Pool maintenance can be a headache for many hotel managers. When maintenance isn’t done correctly, owning a pool can be a huge financial burden on a hotel’s budget and take up a lot of the technicians’ and managers’ time.

Maintaining a hotel pool is crucial to providing guests with an enjoyable experience. A pool maintenance plan is, therefore, essential in ensuring the pool is clean and safe.

So, why is pool maintenance so important to hotels?

When managing a facility like a pool, a gym, a hotel or a sports centre which is constantly used by hundreds of people every day, it is necessary to follow a strict maintenance plan in order to ensure that the facility is in the right condition for your customers to enjoy using it.

Given the obvious hygiene problems associated with a poorly run swimming pool, a well-organised plan is especially important. Indeed, there actual laws which dictate the strict procedures a collective-use swimming pool must adhere to. It is worth noting that chemicals are just the beginning of the story! A far more detailed and rigorous plan is needed.

Hazards of not having a pool maintenance plan

  1. Health hazards: A poorly maintained pool can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses. The risk of infection can lead to serious health issues and lawsuits against the hotel.
  2. Slip and fall accidents: Algae growth on the pool deck can make it slippery and increase the risk of slip and fall accidents. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent algae growth and reduce the risk of accidents.
  3. Chemical imbalance: A pool with an incorrect chemical balance can be harmful to swimmers. Too much chlorine can cause skin and eye irritation, while too little can result in bacterial growth.
  4. Equipment failure: Neglecting pool equipment can lead to breakdowns, resulting in costly repairs and downtime for the pool. This can lead to unhappy guests and lost revenue for the hotel.

What pool maintenance steps should you follow?

Hotel pool maintenance is composed of several tasks and differs according to the swimming pool’s location and intensity of usage.

We have previously written about the benefits of preventive maintenance vs. corrective maintenance and hotel maintenance is a great example of an operation that benefits tremendously from a focus on prevention.

If you have dozens of people using your pool every day, water quality becomes a key concern. Due to the high health risks involved in failing to properly organise and implement a cleaning routine, having a strong pool maintenance schedule is of top priority for staff at hotels.

Bottom line, regular and efficient pool maintenance saves hotels from unpredictable costs and ensures a positive customer experience.

Does your hotel have a flawless pool maintenance plan?

Here is our recommended plan that we have developed after working with benchmark hotel chains such as Intercontinental Hotels, Vila Galé and Holiday Inn Express:

  • Every 4 hours:
    • Check pool chlorine or bromine level
    • Check water pH level
    • Check water temperature
  • Daily:
    • Remove dirt and organic debris
    • Check water level
  • Twice a week (or as necessary):
    • Clean the waterline
    • Hoover and brush the pool
  • Monthly:
    • Run a bacteriological analysis
    • Check alkaline levels
    • Clean the water filters
    • Check the level of heavy metals and cyanuric acid

Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of pool equipment, preventing costly repairs and replacements. A pool maintenance plan ensures compliance with local health and safety regulations, reducing the risk of fines and legal action.

Last, in addition to regular maintenance, it is important to have a system in place for monitoring the pool and responding to any issues that arise. This may include daily checks by pool staff, as well as regular inspections.