Maintain pools and water features

This standard is for those who maintain pools and water features.

The typical materials and equipment you would use include: rocks and concrete, plastic ridged or flexible liners, electrically powered pumps and filters.

Electrical work should only be completed by a competent and qualified electrician.

If you are working with machinery you should be trained and hold certification in accordance with relevant legislation.

You must carry out your work in a way which will minimise the impact on the natural environment and enhance its nature, conservation and recreational value.

1. be aware of hazards associated with the maintenance of pools and water features
2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
3. prepare, use, clean, maintain and store tools, equipment and machinery to maintain pools and water features safely and correctly
4. inspect the pools or water features prior to carrying out maintenance
5. identify potential defects with the pool and water feature
6. select methods to maintain pools and water features
7. check the pool or water feature on completion of work making sure it is safe and fit for purpose
8. dispose of or recycle waste safely and correctly in accordance with relevant legal requirements and organisational practices and to minimise environmental risk
9. restore the site to an appropriate condition following the maintenance of pools and water features
10. minimise unwanted damage to services and surroundings
11. complete records as required by relevant legal and the organisational
12. maintain communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work
13. carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and organisational policies

1. hazards associated with the maintenance of pools and water features
2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
3. the types of tools, equipment and machinery to maintain pools and water features and how to prepare, use, clean, maintain and store these safely and correctly
4. how to carry out inspections of pools and water features
5. the importance of carrying out inspections according to schedule
6. the types of problems that are likely to occur with pools and water features and how to deal with them
7. the type of damage that is likely to occur to services and surroundings and how to keep this to a minimum
8. why it is important to keep working areas clean and tidy during the maintenance of pools and water features
9. why it is important to complete work to the agreed schedule
10. the importance of restoring the site to a clean and tidy condition
11. the records which need to be completed and why
12. how to handle, transport and dispose of waste in accordance with relevant legal and organisational requirements
13. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done
14. the importance of following relevant environmental and ecological best practice to help minimise the impact of your work on the environment
15. your responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies

A       maintain the following types of water feature:

1. streams

2. fountains

3. waterfalls

4. ponds

B.      identify and deal with the following problems when maintaining pools and water features:

1. leaks
2. filters and pumps in need of cleaning
3. filters and pumps in need of replacement
4. dirt and unwanted vegetation
5. water treatment

Specifications: drawings, schedules, method statements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manufacturers' guidelines, organisational policies.

Water features: ponds/pools, lakes, streams/brooks, waterfalls, fountains