Pool Maintenance Checklist

DPD-1 reagent measures free chlorine; target 1.0–3.0 ppm for community pools, with most state public-pool codes requiring a 1.0 ppm minimum during operating hours. Replace reagents annually — expired DPD reads artificially low and triggers unnecessary shock dosing.

Target pH 7.4–7.6 and total alkalinity 80–120 ppm. Out-of-range pH cuts chlorine effectiveness sharply — at pH 8.0, less than 25% of free chlorine remains as active hypochlorous acid.

Record all readings and the resulting balance status (calculated by Langelier Saturation Index or your state's required parameters). Most state codes require chemistry logged at least daily during operating hours; some require twice-daily during peak season.

Sodium bicarbonate for low alkalinity; muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate for high pH; calcium hypochlorite or liquid chlorine for low free chlorine. Always dilute and add chemical to water — never water to chemical — and broadcast away from the skimmer to avoid feeder damage.

Plaster cracks wider than 1/16" or loose tile near the waterline are early signs of pool-shell movement. Photograph anything beyond cosmetic wear so the maintenance lead can scope a repair before it becomes a re-plaster job.

Look for raised concrete, exposed rebar, missing expansion-joint material, and pooling water around the deck — common slip-and-fall liability sources. Cone off any hazard before resuming service.

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act requires anti-entrapment drain covers in all public pools, replaced before their stamped expiration date. A loose, cracked, or expired cover is a federal compliance failure and triggers immediate pool closure.

Clogged baskets drop circulation flow and force the pump to cavitate. Dump debris in the trash, not back into the surrounding landscape where leaves blow straight back into the pool.

Algae and biofilm build up most aggressively at the waterline where chlorine outgases. Brush before vacuuming so loosened material gets pulled to the filter.

Manual or robotic. If using a robotic cleaner, confirm cord integrity before submerging — exposed wires in a powered pool are a serious electrical hazard and a finding inspectors call out by name.

Read the gauge after the pump has run at least 5 minutes. Pressure 8–10 psi above the clean-filter baseline is the standard backwash trigger; record the reading every visit so trend data is available when the filter media needs full replacement.

Most state pool codes require a USCG-approved 17–19" ring buoy with 50+ feet of throw line and a 12-foot reaching pole within sight of the pool. Frayed line, a corroded pole, or a missing buoy fails health-department inspection on the first walk.

Stocked first aid kit per state requirement (typically bandages, gloves, CPR mask, blanket). The AED needs current pads (24-month shelf life) and a working battery — confirm the indicator light, don't assume.

All gates must self-close from any open position and self-latch above 54" reach height. A failed gate is a drowning-liability finding and most jurisdictions require immediate pool closure until repaired.

Listen for cavitation, bearing whine, or seal-chamber drips. A clamp meter reading well above the motor's nameplate amperage is an early sign of impeller obstruction or a failing motor — flag it before the pump seizes overnight.

Erosion feeders for trichlor tabs, peristaltic pumps for liquid chlorine. Refill before the reservoir drops below one quarter to keep dosing consistent between service visits — a feeder that runs dry overnight wipes out residual.

Gas heaters: confirm pilot, check stack temperature, verify the pressure switch operation. Heat pumps: check refrigerant pressures on the gauge port if equipped. Soot or scorching around the burner tray indicates an airflow or gas-pressure problem that needs a licensed tech.

Most state public-pool codes require a daily log signed by a CPO (Certified Pool Operator) covering free chlorine, pH, water clarity, and any closures. Health-department inspections pull this log first — gaps in the record are the easiest violation an inspector writes.

Photograph the pool from a consistent vantage point on each visit so changes in water clarity or debris are obvious in the owner's portal. Two shots — full pool and equipment pad — is the working standard.