Get ready for swimming season: 4 ways to prep your community pools with Gatewise

By Gatewise Team
Access Control Solutions

Keep your pools sparkling, secure, and in pristine condition by properly prepping your staff, pool facilities, and access systems for a busy swimming season.

According to the Public Playground Safety Handbook Center for Disease Control (CDC), Americans spend on average 1 billion days per year in recreational swimming water. That's 1 billion chances for swimmers to suffer from chemical-associated health problems, disease outbreaks and even fatal accidents if aquatic facilities are not properly maintained and secured. Property managers can avoid public health violations, protect residents from hospital visits, and avoid lawsuits by following regular inspection and maintenance schedules while implementing proper access control for every pool in their portfolio. Read on for helpful tips on prepping your staff, your pools, and your access systems for a busy swimming season.

1. Secure your pool area with modern access control systems

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Pool security begins with proper access control. An effective access control system is essential for apartment communities to protect residents, prevent accidents, and reduce liability. Modern access control solutions offer multiple benefits for community pools:

• Restricting access to authorized residents and guests only
• Enforcing pool hours automatically without staff supervision
• Tracking usage patterns to manage capacity and maintenance needs
• Creating accountability through detailed entry records
• Preventing unauthorized use that can lead to accidents or damage
• Offering residents peace of mind regarding their community amenities

According to industry research, properties with secure access control for amenities like pools report fewer incidents of vandalism, unauthorized use, and liability claims. Implementing a comprehensive access system is the foundation of a well-managed community pool that residents can enjoy safely throughout the swimming season.

2. Get your property staff properly certified

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The National Swimming Pool Foundation offers an affordable, CDC-recommended standardized training program for pool operators to achieve qualification as Certified Pool Inspectors™ (CPI™). The 3-hour online course covers basic code requirements, pool area inspections, and recreational water illnesses, among other critical topics to ensure your staff is equipped to maintain exceptional pools and facilities.

Gatewise recommends that all staff managing pool areas receive proper certification, as this complements our access control solutions by ensuring that those monitoring the systems understand both security and safety protocols. Investing in your employees' operational proficiency supports their professional development, benefits your bottom line, and keeps your company's pools operating efficiently and securely.

3. Regularly check water quality and chemical levels

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During pool season, the CDC recommends checking your pH and disinfectant levels at least twice a day (or more if your pools sustain a high degree of daily use!) to protect swimmers from recreational water illnesses and maintain pool pipes and sanitizer efficiency. Use DPD test kits or test strips (which tend to be less accurate) to maintain a pH between 7.2-7.8 and a free chlorine concentration of at least 1 parts per million (ppm).

Gatewise access control systems can help manage this process by:

• Scheduling automatic reminders for testing times
• Recording test results digitally in a centralized dashboard
• Alerting staff when tests are overdue
• Temporarily restricting access if water quality falls below standards

This integration of security and maintenance protocols ensures that no testing is missed, even during busy periods, protecting both your residents and your facilities.

4. Establish comprehensive maintenance protocols

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Pools are notorious for their demanding upkeep. Beyond testing your pH and chlorine levels, pool maintenance teams should establish a regular cleaning and inspection schedule. Here are key tasks that should be performed regularly:

• Skim floating debris with a long-handled net
• Check pool water levels weekly and refill if necessary
• Clean out strainer baskets to increase pool circulation efficiency
• Vacuum weekly to keep water clear of debris
• Brush tiles and pool walls to minimize slime buildup
• Service equipment and replace needed parts to avoid system failures
• Clean out the pool filter periodically
• Superchlorinate (shock) water if necessary to eliminate harsh chloramine smells
• Ensure all access control points are functioning properly
• Verify that emergency equipment is readily accessible
• Update access permissions as resident status changes

Elevate your community with a comprehensive property management approach

Ready to transform your entire property management strategy? A safe, well-maintained pool is just one component of an exceptional resident experience. By implementing a comprehensive approach that combines Gatewise access control technology with your property management and maintenance systems, you can create a secure, efficient, and desirable community that stands out in today's competitive market.

Gatewise access solutions integrate seamlessly with your existing property management software, creating a unified ecosystem that enhances security, streamlines operations, and delivers the convenience residents expect. From pools and fitness centers to building entries and package rooms, a comprehensive approach ensures that every touchpoint in your community reflects your commitment to quality and resident satisfaction.

Contact the Gatewise team today to discover how our access control solutions can be the cornerstone of your property's comprehensive management strategy—securing not just your pool, but your property's reputation for excellence.

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