection with your staff early on will contribute to a successful season.

Special Events Events planned in or around the pool should be communicated to the supervisor and guard staff. Additional staff may be required to secure the health, welfare and safety of all patrons during the event. Rules about items such as grills and alcohol should be discussed with your pool service representative prior to any events.

Field Evaluations During the pool season, be prepared to receive field evaluations from your pool service representative. These evaluations, on paper or electronic, will provide up-to-date information about your pool. They also provide opportunities to communicate ideas, concerns or questions.

Phone Calls Need to talk to someone about your pool? Be sure to call the office number. In-bound phone calls to the office are often documented, while calls made to cell phones are not. Call your pool service 1-800 number instead of individual cell numbers. Be sure to ask your pool company about the procedure for after-hours emergencies.

Surveys Your pool company may conduct surveys to collect customer feedback. Overall, these surveys help to create a better customer experience. Take the time to respond to surveys, and provide accurate and thoughtful feedback.

Equipment Furniture | Guard Stands | Pumps, Motors & Filters

Furniture Furniture around the pool should be evaluated for any damages. Things like torn straps may cause cut hazards or falling accidents. All lounge chair fittings should be secure. Lastly, each table umbrella must have a weighted base and be locked into that base at all times. Remove or replace any broken furniture to reduce the likelihood of a poolside accident.

Guard Stands It is important that your lifeguards have a proper chair. Verify that the guard stand is in good condition and is properly elevated. The seat should not be blistered and the foot-board should be intact. Remember to supply an umbrella for the lifeguard to protect them from the harsh glare of the sun.

Pumps, Motors & Filters Verify that the motor is running properly â&#x20AC;&#x201D; if it is generating a loud sound, it should be evaluated. Catching a motor or any equipment issue in advance may save time and money. Prior to replacing any equipment in the pump room, consider upgrading to newer technology that focuses on energy efficiency. Many pool owners see a return on their energy efficient investment in as little as a year.

Telephone You pool phone should be operational and have a loud external ringer. It is important to verify that blocks are placed on the phone to eliminate long distance and toll calling. If you require long distance calling, we recommend that you consider using an access code system. This will help you avoid an unexpected spike in your pool phone bill.

Electric, Gas & Water Verify that all utilities are active and working properly. Hot water must be available for all showers and sinks in order to maintain compliance. If your site uses a well or septic tank, be sure to have it properly inspected. When you turn your water on, be sure to monitor the system as it may have been effected by freeze damage.

Bathhouse Check the roof, doors, locks, windows, floors, walls, lighting, showers, plumbing, mirrors and interior paint for damage. The external building should be checked for loose shingles, peeling paint and cracked windows. All locks should be in working order. Bathhouse floors should be equipped with a non-slip surface in the entryway and in high-traffic areas. Ample supply storage should be provided.

Safety Equipment In the pump room, make sure you have a first aid kit, chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and an apron. It should also be equipped with an eyewash station, mechanical ventilation, proper lighting and drainage. Check the room for leaks from the plumbing or chemical tanks. If leaks are observed, call the proper pool personnel since they have received chemical handling training. Required first aid kit contents is usually outlined by your county. Be sure that you kit has the correct supplies. Depending on the size of your facility, you may require more than one kit. Non-latex gloves should be stored with your first aid kit to ensure protected treatment of minor scrapes and scratches. Additionally, pool sites must have safety tubes with tow line, a safety hook, life line with floats, a backboard with straps and head immobilizer, a Bloodbourne Pathogens kit and non-latex gloves readily available. We are seeing more lawsuits for non-compliance, so be sure that VGB and ADA compliance items are addressed. Handicap lifts and antientrapment devices must be installed or available on site. Additionally, AED's have become mandatory in some Maryland counties and new AED legislation is being considered throughout the country.

Pool Deck: Deck Surface, Deck Drains Decks must have the proper slope for drainage and be free of trip hazards. All joints and cracks must be properly caulked and drains must be open and in good condition. During your walkthrough, make notes or take snapshots for potential off-season renovations and repairs.

Fencing, Gates & Locks All gates must be self-latching and the latch should be properly elevated to meet local code. Perimeter fencing must be secure with no holes or loose ties. The minimum ground clearance is two inches and the minimum space between rails is four inches. Your state and/or county codes may be more stringent, so check your local guidelines.

Lights If you have in-pool lighting, all fixtures must be operational. If your in-pool lights are not operational or are abandoned, there may be compliance requirements that have not been considered. Contact your local pool professional for the required disconnect procedure. Additionally, LED lighting is a great energy-efficient upgrade to your pool.

