HOA Community Pool: What to Check Before Opening

As warmer weather sets in, homeowners’ associations (HOAs) across the country are preparing their outdoor amenities for use, sprucing up, repairing, and renewing some of the community’s most-loved features. Providing cool relief and a fun and healthy escape from the heat, a community pool might be one of the association’s top amenities.

 A popular place for residents to gather, it’s important to ensure your HOA pool is clean, safe, and properly maintained. Follow these tips from Jamie Luke, Associa OnCall's senior vice president, to learn everything you need to do before opening your HOA community pool.

What to Do Before Opening an HOA Pool

To get your community pool ready for swimming, splashing, and other activities, do the following:

1. Inspect and wash the pool deck and surrounding areas.

Because it doesn’t get much traffic, the area around your community pool is often neglected during the off-season. Not only does this area collect debris and dirt, but it can also be susceptible to damage and rust. Inspect external equipment, structures, and surfaces to confirm they don’t present any hazards or risks. Pay special attention to:

• Furniture. Look for frayed or damaged materials and broken or rusted pieces.
• Fencing. See that gaps in fencing are within safe and required limits per local codes.
• Pool gates. Guarantee latching mechanisms function properly.

Give the area around your pool a thorough cleaning, too. A power washer can quickly tackle the grit and grime and efficiently transform the space. 

2. Clean and repair the pool.

Take extra steps to care for your pool’s interior. First, power-wash it to clear it of gunk, then address the areas that need to be repaired or replaced. It’s essential to guarantee the pool is safe for swimming and won’t cause injury or illness by:

• Skimming and scrubbing the pool with a cleaning solution 
• Removing branches, leaves, and additional debris 
• Treating algae buildup
• Attaching and securing ladders and handles
• Eliminating debris from drains 
• Assessing tiles for chips and cracks

3. Evaluate the filtration system and water quality.

Your community pool’s filtration system manages the water quality, working so that all the chemicals in the pool water are well balanced. Without a working filtration system, bacteria can form and cause illness. You’ll want to confirm pH and chlorine levels are safe, especially after a long closure. 

According to the CDC, safe pH levels are between 7.2 and 7.8. Chlorine concentration should measure to at least 1 ppm (parts per million). If levels are off, it can lead to a buildup of calcium around the pool and other issues. 

To test the filter system, simply review its components and check that they still function correctly. Consult with your pool’s maintenance vendor and examine the:

• Filters
• Water pumps
• Heaters 
• Chemical feeders
• Other unique components 

4. Confirm water levels are suitable for swimming.

Appropriate water levels are necessary for your pool’s longevity and safety. It’s likely that water levels have decreased since the last time your community pool was open, so you should use a pool skimmer to check. The skimmer is a small, rectangular opening that’s built into the side of your pool’s wall and links to the circulation system. Your water should be halfway up your skimmer plate; anything higher can damage pool pumps and cause cleaning mechanisms to be less effective. 

If levels are too high, drain your pool and measure until it’s low enough. If levels are too low, pump water into the pool until it’s filled to the optimum level. Continue to monitor water levels throughout the season, especially after strong storms and significant usage. 

Don’t let a major storm catch your community off-guard. Get the “Associa Hurricane Guide” today for everything you need to prepare, provide, and protect!

5. Revisit and restock your pool’s safety equipment. 

Prior to pool opening day, get equipped with the right tools and accessories. You’ll need them ready in case of emergency. Make sure these items are damage-free and in compliance with your governing documents and relevant standards. Some popular devices to stock include:

• Rescue board
• Shepherd’s hook
• Ring buoys
• Life vests
• Rescue tube
• Gloves and goggles
• First aid kit 
• Automated external defibrillator (AED) 
• Safety signage 

How to Maintain Your Community Playground

With these tips, your community pool is ready for visitors, but don’t forget about other parts of the association. Every amenity in your community deserves the same care as your pool. Read our article, “7 Ways to Maintain Your Community’s Playground,” to learn tips for proper upkeep of your community’s playground.