Swimming Pool Water Quality Check

Swimming pool water quality testing prevents recreational water illness outbreaks including cryptosporidium, E. coli, and norovirus infections. This checklist supports certified pool operators in meeting CDC Model Aquatic Health Code testing frequency requirements and state health department pool chemistry standards.

  • Industry: Sports and Recreation
  • Frequency: Multiple times daily per state requirements
  • Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes per test
  • Role: Certified Pool Operator
  • Total Items: 28

Primary Disinfection Chemistry

Test primary disinfection parameters.

  • Free chlorine within required range (1.0-10.0 ppm for pools)?
  • Free chlorine reading
  • Combined chlorine (chloramines) below 0.4 ppm?
  • Combined chlorine reading
  • If bromine used: total bromine within required range (2-10 ppm)?
  • ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) at or above 650 mV if monitored?
  • Overall disinfection system adequate for current bather load?

pH and Alkalinity

Test pH and total alkalinity.

  • pH within required range (7.2-7.8)?
  • pH reading
  • Total alkalinity within range (60-180 ppm)?
  • Total alkalinity reading (ppm)
  • Calcium hardness within range (200-400 ppm for plaster, 150-1000 for other)?
  • Calcium hardness reading if tested (ppm)
  • Cyanuric acid (stabilizer) within acceptable range if used (below 100 ppm)?

Water Clarity and Filtration

Assess water clarity and filtration system performance.

  • Main drain or pool bottom visible from all pool deck areas?
  • Water free of cloudiness or haze throughout pool?
  • Filter system operating at correct flow rate within 10-15% of design?
  • Filter pressure within normal operating range for this pool?
  • Filter backwashed or recharged if pressure 8-10 psi above clean starting pressure?
  • No green, black, or mustard algae visible on walls, floor, or fittings?
  • Pool turnover rate meeting state requirements for pool type?

Documentation and Closure Compliance

Verify required documentation and closure compliance.

  • Test results logged in required format with time, results, and actions?
  • Test kit reagents within expiration date and properly stored?
  • Testing completed at state-required frequency intervals?
  • Pool closed per required protocols if any parameter is out of acceptable range?
  • Pool chemicals stored safely in approved storage with SDS accessible?
  • Chemical addition log updated with all chemicals added and amounts?
  • Test log signed by certified pool operator with CPO number?

Related Sports Recreation Checklists

Related Aquatics Checklists

Why Use This Swimming Pool Water Quality Check?

This swimming pool water quality check helps sports and recreation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for certified pool operator professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: multiple times daily per state requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Swimming Pool Water Quality Check cover?

This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 4 sections: Primary Disinfection Chemistry, pH and Alkalinity, Water Clarity and Filtration, Documentation and Closure Compliance. It is designed for sports and recreation operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed multiple times daily per state requirements. Each completion takes approximately 10-15 minutes per test.

Who should use this Swimming Pool Water Quality Check?

This checklist is designed for Certified Pool Operator professionals in the sports and recreation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

Browse More Checklists