Basic Supplies Checklist

        

 Antibacterial soap  Paper towels  Toilet paper  Cleaning tools (mop, broom, dustpan)  Cleaning disinfectant  Pool tile cleaner  Scrub pads  Rubber gloves (latex free)  Toilet brush

Long garden hose with nozzle Trash cans Trash can bags/liners Bee spray Granular chlorine for spot cleaning Extra adhesive bandages Large plastic bucket Plastic measuring cup Glass cleaner

Communication & Announcements to Residents Announcements | Weather | The Fun Stuff

Announcements Be sure to post and email your community about important poolrelated items. Items like pool rules, pool pass policy, summer hours, scheduled closures and infant-specific rules will be important to include. You can also post these on your community’s website for easy access.

Weather Do your pool patrons understand the bad weather procedure? Be sure to convey the proper safety procedures for inclement weather. Additionally, make sure patrons are aware of days with excessive heat to help prevent heat stroke incidents.

The Fun Stuff Your community might offer food and concessions during certain hours—make sure your patrons know the hours and what you are offering. Post community events and activities in the pool house. Be sure to outline acceptable activities around the pool. Rules regarding alcohol, trash disposal, pool games and more may need to be conveyed to your community. Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved

Permits & Inspections County & State Permits | City Operating Permit | Opening Health Inspection | In-Season Health Inspection

County & State Permits

City Operating Permit

Commercial pools typically require an operating permit from the county health department. It is the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsibility to secure the permit. Your pool service company may offer to submit this on your behalf. A yearly application and fee is required.

Some areas have an additional requirement for a city or township operating permit. Check with your pool representative to see if there are additional permit requirements in your location.

Opening Health Inspection If your local health department requires an opening inspection, the focus is typically on the condition of the pool, surrounding area and equipment. Areas checked include flowrate, water disbursement throughout pool, filter equipment and deck equipment. Inspectors also check that the swimming pool meets local building codes, VGB compliance, ADA compliance, has all required safety equipment and water testing equipment. Pool buildings — like restrooms — are also checked for code violations. The health department will not schedule an inspection unless your application and permit fees have been filed.

In-Season Health Inspection An in-season health inspection focuses on water quality and safety. Items like chemical levels, flow-rate and lifeguard certifications are all checked. Similar inspection procedures from the opening inspection are repeated. Learn more about health inspections by reading the new article, Health Inspector Friend or Foe in Aquatic Leader magazine >>

Timeline Recreational Add-Ons | How long will it take?

Recreational Add Ons Picnic Tables: Create or update a communal space Grills: A supplement to outdoor community events Bike Racks: Promote bike riding and accommodate those without vehicles. Shade Structure: Keep things cooler and your patrons engaged longer Playground: From swings to modular play environments

Find more information at www.americanpool.com/play

How long will it take? Often people avoid doing repairs or upgrades because they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to close the pool for too long. Here is a basic idea of how long easy repairs and upgrades might take. The timelines below may vary based on pool size, equipment, time of year and schedule availability. Plaster: One day to prep, one day for bond coating and one day to plaster. Add 1-3 days to fill the pool with water depending on the water source. Filter system: One day to remove the old filter, and one day to install. All other repairs: All small repairs can be completed within the same day or within one business day. This is entirely dependent on the equipment needed and when the request is received.

Additional recreation items: Shade structure: Four days for evaluation, shade structure selection, ordering and installation (does not include shipping time). Playground: Seven days for evaluation, design/ selection, ordering and installation (does not include shipping time).

Now You Know! Now that you have absorbed all of this information, it’s time to put it to work. Add items to your checklist, do some final supply stocking and take the time to envision improvements (while the weather is beautiful). Summer will be here and gone in no time, but now you’ll be better prepared to handle the whirlwind of pool patrons and summer celebrations. American Pool welcomes any questions or conversations. :) Stay safe and enjoy! americanpool.com

Aquatic Leader Magazine Looking for more info to get the season started right? Read the latest issue of Aquatic Leader Magazine, our semiannual publication dedicated to providing timely information on the swimming pool service industry. Visit our website to read the issue online or to request a physical copy. americanpool.com/aquaticleader

Local Playground Installers American Pool Enterprises has partnered with BCI Burke Premier Play Environments to become your local playground installers of modular play environments for all ages. We also provide shade structures, picnic tables, bike racks and more. Visit our website to learn more or to request more information. americanpool.com/play