Commercial pool and spa safety

For commercial facilities, look at the important safety tips noted in our residential pools page. In addition, there are several other safety-related tips, as well as requirements specified in the swimming pool code used in your jurisdiction.

Water testing

• For the most accurate readings, replace all test kit reagents at the beginning of each swimming season.
• To ensure the highest water quality, test the pool's pH and free chlorine levels daily, and add chemicals as needed.
• Maintain a residual chlorine level of consistent with the product's label directions. pH should be maintained between 7.4-7.6. A pH range of 7.2-7.8 is considered acceptable.
• Proper chemical usage is important to maintain stable water chemistry in the pool. Be sure to follow the chemical manufacturer's instructions closely regarding proper dosage for your size pool.
• Total alkalinity of the pool water is the water's resistance to a change in pH. To help stabilize pH, the TA should be kept between 80-120 ppm, according to the Certified Pool-Spa Operator® Handbook from NSPF, 2007.
• Calcium hardness occurs naturally, and is introduced into the pool as dissolved minerals in the pool water. High calcium hardness in a pool can cause scaling problems. The ideal level for calcium hardness is 200-400 ppm, according to the Certified Pool-Spa Operator® Handbook from NSPF, 2007.

Chlorine

• To maintain the proper level of residual chlorine when bather load is heavy, you may need to add large doses of chlorinating chemicals (shock, super chlorinate or breakpoint chlorinate) to the water. Follow the directions for the type of "chlorine" or "shock" used, since some oxidizing chemicals do not kill algae or bacteria, they react with and oxidize chemicals in the water. Do not allow bathers to enter the pool until the chlorine is back to the proper level.
• Chlorine is broken down by the sun's ultraviolet rays. If the pool is outdoors, using cyanuric acid (30-50 ppm is ideal) to stabilize the chlorine in the pool will help maximize the chlorine's efficiency. Many health codes restrict the amount of stabilizer in the water.
• Maintain a residual chlorine level of consistent with the product's label directions or the local code for public pools. Follow label directions on public pools.

pH level

The ideal range for pH of pool water is 7.4 - 7.6. A pH range of 7.2-7.8 is considered acceptable.

Maintaining a total alkalinity (T.A.) range from 80-120 ppm (parts per million) will help minimize changes in pH, which can result in scaling and corrosion. Frequent testing can help prevent these problems before they get out of hand.

Filters

D.E. filters in commercial facilities need to be disassembled and cleaned at intervals that insure compliance with the requirements of the swimming pool code.

Drain covers

• All drain covers must have anti-entrapment covers that meet ASME/ANSI A11, prior to 12/19/2009 according to federal law. Learn more at the CPSC website.
• If a drain cover is missing, damaged, or missing the screws to hold it down, immediately close the pool until an anti-entrapment cover is installed.
• Explore additional levels of protection if single main-drains are present.
• Make sure that patrons stay away and off the main drain!

Diving

• Do not dive in areas that are not designed for diving.
• Post "no diving" signage to discourage diving in inappropriate locations.

Operator training

Many jurisdictions require a person responsible for the public pool or spa to have training and certification from a nationally recognized organization.