commercial feature
The importance of pool and spa maintenance training for hotel operators By Spiros Dassakis
T
he operation of swimming pools and spas is a highly involved and sometimes complex process. An operator must ensure the health and safety of their staff and guests are underpinned by proper processes across all areas of the pool and spa facility. While some of the duties associated with maintaining pools and spas might be outsourced to external service providers, it is essential that one or more team members has an adequate understanding of how a pool and spa operates and the maintenance functions that are required. By performing maintenance regularly, minor changes in conditions and wear on equipment can be managed to reduce the incidence of unsafe conditions and downtime due to equipment repairs.
Operating the pool and spa environment
As a public facility, the operator must ensure that the pool and spa is under the control and management of a person who is knowledgeable and competent to operate the plant and maintain the pool water quality. Pool and spa facilities will have different requirements that may be dictated by the legislation, design and nature of operation of the facility, bather loads and operating hours. Currently in Australia there is legislation in place to regulate and guide the operations of public pool and spa facilities in each jurisdiction. Aligned to these are Australian standards, occupational health and safety requirements, and many other important guidance documents. 84 SPLASH! August/September 2021
Pool and spa needs vary with the actual size of the facility. Whatever its size, maintaining a pool and spa requires key staff to be trained to understand and interpret pool operations and water conditions. Peripheral staff should also be exposed to training in plant operation and water treatment measures required to maintain water quality. They should receive proper training to gain an appropriate understanding of basic water chemistry and the testing, water treatment, plant operation and the general procedures required to maintain good water quality. A dedicated team member should be appointed to look after pool and spa facilities at each establishment. This person should have the responsibility to oversee the overall operation of pool plant and equipment and ensure that appropriate operational and maintenance activities are carried out. The pool operator should ensure that those left in charge have a working knowledge of the regulations and can ensure that the treatment plant continues to provide pool water that meets these requirements. They should also be able to identify problems and know how to obtain corrective advice. Guests are not the only ones who enjoy swimming pools. Pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and other parasites can flourish in pools and spas unless the appropriate steps are taken to control their numbers. Pools are used by many people of varying age and health status. Bathers introduce a range of pollutants to pool water, including micro-organisms, saliva, fat, urine,