Pools

What should I know about properly maintaining my pool?

To have adequate and functional water flow through the pool system, there are several things that need to be in good shape:

• There has to be enough water in the pool or spa.  Check the level of the water.
• All of the valves should be fully open.
• Backwashing routinely- most pools operate around 10 lbs. of pressure and backwashing should be performed when the pressure is 10 lbs. above operating pressure (i.e. 20 lbs.)
• The skimmer and main drain should be clear of blockage and debris.
• Skimmers require cleaning.
• The strainer pot at the pump should be cleaned routinely.
• Check your water chemistry routinely. There might be an imbalance of the water chemistry, causing scaling.
• If you have a pool heater, the gas shut-off valve should be open. The switch should be on. Check for a pilot light, ignition, or flame at the fuel-fired heater.
• The thermostat should be connected, active and set properly.
• The pool is covered when not in use.
• No unpleasant odors or irritating fumes are apparent.
• No physical damage is apparent at the pool equipment.
• The pool is vacuumed daily.
• No debris is visible. The water is clean.
• Algae growth is not visible.
• Water temperature is maintained within acceptable levels and is appropriate for the primary activities being conducted in the pool.
• Pool chemicals are stored a safe distance away from the heater.
• Adequate clearances around the heater are maintained.

Inspection Expectations

The area is safe

• Adequate fencing, gates, barriers, alarms, and/or other protective devices are installed.
• Adequate storage space is provided for equipment.
• Decks around pool are not cluttered.
• Surfaces leading to the pool, including the deck and steps, are slip-resistant.
• Decks on all sides of the pool meet minimum safety standards. The deck is separated from the pool wall perimeter.
• There are no standing puddles on the deck.
• All ladders, stanchions, chairs, rails, treads, plates, and other deck equipment are tightly secured in place.
• An adequate means of egress from the pool is provided.
• Steps, treads, ramps, ledges, and any other protrusions into the pool are marked with a contrasting color coating or tile on both the top and vertical rise.
• Pool chemicals are stored a safe distance away from the heater.

The area is clean

• No unpleasant odors or irritating fumes are apparent.
• No physical damage is apparent at the pool equipment.
• Grates are visible from the deck, with no damage apparent.
• The pool is vacuumed daily.
• No debris is visible.  The water is clean.
• Algae growth is not visible.
• The pool water is tested at the frequency required or desired.
• All water quality and chemical levels are within acceptable ranges during the most current test.
• There is no visible surface staining.

The area is maintained

• Main drain grates are bolted securely to the pool’s bottom.
• Drain covers are installed.
• Water return inlets are installed.
• Bacteriological water analysis is performed on a regular basis.
• Water temperature is maintained within acceptable levels and is appropriate for the primary activities being conducted in the pool.
• The type of heater is identified. Efficiency and BTU ratings of the heater are identified.
• The heater is installed on a level, non- combustible base.
• Safety devices are installed on the heater.
• The thermostat is identified and located.
• Check valves between the heater and filter are installed.
• Bonding and grounding are visible.
• The heater is installed downstream of the pump and filter.
• A solar heating system is installed.  The solar heating system type is identified. The solar heating system is active.
• Adequate clearances around the heater are maintained.
• Copingstones and tiles are not chipped, cracked or loose.
• The pool shell appears smooth, without readily visible defects.
• The water level appears to be maintained to allow for the removal of floating debris.
• The water level appears at the proper height to allow continuous overflow of water into the gutters or skimmers.
• Skimmer weirs, skimmer baskets, deck covers, and flow-­adjustment devices are installed.
• Lights are installed and are operational.
• Electrical wiring is not passing directly over the pool or spa.
• Hose bibs are installed near the pool.
• No apparent defects or signs of repair are observed at the diving board.
• The centrifugal pump is secured to its base and is operating quietly.
• The hair and lint strainer basket is clean of debris.
• Air pressure-­relief valves are installed on all pressure filter tanks.
• Filter tanks are accessible.  The filter’s brand is identified.
• A clean sight glass or visual outfall of at least 3 feet has been provided.
• The pressurized filter tanks and hair and lint traps are not leaking and are properly sealed.

The area is clearly marked

• All piping, filters and components that are part of the system are labeled, tagged, color-­coded or otherwise identified.
• The type of pipe has been identified.
• Pipes and fittings are not leaking.
• Pipes are supported adequately.
• Pipes are not showing signs of calcification, corrosion or deterioration.
• The manufacturer of the diving board is visible on the diving board itself.
• The number of underwater lights is noted.  GFCIs are installed.
• The type, number and wattage of deck lighting are identified.
• The water temperature has been measured and recorded.

Spas

• A spa is installed.
• The spa is operational
• No physical damage is apparent at the spa.
• A spa timer is installed and not reachable by a spa user.
• The emergency shut-­off switch for the spa is installed and clearly labeled.
• The spa appears clean and adequately maintained.