Like everything else that we rely on to work, swimming pools can become taken for granted. The owners and operators, and heck, even the outside pool professionals get to a point where the “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” attitude takes over. Sometimes looking at the same thing day after day simply causes us to lose perspective, which is why my answer to the question “Do I need a pool inspection?” is always a resounding “Yes!” After all, if you just leave it, it can’t improve, and there is always room for improvement. I’m being overly simplistic here, but the point is the same.
My advice is that all commercial facilities should consider a 3rd party inspection every 5 years or so.
So, what is a pool inspection and who is the inspector? The National Swimming Pool Foundation certifies Pool Inspectors (a certification I hold) and they would be a good source to go to for a list of CPIs (Certified Pool Instructors) near you. Holding a certification is a start, but you should also examine the credentials of the person you have chosen to work with, much as you would for any contractor. How long have they been in the pool industry? Are they involved in professional organizations? What references can they provide? All of these are good questions to ask when looking for an inspector. You also want someone who can be thorough, beyond basic physical pump room operation. A seasoned Pool Inspector would not only assess the overall well being of your water and physical pool structure, but would look at operating procedures, equipment status, record keeping, and would understand and abide by guidelines and/or regulations set by your local Department of Health (DOH) and other regulatory agencies (OSHA, ADA, etc).
What would you get? Well, from a positive perspective, peace of mind and the knowledge that you are operating safely and within compliance guidelines. On the other end of the spectrum, an inspection could be a significant risk avoidance for you, by finding and abating problems now, before they become a larger issue down the line. An inspection now could prevent a shutdown from your local DOH inspector in the future. Or, an inspection could simply provide you with a list of options for the future for improving your swimmer’s experience, saving money, and perhaps for operating in a more efficient and effective manner.
Any way you look at it, a pool inspection is a beneficial and rather necessary preventative measure. When was your pool last inspected?