Under the pump
When looking at maintaining the pool pumps, the easiest maintenance task a facility operator can check off his/her list is lubricating the strainer lid O-ring annually. If these gaskets are dry, they will crack and fail, which will result in a leak. When servicing, operators/managers need to be absolutely sure they are using a lubricant that is approved for use on the pump in question. Using the wrong lubricant will decrease the O-ring’s life, which will ultimately cause a leak and result in a reactive purchase of an O-ring. Even though the O-ring may not be very expensive, the time spent sourcing the part and installing it is far greater than simply keeping it maintained to function better and last longer.
Internal pump seals typically need to be replaced mid-way through the equipment’s life. If a facility manager notices water between the motor and the wet end, this is typically a sign that the pump seal is failing. Should this occur, it means reactively getting the pump serviced, which results in pool downtime and a more costly repair.
If a facility has planned and budgeted for this maintenance, it can be completed before the seventh or eighth season begins, thus eliminating any downtime—especially when the weather is nice patrons want to use the pool. Further, by budgeting for the maintenance item, it allows money to be set aside to complete the work. And, by planning for the repair, the job can be performed during the off-season, which might mean the cost may be lower than if the work was completed during the height of the season, or if it was an emergency repair.
Keeping vinyl squeaky clean
When it comes to vinyl liners, as discussed earlier, making sure staff monitor the pool for proper water chemistry is the best bet. There are surface protectants applied to pool liners, but if the water chemistry is off for extended periods of time it will weaken. Using a vinyl cleaner, opposed to a special pool vinyl cleaner, to remove scum lines will also diminish the protectants. Once this happens, the liner will degrade faster should any further water chemistry imbalances occur—not to mention the damage caused by the sun’s UV rays. The best way to extend the life of a vinyl liner, and not have to worry about reactive repairs, is to be very diligent in monitoring and balancing the water chemistry.
Test the water
Facility operators/managers who are able to keep the items discussed in this article maintained—especially when it comes to water chemistry—the pool water will last longer. Draining and refilling a public pool is very expensive; it also increases an aquatic facility’s carbon footprint. Therefore, the benefits of proactive maintenance—whether equipment or water related—will have a positive effect on the overall investment. Keep in mind, nothing lasts forever—especially with pools—but the longer a facility can keep as much of the same water that was initially used to fill the vessel, the better it is on the bottom line.
It is almost impossible for a facility operator to never have to experience a reactive repair. However, it is possible to lower the number of times they occur by having a detailed, proactive maintenance plan in place.
Greg Keller is a service and sales representative at Acapulco Pools Ltd., a commercial pool builder and service provider based in Kitchener, Ont.
He graduated from Conestoga College’s architecture-project and facility management program in 2011 and was hired by Acapulco upon graduation. He can be reached via e-mail at greg@acapulcopools.com.
With an extensive background in aquatics, Codi Keller has the knowledge and experience needed to answer technical questions and address aquatic issues promptly and accurately. She is responsible for co-ordinating the Acapulco Pools service department, including troubleshooting, scheduling technicians, and order processing. She can be reached via e-mail at codi@acapulcopools.com.
