A Pool Maintenance Checklist for Worry-Free Swimming in Singapore

Owning or managing a swimming pool in sunny Singapore can make your property more attractive and enjoyable.

However, maintaining a pool can be challenging and expensive without proper care.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a property manager, keeping your pool clean and safe is a top priority.

That’s why we’ve created this essential pool maintenance checklist to help keep your pool in tip-top shape all year round!

Let’s dive in.

Daily Tasks for Pool Upkeep in Singapore

Maintaining a pool requires daily attention.

Here are the tasks you need to perform every day to ensure your pool stays pristine and inviting:

• Skimming the Surface: Use a skimmer to remove leaves, insects, and other debris from the water’s surface. This prevents them from sinking and causing more problems, like clogging filters and drains.
• Emptying the Baskets: Clean the skimmer and pump baskets to ensure proper water flow and filtration.
• Checking Water Levels: Ensure your pool water level is neither too high nor too low. For optimal performance, it should be at the midpoint of your skimmer.

Weekly Pool Care Routine in Singapore

In addition to daily tasks, a weekly routine is crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy pool:

• Brushing: Brush the walls, steps, and floor to prevent algae buildup and keep surfaces clean.
• Vacuuming: Vacuum the pool floor and walls to remove the settled dirt and algae.
• Testing and Balancing Chemicals: Test the water for pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels. Adjust as necessary to maintain balance and prevent bacterial growth.
• Cleaning the Filter: Clean or backwash the filter to ensure it operates efficiently. A clean filter keeps your water clear and reduces the workload on your pool’s pump.

Monthly Pool Maintenance Schedule in Singapore

Monthly tasks are essential for the long-term health of your pool.

Here’s what to focus on each month:

• Deep Cleaning: Conduct a thorough pool cleaning, including scrubbing tiles and grout to prevent calcium buildup.
• Inspecting Equipment: Check all pool equipment, such as pumps, heaters, and chlorinators, for proper operation. Look for signs of wear and tear.
• Water Testing: Test water for the following parameters and ensure they meet the required limits:
  • Chlorine Levels: Acceptable limit is 1-3 ppm.
  • Bromine Levels: Acceptable limit is 2-4 ppm.
  • pH Levels: Acceptable limit is 7.2-7.8 for chlorine-based disinfectants, and 7.2-8.0 for bromine-based disinfectants.
  • Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC): Acceptable limit is below 200 CFU/ml.
  • Turbidity: Acceptable limit is below 0.5 Nephelometric Turbidity Units.
  • Escherichia Coli Count: Acceptable limit is below 1 CFU/100 ml.

Licensed Aquatic Facilities in Singapore must have water samples analyzed by an accredited testing lab approved by the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) at least monthly.

This ensures that the water is safe and hygienic for all swimmers.

Quarterly Tasks for Licensed Aquatic Facilities

Every three months, certain tests are also required to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the pool:

• Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Count: For water playgrounds, the acceptable limit is 10 CFU/100 ml.
• Legionella Bacteria Count: For aerosol-generating features, the acceptable limit is 1 CFU/100 ml.

Like monthly tests, water samples must be analyzed by an accredited testing lab approved by the SAC.

Documentation of Pool Maintenance

Keeping detailed records of your pool maintenance is crucial.

It helps you track what’s been done and when, ensuring no task is overlooked:

• Maintenance Log: Maintain a log of daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Note the dates of chemical tests, cleanings, and equipment inspections.
• Chemical Records: Record the type and amount of chemicals added to the pool. This helps monitor trends and informs whether adjustments are needed.
• Service Reports: If you hire swimming pool professionals, ensure they provide detailed reports of the work performed. These reports inform you about the condition of your pool and any repairs needed.

How often should I clean my pool?

You should clean your pool daily to remove debris and ensure water quality. Weekly and monthly maintenance routines are also necessary for optimal cleanliness and functionality.

Can I use a pool vacuum instead of skimming?

While a pool vacuum is great for cleaning the pool floor and walls, skimming is still essential to remove floating debris before it sinks and causes bigger problems.

Are there any specific pool maintenance regulations in Singapore?

Yes, licensed aquatic facilities in Singapore must have water samples analyzed by an accredited lab approved by the Singapore Accreditation Council at least monthly, testing for chlorine, bromine, pH, HPC, turbidity, and E. coli. For more information, see NEA guidelines.

How do I clean my pool filter?

To clean your pool filter, first, turn off the pump. Remove the filter and rinse it thoroughly with a hose to remove dirt and debris. For deeper cleaning, use a filter cleaning solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

What chlorine level should I maintain in Singapore’s climate?

In Singapore’s climate, you should maintain chlorine levels between 1-3 ppm to ensure the water is safe and free from harmful bacteria.

When should I shock my pool?

Shock your pool only when necessary, not on a regular basis. Conditions that require shocking include after heavy use, after heavy rain, presence of algae, handling a fecal accident, and when chlorine levels need correction. It’s best to defer to a professional swimming pool contractor for guidance.