Is Maintenance Multi-Tasking a Problem at your Facility?

Every aquatics facility faces daily maintenance tasks.That will come as no surprise to you. Going through your routine of checking chemical feeders, chemical levels, equipment inspections, fixing minor (or major) malfunctions, prepping new staff, getting the facilities ready for swim meets...the list goes on and on. Right? 

It has to get done, all of it, and it undoubtedly adds a dose of stress to your day. Add to that concerns about the budget, about ADA and VGB compliance, the summer swimming season around the corner, and I am sure that your days are filled to the brim. Multi-tasking may be your middle name, but wouldn't it be nice if a few things were crossed off your daily litany of chores?

I find inspiration in the work of others. When I write, I reference trade magazines, online sources, and even things that are completely unrelated that happen in my everyday life. 
 
In fact, I refer to many of the same sources for guidance and inspiration within my everyday life!
 
I am sure that you do that as well, perhaps without even thinking about it. There are many, many other aquatics centers out there who face the same daily tasks as you do, and there are quite a few that have found ways to make their facilities more efficient. 
 
I will freely admit that I have never walked a day in your shoes, and I couldn't imagine ONE-TENTH of the work you do. But I do constantly read about what is happening in the Commercial Aquatics Industry. I spend quite a bit of time learning about what folks just like you are doing to make their jobs more enjoyable and profitable. 
 
I was flipping through Parks & Rec Business Magazine when I found the inspiration for this very email. The December issue focused on their 2012 Project Portfolio. I noted a trend in regards to the swimming pool facilties included:

• The 10-lane competition pool at Hollywood Aquatic Center was built with eco-friendly concepts in mind, using recycled materials
• The Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center is seeking LEED Certification
• The Muensterberg Plaza was designed using efficient LED lights
• Brentwood City Park used sustainable site measures, such as bio-swales, vine screen, pervious paving, green roof and underground detention and infiltration planters for water quality maintenance

You can read more about these projects and others online: http://www.northstarpubs.com/articles/prb/project-portfolio
 
Did you notice the same theme I did? Becoming more environmentally focused is not just a fad, but a very efficient way of reducing your costs by conserving resources. 
 
Continue reading for some suggestions that would help these facilities - AND YOURS - become even more efficient.

You can reduce your maintenance duties and costs by finding little ways to make your facility more sustainable. 

For example, if you can reduce the evaporation coming from your swimming pool, you will enjoy the following results:

• reduced humidity levels will make the pool room more comfortable, lessen the effects of condensation on your equipment and lower the risk of mold developing, and put less strain on your dehumidifier(s)
• lower water consumption will save you money on your water bill, lessen the amount of work your auto-refiller has to perform AND save your heat from working too hard trying to warm up the refill water to the desired temp

Those are just a few examples of the long-lasting effects making a small change can make to your facility. 
 
If you would like a VERY simple way to reduce your evaporation - regardless of the shape, size or location of your swimming pool, try Heatsavr, the liquid pool cover
 
Make sure you leave any questions or comments below!