Overseeing An Extended Closure

Lauren Ozburn

Continued Care and Consideration for the Summer Months

As new information pours in & some closures are extended further into the year. Specialized summertime maintenance and upkeep are a high priority during this time.

Don’t disregard the basics

Ensure that your facility will be ready to open when the time comes. Perform routine checks for anything that may have found its way into the pool basin. Leave an “escape route” for critters (or even the occasional trespasser) by way of ladder in the basin’s deep end. Also make sure that your sump pumps are successfully expelling water from basins and under-rain systems.

If your pool holds water during the off-season

Periodically add algaecide (or disinfectant) to prevent biological growth, as well as septic water. Monitor your water levels and if necessary, pump water levels down to prevent backup of water into piping systems. Keep in mind not to remove too much water, or cementitious coatings are at risk to dry out.

If your pool is designed to drain

Continue to leave empty, but be sure to regularly check in on your basin. Verify that your drainage system is functioning properly – keeping both the basin and piping dry.

Alternatively…

Consider filling your pool and operating the re-circulation, filtration, and treatment systems frequently enough to maintain reasonably clean water.

When in doubt, get that manual out

Refer to manufacturers’ maintenance requirements for extended periods of non-use and review the following areas:

  • Chemical controller probe storage
  • Chemical feeder components
  • Bumping pumps each month to prevent seizing
  • Removing fabric from sunshades for placement in storage
  • Performing manufacturer’s annual maintenance requirements for water slides, water spray features, and other components

Other Tips and Tricks

  • Add environmentally safe antifreeze to floor drains, traps, toilets, and any other plumbing devices with a trap that could evaporate dry and allow sewer gases to enter facility.
  • Maintain deck and/or pool basin caulking.
  • Periodically check and maintain building structures, as issues with rodents, insect infestations, bats, or even homeless occupation could arise.
  • Other areas of note will include the exterior of buildings after major storms, and verifying that electricity is still on where needed.

Keep in mind

Seasonal  pools are typically closed for 8 months out of the year. Due to the pandemic, closures could now last from 18-21 months (see table below). That shakes out to roughly 87 weeks, or 607 days to maintain the oasis that your community holds so dear.

Illustrated above – a typical summary of months closed before reopening vs. an estimated summary of extended closures due to COVID-19.

As we press on

Every single one of us has felt the effects of COVID-19 in one way or another. Through all of these changes, your facility will ultimately help so many to regain a sense of normality again. All of those happy faces will be walking through your gates again someday soon, and hopefully these summertime maintenance tips will help you prepare for that day.

For support, comments or inquiries – be sure to reach out to us.

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