There are several elements to a science experiment. These are[i]:

1. Define a question to test.
2. Gather information and resources (observe)
3. Form a hypothesis.
4. Test the hypothesis.
5. Interpret the data found and draw conclusions.
6. Publish results.
7. Retest.

Commercial swimming pool maintenance takes a lot more skill and experience than for residential pools.  Pool maintenance technicians almost need chemical degrees to do their job effectively.

Why is commercial pool maintenance so important?

A survey[ii] of aquatic health officials across the country by the National Association of County and City Health Officials was completed in 2014. It showed why commercial pool maintenance is so very important. For pools being shut down over the previous two-year period, the health inspectors surveyed:

• 90% reported shutdowns were due for low sanitizing levels,
• 61% reported the pH being out of balance,
• 53% reported it was due to cloudiness of the water,
• 36% reported that hotels and motels have the most water quality violations,
• 32% reported they always find violations in apartment complexes, and
• 54% reported finding violations in apartment complexes every two out of three inspections.

If a commercial pool is shut down, it could be costly to the owner.  Whether it is a pool people go to or one at a rental facility (i.e. a motel), people expect the pool to be open and safe for swimming.

Science and Pool Maintenance

Water chemistry is an essential part of ensuring commercial pools remain open and safe for use. Because of the increase in pool size and number of swimmers, water chemistry is even more difficult to monitor.

Let’s again look at the scientific method, but this time using one segment of pool maintenance.

1. Define a question to test. How does the water quality look?
2. It is cloudy but should be clear.
3. Form a hypothesis. The water quality is poor and several factors could be the cause. The technician believes the cloudy water is caused by low sanitizer levels.
4. Test the hypothesis. The technician tests the sanitizer level and finds the chlorine is below 1 ppm.
5. Interpret the data found and draw conclusions. The chlorine level should be between 1 and 3 ppm, preferably at the 3 ppm level. Yesterday was a weekend and the pool had lots of children swimming. Peeing in the pool is a major problem with public pools. More chlorine needs to be added.
6. Publish results. In the case of the pool technician, he or she would add more chlorine to bring the level up to 3 ppm.
7. For commercial pools, this is a daily routine.

Just like a scientist knows the right questions to ask, so must a commercial pool maintenance technician. Chemistry knowledge and experience is important in both fields.

Pool Doctor of the Palm Beaches serves both residential and commercial pools. For more information on our commercial pool maintenance services, please contact us.

[i] Wikipedia. “Scientific Method.” Accessed August 11,2017. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method.

[ii] Parks and Rec Business. “Survey Finds Health Risk Violations in Public Water Facilities.” Accessed August11, 2017. http://www.parksandrecbusiness.com/articles/2014/05/29/survey-finds-health-risk-violations-in-public-water-facilities?rq=survey%20finds%20health%20risk%20violations%20in%20public%20water%20facilities

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