Swimming pools can be great assets for accommodation providers, but they do have to be maintained carefully. An unattractive or unsafe swimming pool does not do a hotel any favors.

Hygiene is obviously a large concern with swimming pools. There are government standards that apply to public swimming pools, it’s up to the owner to learn and follow them. As AccomNews reported recently, “to ensure that a pool is not a health risk, the NZS5826:2010 Standard outlines the desired values for correct pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, free available chlorine (FAC), total chlorine, total dissolved solids (TDS) and, for outdoor pools, cyanuric acid.”

It also offers the frequency of chemical testing for each of the above characteristics or chemicals: “All results of the chemical testing need to be documented, with reference to the date and time the test was taken. These records, in print or electronic format, must be preserved.” Make sure you’re following all recommended standards.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean Pool

Skimming the pool daily, especially if it’s an outdoor pool, is the single most effective thing you can do maintain a clean, attractive pool. Long-handled skimmers make it easy to scoop off leaves, bugs, and other unwanted debris.

Vacuuming the pool at least weekly, along with brushing the walls and tile, “helps minimize algae buildup and calcium deposits so they don't fester and become larger problems,” according to a good collection of pool maintenance advice on HowStuffWorks.

Don’t take chances with the pool heater. Have it professionally serviced as often as the manufacturer’s specifications recommend. It’s not expensive to to do but is significantly cheaper than having to replace the heating system.

The deck area around the pool needs to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent the spread of disease, as well as the slipperiness that results from the growth of bacteria, according to SwimmingPool.com. Power washing is a great idea if the size of your deck warrants it. Smaller decks can be effectively cleaned by hand.

Be sure to keep water levels up and the area around the pool clean and tidy. Having these procedures in place will keep your pool an asset and not a liability.