Routine checks and regular servicing not only ensure the safe and efficient running of the pool, but will also prevent problems arising in the future. “The service and maintenance of a swimming pool is an important issue and should be taken very seriously,” advises John Cheek FISPE, Managing Director at Hydrospec.
“It should be the responsibility initially of the pool contractor to inform the operational staff and the site by proper handover training and after this the responsibility of the pool maintenance contractor to see that it is carried out and to advise the site that it is not being carried out if the area is found unsafe during a service visit.
“Should an incident occur then it could easily be construed that the last professional person on site could be at blame and this could be you.”
Under Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations, all plant room equipment should be maintained and serviced as to the manufacturer’s recommendations, to ensure that it is operating correctly and safely and to minimise any risks that are associated with this type of equipment and the chemicals that they dose.
This not only applies to the service and maintenance contractor but also to the daily routine that is required in topping up chemicals, cleaning items such and chemical injectors and mixing chemicals where required.
John continues: “A full service would mean exactly that; that all the plant is thoroughly checked out cleaned checked for leaks, items calibrated and checked, bund tanks emptied if required, media checked and cored and sampled and any corrosion to filter tanks reported.
“Pool side checks should ensure that inlet and outlet covers are in place and not broken, ladders are fixed properly and are in compliant with standards and that no entrapment risks exist.”
Commercial pool specialists Hydrospec currently maintain between 140 and 160 swimming pools on a regular basis. The company advises scheduling four service visits per year, with a minimum of at least two.
John adds: “To put it simply, the more service visits you have, the longer the equipment will last. Generally most professionally operated swimming pools are aware of the requirement and have professional service contracts in place that visit the site.” “One of the biggest challenges we face in terms of commercial servicing is user errors.
Many pool are maintained on a daily basis by staff who, often through lack of experience, are unable to competently operate the equipment,” reveals Paul Styler of Cheshire-based Pool Maintenance. “Investment in proper training would not only be valuable for the leisure operator, but would also make our lives easier!”
Pool Maintenance has service contracts with over 50 swimming pools across the country, from Bristol up to Northumberland. Servicing and maintenance makes up around 50 per cent of the company’s business, of which 95 per cent are commercial clients.
As well as servicing, Pool Maintenance specialises in filtration, balance tank cleaning, pool and plant refurbishments and installations. Managing Director Paul has over 44 years’ experience in the pool industry and is supported by a team of four skilled engineers.
He continues: “We tend to recommend a minimum of two service visits per year, but the majority of issues that arise can usually be dealt with over the phone as part of our free telephone advice service. In cases where a visit is required, we offer a four to six hour turnaround time, to ensure minimal disruption for the operator.”
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