A pool you can’t use is no good at all — especially if you operate a commercial facility. However, all too often, property owners and facility managers let their pools fall by the wayside when maintenance becomes a hassle. And we can’t blame them! Taking care of your facility’s pool can be a huge pain, after all… UNLESS you have the right team on your side for comprehensive pool service.
At Bennington Pool Services, we are committed to helping you achieve top-tier safety standards through our comprehensive pool regulation compliance inspections. Our team of professionals is trained to assess the physical condition of your pool or spa, performing rigorous checks on the quality of water and the functionality of safety equipment. Let’s dive — pun intended — into how we can help keep the pool at your facility open and welcoming for all of your guests!
Pool inspections are crucial to maintain the safety standards set by local health departments and other regulatory bodies. These inspections primarily focus on assessing the physical condition of pools, checking the quality of water, and ensuring the proper operation of safety equipment.
Structural integrity is paramount during pool inspections. The pool surface should be free from cracks, leaks, and sharp edges that could potentially harm swimmers. The pool deck should also be in good condition, with non-slip surfaces to prevent accidents. Any installed pool fountains and water features should be functioning properly without posing a safety risk.
Water quality checks involve testing the pH levels, chlorine content, and clarity of the water. Improper chemical balances can lead to skin irritation, eye damage, and even the spread of waterborne diseases.
Safety equipment checks ensure that life-saving devices such as life rings, hooks, and ladders are readily accessible and in good working condition. Any fencing around swimming pools should be secure to prevent accidental falls or unauthorized access, and the gates should always be locked when the pool is not in use.
Spa inspections share many similarities with pool inspections but have additional requirements due to their high-temperature environment. Like pools, spas are assessed for structural integrity, water quality, and safety equipment availability. However, spa inspections also include checking the temperature controls to ensure they do not exceed the recommended safety limits. Prolonged exposure to excessively hot water in spas or hot tubs can lead to heat stroke or burns, so it’s especially important to have safety in mind while inspecting spas.`
The inspection also includes verifying the presence and functionality of an emergency shut-off switch. This allows users to quickly turn off the spa equipment in case of emergencies.
Electrical equipment inspections are another integral aspect of pool and spa safety. They primarily involve ensuring that all electrical installations meet the local electrical code requirements. This process includes checking the grounding and bonding of all electrical equipment, verifying the proper installation of underwater lights, and testing the operation of circuit breakers and disconnect switches.
Electrical inspectors also check the safety of outlets and switches near swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. These should be a safe distance away to prevent electrocution risks, and any outlets within a certain distance must be protected by Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) for added safety. Water and electricity don’t mix, so make sure that your pool or spa facility meets the required safety standards BEFORE you open for the season.
Chemical balancing is an essential part of pool regulation compliance. It involves maintaining the right chemical levels in your pool or spa to ensure clean, clear, and safe water. Overly acidic or alkaline water can lead to skin irritation, eye damage, and corrosion of pool equipment.
The primary chemicals tested during inspections are pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and sanitizer levels. The ideal pH level for swimming pools and spas is typically between 7.2 and 7.8. This range is safe for swimmers and helps chlorine work most effectively.
Total alkalinity refers to the pool water’s ability to neutralize acids. It acts as a buffer to prevent drastic changes in pH levels. Calcium hardness, on the other hand, is the measure of how hard or soft your water is. High calcium levels can cause scaling and cloudiness, while low levels can lead to etching and corrosion.
Sanitizer levels, such as chlorine or bromine, are crucial in preventing the growth of algae, bacteria, and viruses in pools. During routine pool inspections, our team will check to determine that these levels are within the recommended ranges and make necessary modifications to meet Health Department standards and protect pool guests.
Disinfection is another critical aspect of pool compliance. Along with having their chemical levels continuously checked and maintained, applicable pools and spas must be equipped with an approved disinfection system to continuously disinfect the water. Ultraviolet (UV) systems, ozone generators, and saltwater systems are all common types of disinfectant systems installed in commercial pools and spas. These facilitate the removal of bacteria, debris, and other dangerous particles from the water, effectively managing the overall health and safety of the pool or spa.
Our certified pool inspectors check all of these and more levels during our pool regulation compliance inspections, ensuring your pool is safe and enjoyable for all guests. We can also make repairs to damaged surfaces and components, make sure water features and fittings are installed correctly, or simply arrange regular maintenance appointments to remove debris from your pool. Give us a call before opening your commercial pool and we’ll take care of everything for you… we promise that it’ll make a difference!
Many wheelchair users are limited when it comes to pool accessibility, even in locations that are supposed to comply with certain guidelines. Here at Bennington Pool Services, we believe everyone should enjoy the joys of a pool or spa, and being able to relax shouldn’t be based on one’s mobility level. That’s why we ensure compliance with accessibility requirements set out by laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
ADA requirements involve providing pool lifts or sloped entries for people who use wheelchairs, as well as handrails on both sides of the steps leading into the pool or spa. For larger pools, there may also be requirements in addition, such as ensuring that a certain number of accessible pool entrances and exits are provided.
ADA regulations are not just about physical access to the pool but also about ensuring equal opportunity to use the entire pool facility. This includes providing accessible routes to the pool area, locker rooms, restrooms, and other amenities. Our team can help bring your pool facility up to par with these regulations while keeping safety and inclusion in mind.
If the decking or entrance of your pool or spa is not currently ADA-compliant, we can help install the necessary equipment and modifications to comply with ADA guidelines. With just a few important modifications, you can make sure your pool will serve all patrons no matter their mobility level!
Record-keeping is a fundamental part of pool regulation compliance. At Bennington Pool Services, we maintain detailed records of pool inspections, chemical levels, accidents, and any repairs or modifications made to the pool or spa. These records are crucial, as they provide evidence of regular maintenance and compliance with safety standards. They can help identify patterns, damage, or recurring issues that need to be addressed. During each maintenance appointment, our certified pool experts will provide you with a detailed report summarizing our findings and recommend necessary service or maintenance.
Regular record-keeping can also help pool operators stay on top of routine maintenance tasks. By keeping track of when certain tasks are due, operators can prevent potential problems before they occur. Whether you take care of balancing your pool’s chemicals yourself or you hire us for professional service, it’s always a good idea to keep a thorough record report handy to provide this critical information.
Swimming pool regulation compliance is a complex and multi-faceted process that involves regular inspections, chemical balancing, disinfection, accessibility requirements, operator training and certification, and diligent record keeping. At Bennington Pool Services, we leave no stone unturned in ensuring that pools and spas are safe, clean, and fun for everyone. From pool services for military housing to pool services for health clubs and athletic facilities, we do it all and more to keep your pool perfect. When you choose Bennington, you’re not just choosing a service provider, but a committed partner in maintaining a safe and enjoyable pool or spa experience. Contact us today and we’ll help make YOUR pool a better place to be.
