A pool operator is a technician and needs a proper set of tools to be prepared to maintain and repair all equipment in the pump room. This list is focused on the mechanical room and less on the poolside items such as brushes and nets. These are just examples, and not an exhaustive list of tools. It will also vary by location and how much a role an operator plays in the pump room.
The Basics
These are tools that are essential. Not having these basic tools will cripple any operator, limiting them in what they can actually maintain and repair in the mechanical room:
- Basic Tools: This includes socket sets, screwdriver sets, wrenches, etc. These are the daily drivers. Basic hand tools are a necessity that are probably already in most facilities. It seems obvious but should be mentioned here.
- Electronic Tool Kit: You’ll need tiny screwdrivers for all the different parts inside all of the equipment, and many of the other items included. iFixit has several good sets for this.
- Strap Wrench: Necessary for unions and other fittings. The plastic straps are fine.
- Locking pliers: Used to clamp hoses, hold fittings in place, and much more.
- Multimeter (clamp meter recommended): Important for troubleshooting electrical issues on all equipment. For example, you can determine the health of a Salt Pure cell by checking the DC voltage going to it. Also used for continuity checks, and much more. Even if not an electrician, a good operator should be able to do basic troubleshooting of electrical.
- Wire cutters: There is low voltage wiring spread throughout a pump room, which is something that an operator will be working on at some point. Being able to strip and prepare wires from 24 all the way to 12 is important.
Oddball Items
These may include items that are not commonly considered “tools” but as a pool operator they should still be available to be used as such:
- Hoses: While this may not be considered a tool, having some garden hoses and other sizes available are great to drain equipment full of water.
- Silicone sealant: Used to seal cracks in fittings and much more. Use NSF rated sealants.
- Silicone grease: Used on gaskets throughout the facility. A must-have. The spider gaskets in multiport valves, for example, must be lubed to stop leaks. If there’s ever a leaking fitting with no cracks….silicone lube might solve it.
Specific Product Recommendations
Specific Tools. These are very specific tools that our techs have found to be very helpful over the years. Please note that these are not affiliate links or anything like that. They are just products that our lead tech has found helpful while working on equipment for years:
- Lenox 10” Smooth Jaw Pliers: These are great for all the plastic fittings in every pump room, of which there are a ton. If you use the typical channel locks found in every tool box, they will destroy plastic fittings over time. The teeth are very aggressive. These will protect the fittings from damage.
- Super Lube: While on a job site in the Aleutian Island chain, a tech had a leaking filter gasket. The gasket desperately needed replacing, but there was no gasket for a thousand miles. Rebuilding the valve and packing it with Super Lube kept it running for another month when all else failed. It’s the best silicone grease on the market as far as David, our lead tech, is concerned due to this experience.
Advanced Tools
These are items that you won’t need often, but could be a lifesaver when they are needed: - Rotary Tool: Commonly referred to as a “Dremel” even though that’s a brand name. Useful for anytime an edge needs to be trimmed to fit inside a fitting or piece of equipment. Considered advanced due to the risk of removing too much material.
- Pipe, glue, primer, fittings: Many operators are also plumbers, and are prepared to replace any length of pipe. Considered advanced due to the skill involved.
These are some of the tools every operation should consider having at a facility with a pump room. If you’d like to add an essential tool to this list, please let us know in the comments.
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