Guidelines for Opening a Pool for the Summer

With springtime in the air, now is the time to start thinking about opening your pool for the summer season. Most owners and operators consider opening pools when the temperature is consistently above 70 degrees during the day. Whether you plan to open the pool with your staff, or you hire a contractor, now is the time to start getting prepared.

If you choose to have a company or contractor open your pool, you will want to:

• Get bids from reputable companies
• Check their availability to ensure they will be able to get to you in a timely manner
• Ensure they are licensed and have adequate insurance

Safety equipment is key to ensuring the well-being of your pool guests. When it comes to safety, you need to:

• Ensure you have a self-latching and or self-closing gate
• Be compliant with your local regulations pertaining to the fencing around the pool
• Be compliant with state and local laws and regulations 
• Check the status of the lifesaving equipment (shepherds crook, life ring, etc.) and ensure they are easily visible and accessible
• Check your depth markers to ensure they are visible and in good condition
• Inspect your ladders and handrails for any cracks or missing rungs
• Make sure that your pool rules are up to date and visible for all tenants, guests, and visitors
• Install an emergency phone or verify that the current phone is working in case of an emergency 

Pool chemicals should be used daily to keep your pool clean and safe for your residents. These chemicals can be harmful if they are stored or used improperly. Ensure that the staff handling the chemicals are:

• Trained on proper usage of the chemicals
• Equipped with proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Aware of how to store and secure them properly after each use
• Keeping a log of which chemicals were used, the amount used and the date and time they were used.
• Have access to on-hand and readily available Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

If your pool was not closed properly last Fall, you could run into issues with some of the equipment. Typical issues to be on the lookout for:

• Busted pipes in the pool room
• Pumps that are not working properly or leak any air or water
• Faulty skimmers or filters 

With COVID-19 still on the rise, there may be additional steps that you need to follow to be compliant with the CDC guidelines. Considerations include:

• Proper disinfection of all public areas
• Adequate staffing for frequent disinfection
• Reservation plan, or equivalent, to allow for adequate social distancing/capacity based on local distancing guidelines

There are several considerations to opening a pool. These guidelines as well as these from the CDC provide additional support and resources. Consult a professional if you have any questions to make sure it is done properly.

At AssuredPartners, we pride ourselves in helping our clients with a variety of services to protect their assets including loss prevention. To learn more, contact our team of real estate insurance and risk management professionals.