Pool service checklist for every stop

Why every stop needs the same checklist

A checklist is not about doubting your technicians. It makes every stop consistent whoever does it, catches small equipment problems before they become expensive, and gives you proof of the work when a customer asks what happened. It also makes training a new technician much faster, because the standard is written down.

The best checklists follow the order a technician naturally works around the pool, from arriving and checking the equipment to testing, treating and tidying up. Then the list guides the stop instead of interrupting it, and nothing gets skipped because it was out of sequence.

The every-stop checklist

This is the default checklist Chlor gives every new business. Change it to suit your pools and customers.

1. 1

   Skim the surface and empty skimmer baskets

   Remove leaves and debris before they sink or block the skimmer.

2. 2

   Brush walls and tile line

   Brushing stops build-up from taking hold where the water meets the tiles.

3. 3

   Vacuum the pool floor

   Where needed, or check that the automatic cleaner is working.

4. 4

   Backwash or clean the filter

   When the filter needs it, following the manufacturer’s instructions for that filter.

5. 5

   Check the pump and equipment

   Listen and look for leaks, unusual noise, air in the system or error lights.

6. 6

   Test the water

   Test and record readings against your own targets for that pool.

7. 7

   Add chemicals as needed

   Record exactly what you added and how much.

8. 8

   Check the water level

   Note anything unusual that could point to a leak or overflow problem.

9. 9

   Inspect the chlorinator cell

   On salt pools, check the cell and its readout for faults.

10. 10

    Clean the surrounding area

    Leave the pool area tidier than you found it, with gates closed behind you.

Testing and recording the water

Water care depends on the pool type, sanitiser, equipment and how the pool is used, so this checklist does not set chemical targets or doses. Test and record readings against your own targets for each pool, record every chemical you add, and note anything unusual such as cloudy water or staining.

Recording readings at every stop builds a history, so you and the next technician can see a trend instead of a single number. Chlor’s water testing keeps readings, treatments and LSI on each pool’s record.

Monthly checks

• Clean filter cartridges or check the filter more thoroughly, as the manufacturer recommends.
• Inspect the chlorinator cell more closely on salt pools.
• Check timers, lights, heaters and automatic cleaners are working as the customer expects.
• Look over visible plumbing and fittings for slow leaks.
• Note any damage you see to gates, fences or pool covers and tell the owner. Pool barrier compliance is the owner’s responsibility, and in some states only licensed inspectors or certifiers can certify it.
• Check your own chemical stock and safety data sheets are up to date.

Seasonal checks

• Before summer: service equipment, check heating and solar systems, and agree more frequent stops with customers who use their pool more.
• Storm season: clear debris after storms and check water levels after heavy rain.
• Autumn: expect more leaves in baskets and skimmers, and check covers fit.
• Winter: agree a lower service frequency where the customer wants one, and keep an eye on equipment that runs less often.
• Holiday homes and rentals: plan stops around when guests arrive and leave.

Record it so the customer can see it

A checklist only helps if it is recorded at the pool. A good stop record includes the completed checklist, water readings, chemicals added, notes and a few photos: clean baskets, a clear pool and anything that needs the owner’s attention.

In Chlor’s field app, technicians tick the checklist on every stop and can attach up to 20 photos. Saving a water test, a treatment or a photo ticks the matching item on its own, and a stop cannot be completed until its required items are ticked. Customers can then see their service history and water tests in the customer portal.

When you find a problem

A regular stop often turns up something that is not part of the service: a noisy pump, a cracked skimmer lid, a leaking fitting or a damaged gate. Photograph it, write a short note on the stop record and tell the owner the same day. If it needs fixing, quote it and book it as a separate job, with its own notes, photos and price, rather than squeezing it into the regular stop. That keeps your stop times honest and gives the customer a clear record of what was found and what was done about it.

Make the checklist your own

• Mark the items that must happen every time as required, and leave the rest optional.
• Keep it short. A checklist nobody finishes is worse than a short one done properly.
• Write each item as a clear action, such as “Empty skimmer baskets”, so there is no doubt about what done means.
• Adjust for pool types you service often, such as salt, mineral or spa pools.
• Review it with your technicians every season and remove items that no longer matter.