What should I know about properly maintaining my pool?

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• 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.

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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.

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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.

• Coping stones 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.

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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.

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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 is adequately maintained.