and How to avoid them

For commercial properties like hotels, apartment complexes, fitness centers, and community pools, a well-maintained pool is a major asset. A clean, safe, and fully operational pool attracts guests, tenants, and members, while a neglected pool can lead to costly repairs, regulatory fines, and even liability lawsuits.

Many property managers try to cut corners on maintenance, either by reducing service frequency or relying on inexperienced staff. Unfortunately, these mistakes can cost thousands in lost revenue, unexpected repairs, and legal troubles. Here’s a look at the most common commercial pool maintenance mistakes—and how to avoid them.

1. Inconsistent Water Chemistry & Poor Chemical Balancing

Keeping water chemistry balanced at all times is essential for safety, sanitation, and pool longevity. However, many commercial properties fail to test and adjust chemicals frequently enough, leading to:

• Cloudy or green water that turns guests away
• Skin and eye irritation from improper chlorine or pH levels
• Corrosion of pool equipment due to overly acidic water
• Scaling on pool surfaces from high calcium hardness

💰 The Cost of This Mistake:
✔ Chemical damage to plaster, tile, and pool components ($5,000 – $15,000+ for resurfacing)
✔ Health department fines or pool shutdowns due to unsanitary conditions ($500 – $5,000 per violation)
✔ Loss of business due to an unusable pool

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Test water chemistry daily and adjust levels as needed.
• Train staff or hire professionals who understand chemical balancing.
• Use automation systems to monitor and dispense chemicals in real time.

2. Neglecting Filtration System Maintenance

Your pool’s filtration system is the backbone of water clarity and cleanliness. Many commercial properties overlook regular maintenance, allowing filters to become clogged or pumps to overwork.

Signs of neglected filtration:
🚩 Poor water circulation and algae growth
🚩 Increased chemical usage as water quality declines
🚩 Equipment overheating or failing prematurely

💰 The Cost of This Mistake:
✔ Pump and filter replacements ($2,000 – $10,000+)
✔ Increased chemical costs to compensate for poor filtration ($500 – $3,000 per season)
✔ Emergency repairs and pool downtime that disrupts business

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Backwash sand and DE filters weekly.
• Clean and replace cartridge filters regularly.
• Inspect and service pumps to prevent overheating or breakdowns.

3. Ignoring Small Leaks & Pool Structure Damage

A small, unnoticed leak can waste thousands of gallons of water, drive up utility costs, and cause severe structural damage. Many commercial properties ignore small cracks or water loss, assuming it’s due to evaporation—until it becomes a major problem.

🚩 Signs of a Leak:

• Pool water level drops faster than normal (more than ¼ inch per day)
• Unusually high water bills
• Cracks in the pool deck or near equipment

💰 The Cost of This Mistake:
✔ Water loss leading to higher utility bills ($1,000+ per season)
✔ Structural repairs due to ground shifting or erosion ($10,000 – $50,000+)
✔ Equipment failure from overworked pumps and filters ($3,000 – $8,000 for replacements)

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Perform monthly leak detection tests to catch small leaks early.
• Address cracks and tile damage immediately to prevent worsening structural issues.
• Consider pool resurfacing if the finish is worn and becoming porous.

4. Failing to Maintain Proper Pool Safety Measures

Commercial pools must comply with strict safety regulations. However, missing or broken safety features like drain covers, fences, signage, or emergency equipment can lead to severe liability risks.

🚩 Common safety violations:

• Loose or missing drain covers that create suction hazards
• Improperly functioning pool lights leading to poor visibility
• Broken ladders, handrails, or depth markers increasing slip-and-fall risks
• Lifeguard absence or inadequate signage in required areas

💰 The Cost of This Mistake:
✔ Fines & shutdowns from health inspections ($500 – $10,000 per violation)
✔ Lawsuits from preventable injuries ($50,000 – $1,000,000+ in legal liability)
✔ Increased insurance premiums due to reported safety risks

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Conduct weekly safety inspections to ensure compliance.
• Replace broken or missing safety equipment immediately.
• Train staff and lifeguards on emergency procedures and CPR.

5. Postponing Necessary Equipment Upgrades

Old, inefficient pool equipment wastes money on high energy costs and frequent repairs. Many commercial properties delay necessary upgrades, assuming the cost of new equipment isn’t worth it—until they’re forced to replace failing systems.

🚩 Signs It’s Time for an Upgrade:

• Frequent pump failures or overheating
• High energy bills from outdated, single-speed pumps
• Water not circulating properly, requiring excessive chemical treatments

💰 The Cost of This Mistake:
✔ Rising energy costs due to inefficient equipment ($2,000+ per season)
✔ Emergency pump replacement disrupting operations ($3,000 – $10,000+)
✔ Constant repairs adding up to more than the cost of a replacement

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Upgrade to variable-speed pumps, which can cut energy costs by 50-70%.
• Invest in modern filtration systems to improve water quality and reduce maintenance.
• Consider automated chemical dispensers for consistent water balance.

How to Protect Your Commercial Pool Investment

A neglected pool costs thousands in repairs, lost revenue, and liability risks. Instead of waiting for problems to escalate, preventative maintenance is the key to saving money and keeping your pool in top shape.

Partnering with The Aquatics Authority for Commercial Pool Care

At The Aquatics Authority, we specialize in comprehensive commercial pool maintenance to help property managers avoid costly mistakes.

✨ Our Services Include:
✅ Routine cleaning, chemical balancing & water testing
✅ Pump, filter, and heater maintenance
✅ Leak detection and structural inspections
✅ Commercial safety compliance checks
✅ Equipment upgrades for energy efficiency

📞 Don’t let maintenance mistakes cost your business thousands! Contact The Aquatics Authority today to set up a professional pool maintenance plan that keeps your commercial pool running smoothly, safely, and efficiently.

💡 The best way to avoid expensive pool problems? Stop them before they start. Let us handle the maintenance, so you can focus on running your business.