Pool attendants maintain pool water chemistry, clarity, and color, as well as the surrounding area. They are not lifeguards and must ensure public health and safety regulations are met.
A pool attendant is typically hired to maintain a pool, the water in it, and the surrounding area. Some employers also require pool attendants to supervise entry and exit from a secure pool facility. Basically, pool attendants are facility maintenance managers. They are not to be confused with lifeguards, who are responsible for the health and safety of pool patrons and are required to hold special certifications.
Public swimming pools are normally regulated recreational facilities. They must be managed properly, otherwise the sharing of bath water by groups of swimmers can create biohazards that make people sick and transmit disease. The most important aspect of pool maintenance is the change in water chemistry. Chemicals such as chlorine must constantly be added to pool water to kill bacteria and other harmful things in order for the water to be suitable for swimming. The amount of chemicals to add changes based on the number of people in the water, atmospheric temperature, and other variables.
Pool attendants take hourly water readings to ensure water chemistry remains within safety guidelines. If the readings change, the attendant must adjust the mechanical system to deliver more chemicals into the water. The pool attendant is also responsible for water color and clarity. These aspects are related to the pool water filtration system. The color and clarity of the water also requires pool attendants to scour the water with a net to keep large items from fouling the water or entering the filter system.
In summary, the most important duties of pool attendants are to maintain water chemistry, clarity and color. If an attendant fails in any of these tasks, catastrophic consequences for the health of swimmers could result. Poor water maintenance can also cause the jurisdictional health department to close the facility and fine the owner.
In addition to water maintenance, pool attendants are generally required to clean and maintain the deck and any restrooms or changing rooms in the pool area. Often, attendants are required to oversee pool equipment such as loungers and flotation devices and arrange for proper storage at the end of the day. In some cases, a pool attendant is also the person who controls entry to the pool area by collecting cash or tickets.
It is important to distinguish between a pool attendant and a lifeguard. It is possible to hold both positions at the same time, but it is generally not advisable. Pool attendants spend time every hour taking water readings and servicing the water filtration system that is usually located somewhere indoors. Lifeguards must keep their eyes on the water at all times to avoid drowning. The two positions are complementary but require different functional skills.
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