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Pool
Preparation
Guide
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
1
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!
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
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Staffing
Make a Contact List | Post Your Rules | Meet the Staff | Special Events | Field
Evaluations | Phone Calls | Surveys
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
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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.
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
4
Meet the Staff
Set expectations for a successful year and review the specifics of your pool’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.
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
5
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.
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
6
Equipment
Furniture | Guard Stands | Pumps, Motors & Filters
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
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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.
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
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Pumps, Motors & Filters
Verify that the motor is running properly — 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.
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
9
The Final 8-Point
Walkthrough
Telephone | Electric, Gas & Water | Bathhouse | Safety Equipment | Pool
Deck: Deck Surface, Deck Drains | Fencing, Gates & Locks | Lights | Basic
Supplies Checklist
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
10
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.
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
11
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 Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
12
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.
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
13
Basic Supplies Checklist
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 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
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
14
Communication &
Announcements
to Residents
Announcements | Weather | The Fun Stuff
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
15
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
16
Permits &
Inspections
County & State Permits | City Operating Permit | Opening Health
Inspection | In-Season Health Inspection
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
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County & State Permits
City Operating Permit
Commercial pools typically require
an operating permit from the county
health department. It is the owner’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.
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
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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 >>
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
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Timeline
Recreational Add-Ons | How long will it take?
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
20
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
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
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How long will it take?
Often people avoid doing repairs or upgrades
because they don’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).
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
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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
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
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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
Pool Preparation Guide | American Pool Enterprises, Inc. | www.americanpool.com | 1-877-920-7665 | Copyright © American Pool Enterprises. All rights reserved
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