Safety regulations and maintenance of swimming pools for holiday rentals
A Guide to Pool Safety and Maintenance for Holiday Homeowners
November 2024
A swimming pool in a holiday rental is a real draw for guests — but for landlords, it can sometimes be a double-edged sword. Safety is always paramount in holiday rentals, but that’s particularly true when you’ve got a pool. Cut down on the risk of deadly accidents and learn how to keep your swimming pool safe and clean with these essential tips.
Safety first! How to prioritise swimming pool safety in holiday rentals
Before you even start to think about keeping your swimming pool safe, check the local laws. Many countries have specific pool regulations. If you fail to comply, you run the risk of liability in the event of an accident. Your first step should be ensuring that your pool meets all the relevant local regulations.
However, the regulations may not go far enough to prevent accidents. Here are some things your pool needs to keep it safe:
- A protective barrier, such as a fence. Ensure that it has a working gate and is completely child-safe.
- A safety cover. You should be able to cover the pool when it is not in use, both for safety and for cleanliness.
- An alarm. Pool alarms can be set to sound if someone enters the pool without permission. These can be especially vital if there are children staying in the rental home.
- Non-slip surfaces around the pool. The area surrounding the pool will inevitably get wet and can be a cause of accidents for guests.
- Depth markers. These should be clearly visible and show how deep the pool is at different points.
Think carefully about how you install these features. For example, the fence around your pool should not have any objects or furniture against it. If there is a chair beside it, children may be able to climb up and get over the fence, entering the pool without permission. That’s another reason why it’s wise to have a pool alarm as a backup.
Swimming pool safety regulations for your guests
In addition to complying with the general safety regulations for pools in holiday rentals, you should provide usage guidelines for your guests. These must be clearly displayed on a large pool safety sign. Here are some common guidelines:
- Swim at your own risk
- No diving
- Children under 18 must be supervised at all times
- Do not use the pool if you are ill
- Shower before using the pool
- No glass in the pool area
Posting these pool regulations may help in the event of a dispute. When guests check into your home, it’s worth reiterating the regulations in person. Take the time to walk to the pool with your guests, showing them your safety features. If you have installed a pool alarm, explain how it works and how they can set it. Be particularly clear if you have a family with children staying in your property.
You should also provide guests with the following safety equipment, which must be easily accessible:
- Pool safety hook
- Life ring
If you provide any pool toys for guests to use, ensure that they have been approved for safety by the relevant authorities.
Maintenance of pools in holiday rentals
Once you’ve covered the safety side of things, it’s also important to think about maintenance. Holiday rentals with pools will require more upkeep over time. Guests choose this kind of property because they want to use the pool — otherwise, they would just rent a holiday flat without one. If they’re paying a premium for your property, you need to make sure that the pool is always in good condition.
Here are the basic things you need to do to keep your pool clean and enjoyable for guests who rent your house for holidays and short stays:
Clean it regularly
In high season, you might want to clean your pool after every guest. Otherwise, you should at least clean it on a weekly basis. Remove debris, such as leaves, twigs, and insects. Pay particular attention after rain or on windy days.
This is another reason why you should invest in a pool cover. Having one will make cleaning a lot easier, as you can stop things from falling into the pool when you’re not using it. Don’t just skim debris off the surface of your pool with a net. You should also use an automatic pool cleaner to clean the bottom and the sides.
Inspect equipment
Your pool has a number of moving parts that keep it working, including pumps, filters, and circulation systems. These should all be checked regularly to ensure they remain in good working order.
Check water quality
You will need to learn to carry out a chemical water analysis. This checks the pH level and the amount of chlorine and other chemicals in the water. You will need to adjust these if they are outside the recommended ranges.
Apply preventative treatments
Prevention is always better than cure — and that’s true in the case of your swimming pool. Depending on the season, you should be prepared for problems like algae or bacteria. Apply specific treatments to stop them in their tracks.
Essential equipment for maintaining your pool
When you advertise your holiday home on a holiday rental portal, your pool should be in pristine condition for photos — and you’ll want it in exactly the same condition when your guests arrive. Here are the tools you need to succeed:
- A net on a pole. This is handy for removing debris floating on the surface of the water.
- An automatic pool cleaner. This vacuum-like device will clean the bottom and sides of the pool. For safety, do not swim while it is running.
- Chlorine. This is essential for any freshwater pool. During periods of low occupancy, consider using slow-release chlorine tablets.
- Algaecide. This will prevent algae from growing in your pool. Not only is algae unsightly, but it can also prevent a dangerous hazard since it is slippery.
- pH regulator. This will keep your pool correctly balanced for your guests’ health and comfort.
- A testing kit. This allows you to check the chemical levels in your pool and rebalance them as necessary.
A swimming pool will help your property stand out on a holiday rental website and may allow you to charge higher prices to your guests. Yes, it will require a lot of maintenance work and some rigorous safety standards, but if you can handle that, a pool is a great way to upgrade your property and boost profits. Always think carefully before installing a pool, as the extra work isn’t right for everyone.