Quick answer
A pool operator daily checklist is completed before a commercial pool opens each day. It confirms the main drain is visible, suction outlet covers are secure, gates self-close and latch, chlorine and pH are in range, the emergency phone works, rescue and first aid equipment are in place, signage is posted, the deck is clear and the chemical room is secure.
- Complete it before opening — every day.
- Five items are critical: drain visible, drain covers, gates, chemistry, emergency phone.
- Do not open until critical items pass.
- Initial and date each day; keep it with your chemical log.
The daily opening checklist
- Main drain clearly visible from the deck (if not — do not open).
- Drain / suction outlet covers present, secured and undamaged.
- Gates self-close and self-latch; fence has no gaps.
- Water test — FC/bromine and pH in range and recorded on the chemical log.
- Emergency phone works; facility address and 911 instructions posted.
- Rescue tube or ring buoy and reaching pole in place.
- First aid and body-fluid cleanup kits stocked.
- Rules, capacity, depth and "no diving" signs posted and legible.
- Depth markers and float line in place.
- Deck clear of trip hazards and standing water.
- Ladders, handrails and steps secure.
- Lighting working (required for night swimming).
- Chemical room locked and ventilated; chemicals separated.
- Feeder and controller running; no leaks.
- Spa temperature at or below 104°F; emergency shutoff works.
Closing checklist
- Final water test recorded.
- Deck cleared, furniture stacked, lost items collected.
- Gates locked; "pool closed" sign displayed.
- Spa covered (if applicable) and timer checked.
- Incidents from the day written in the incident log.
How to open a commercial pool safely
- Check the main drain. Confirm the main drain is clearly visible from the deck. If it is not, keep the pool closed.
- Inspect suction outlet covers. Verify all drain and suction outlet covers are present, secured and undamaged.
- Test the water. Test free chlorine (or bromine) and pH with a DPD kit and record the results on the chemical log.
- Check barriers. Make sure gates self-close and self-latch and the fence is intact.
- Check safety equipment. Confirm the emergency phone works and rescue and first aid equipment are in place.
- Record and open. Initial the daily checklist, then open the pool.
Frequently asked questions
What should be on a pool opening checklist?
Drain visibility, drain cover condition, gates and fencing, water chemistry, emergency phone, rescue and first aid equipment, signage, deck condition, lighting, chemical storage, and spa temperature.
Who should complete the daily pool checklist?
The certified pool operator or trained staff member responsible for opening. They should initial each day so there is a record of who checked.
Is a daily safety inspection required?
The MAHC and many state codes require a daily safety inspection before opening with the results recorded in a log kept at the facility.
This page is an educational summary, not legal advice. Pool and spa codes differ by state and county and change over time — always confirm requirements with the health department that inspects your facility.