Key Items Every Pool
Maintenance Checklist
Should Include
[Link] chemistry: Water chemistry includes the pH level, alkalinity,
chlorine and bromine levels, along with calcium hardness and other key
water parameters. Ideally, pool PH levels should be between 7.2 and 7.8,
while the alkalinity should range between 80 and 120 parts per million
(ppm). The concentration of chlorine should be a minimum of 1 ppm
while the bromine concentration should be at least 3 ppm.
[Link] system: A filtration system consists of a pump that
circulates the water, a filter that removes debris and a skimmer that
collects surface debris.
[Link]: Cleaning includes skimming the surface for debris, brushing
the pool walls and floor to prevent algae growth and vacuuming the pool
floor to remove dirt and sediment.
[Link] and water flow: A circulation system consists of a pump
and plumbing and ensures continuous water flow to distribute chemicals
and heat and maintain optimal water quality.
[Link] and accessories: Including pumps, filters, timers, heaters,
automatic pool cleaners, lights and more, pool equipment helps
maintain water quality and temperature.
[Link] and surroundings: From a wooden deck to a concrete patio and
everything in between, maintaining a pool includes maintenance of the
surrounding area to prevent slips, falls and other accidents.
[Link]: From pool fences and gates to first aid kits and lifeguard
equipment, pool safety is an important part of maintaining compliance
with safety regulations.
Daily Pool Maintenance
Checklist
For daily pool maintenance, here’s what your checklist should
include:
1. Check the water level: Make sure the water level is optimal so that
skimmers are functioning properly. Water levels that are too high can
cause overflow, while low levels can render the skimmer useless. Add
or remove water as needed to maintain the required level.
2. Check the water circulation: Make sure the water circulates properly
for a distribution of chemicals to maintain consistent water quality.
3. Conduct water tests : Test water chemistry parameters, including
pH, chlorine/bromine levels and alkalinity. If there are deviations from
the required parameters, adjust them as needed.
4. Remove debris from the pool’s surface: Use a net or pool skimmer
to clean the pool’s surface from leaves, bugs and other floating debris.
5. Examine the skimmer and pump baskets: Clean the skimmer and
pump baskets by removing leaves or twigs, which can prevent proper
water flow and filtration.
6. Inspect the pool equipment: Examine pool pumps, filters and
heaters for malfunctions, unusual noises and leaks.
7. Inspect the safety equipment: Make sure all safety equipment,
including rescue poles, life rings and safety signs are in place and
easily accessible for emergency situations.
8. Cover the pool for the night: Cover the pool every evening to
maintain heat and prevent leaves, twigs and other debris from falling
into the water.
Weekly Pool Maintenance
Checklist
For weekly pool maintenance, here’s what your checklist should
include:
1. Brush the walls and steps: Clean the pool’s walls, corners and steps
to remove dirt, contaminants and algae.
2. Vacuum the pool floor: Use a manual or automatic pool vacuum to
clean the pool floor after brushing and help the filter system pick up
debris.
3. Check the filter gauge: Inspect the filter gauge to make sure it reads
between 8 and 15 psi. If there are deviations from normal readings,
clean the pool as needed.
4. Clean the filter: Clean the pool filter following the manufacturer’s
instructions.
5. Inspect the pool jets: Make sure that the jets operate at full pressure
and are oriented down at 45 degrees. Weak jet pressure may suggest a
problem with the plumbing lines.
6. Clean the deck: Remove dirt, leaves and debris from the deck and
surrounding areas to ensure proper drainage and reduce the risk of
water accumulation and damage.
7. Scrub the tile line: Clean the pool’s tile line to maintain the integrity
of the tiles and prevent calcium buildup, staining and discoloration.
8. Perform pool shock treatment: Use pool shock or sanitizer to
destroy contaminants and prevent algae growth.
9. Inspect pool covers: Clean the pool cover and examine it for damage
or debris. Make sure it is free of tears and secure.
Monthly Pool Maintenance
Checklist
For monthly pool maintenance, here’s what your checklist
should include:
1. Deep clean: Clean the pool thoroughly, focusing on the walls, corners,
steps and hard-to-reach areas. Brush and remove any stubborn stains
or algae.
2. Check pool equipment: Inspect filters, heaters, pumps and other
equipment for signs of leaks or damage.
3. Replace the filter: Deep clean or replace the filter as needed to
maintain water clarity.
4. Lubricate seals and O-rings: Use a pool-friendly lubricant to oil
seals, O-rings and gaskets to help prevent dryness that can lead to
cracks or leaks.
5. Check the salt cell: If your pool uses saltwater, examine the salt cell
for debris and buildup and clean it carefully.
6. Conduct a water balance audit: Analyze the pool water’s chemistry
and adjust chemical levels as needed to help maintain proper water
balance and prevent corrosion.
7. Test the water for high metals: Use test kits to establish the level of
copper and iron in the water. If these levels are higher than required,
take steps to balance the water.
8. Test and adjust calcium hardness: Test the calcium hardness level
to make sure it’s between 200 – 400 ppm and make adjustments as
needed.
9. Test salinity: Use a test kit to test the salinity level in your saltwater
pool and adjust accordingly, aiming for 2,700 – 3,400 ppm.
10. Inspect the pool’s surface: Check the pool’s surface, whether
plaster, vinyl or fiberglass for stains, deterioration and cracks.
11. Inspect pool lights: Check pool lights and fixtures for malfunction
and damage. Replace bulbs where needed to ensure proper
illumination and safety.
12. Check deck drains: Examine pool deck drains for debris and
blockages and if found, clean them to ensure proper water drainage.
13. Inspect the pool cover reel system: If you are using a cover reel
system, check the reel and straps to ensure they are working properly.
Repair or replace damaged components and lubricate where needed.
14. Check first aid kits: Check first aid kits and replace any expired
items.
15. Check pool chemicals storage: Make sure the pool chemicals are
properly labeled and organized as well as stored securely. Dispose of
any expired or unusable items.
Yearly Pool Maintenance
Checklist
For yearly pool maintenance, here’s what your checklist should
include:
Inspect the pool’s structure: Check the walls and floor for cracks,
damage and signs of deterioration.
Examine the pool’s plumbing: Inspect the plumbing system,
including pipes, valves and connectors for loose fittings, deterioration
and leaks.
Inspect bolts and screws: Test the stability of diving boards,
handrails and slides. Tighten bolts and screws on loose fixtures.
Clean slide surfaces: Use a slide surface cleaner to remove dirt and
algae buildup. Make sure the cleaner is thoroughly rinsed after use.
Inspect the deck and surrounding areas: Check the pool deck and
surrounding area for uneven surfaces, cracks or other safety hazards.
Check safety features: Make sure pool fences and gates are in good
condition and adhere to local safety regulations.
Evaluate the landscaping: Evaluate the landscaping around the pool
to ensure that existing shrubs and trees are not causing debris buildup
or posing injury risks. Trim or remove vegetation as needed.
Plan upgrades or renovations: Consider the need for upgrading
equipment, adding new features or improving energy efficiency.
Develop a project plan with detailed timelines.
Organize maintenance records: Collect and archive maintenance
records, including pool maintenance checklists, warranties and
receipts, to organize and easily track maintenance history.