Vacation Home Pool Information
FACTS:
- Vacation home pools are built for residential homes and are used for commercial purposes when used as a vacation home.
a. Typical residents use their pool 2-3 times a week and rarely full to capacity vs. vacationing guests
who are in the pool daily and for longer periods of time.
b. Pump and heaters are run more frequently with many on/off commands sent to accommodate
guest schedules and preferences.
i. Parts are becoming unavailable for older pool heaters/pumps due to more efficient
products on the market (i.e. variable speed pumps and motors). - Chemical balances are by far the most difficult area when it comes to vacation home pools due to
excessive and careless use from guests. All the below factors are known to create an unbalanced pool.
a. Sunscreens, lotions, hair products will clog the pool filter.
b. Guests are more likely to eat, drink and urinate in the pool.
c. Excessive rain will dilute the pool’s chemicals.
d. Pool heating increases the evaporation of the chemicals.
e. Saltwater pools are more effective for excessively used pools. (we can give quotes for this
transition, if desired)
f. Pets in a pool equal 10 humans and are not recommended to be inside a vacation home pool.
i. We advise guests that pets should not be in the pool unless necessary for a service animal
to accompany disabled person. - Equipment Best Practices
a. Pool Pumps should be set for 12 hours as a minimum though 8A to 10P is suggested for vacation
homes to assist with cleanliness.
b. Pool Heater temps should be set for 89 degrees and spa temps no higher than 99 degrees.
i. higher settings are not suggested due to increased evaporation and possible bacteria
growth.
ii. Spa automation where the spa can be heated individually is highly recommended to save
on energy costs (We can provide a quote for you if not installed in your home)
c. Pool heaters should have a service check before pool heat season to ensure they are in good
working order (Oct-May)
i. While this is no guarantee there will be no mechanical failures, it will identify many issues
that could result in guest compensation and improve overall reviews.
d. Drain covers and other plastic parts should be replaced every 3-5 years.
i. A faulty drain cover can result in accidental drowning due to suction. They become brittle
from the chemicals and sun over time.
e. Filters should be changed at least 2 times (more if higher occupancy) per year due to allow for
maximum filtration.
Owner Education Series: Vacation Home Pool Information
i. Filters are cleaned periodically by our licensed pool techs, but the contaminants do not just
rinse away.
- Excess sunscreen, lotions, body oils and hair products create a barrier preventing
filtration needed to keep the chemicals in balance and pools clear. **Larger
occupancy or highly booked homes may need this 3x per year)
f. Pool /Spa and deck lighting MUST be working.
i. Old pool lights use 4x the power of newer LED lights. Updating this will save energy and
require changing less often. (Get a quote from us if you still have an old style of bulb so
when it needs replacement, you will know what to expect.)
ii. A pool light timer assists with saving money and extending the life of your bulb. (Get a quote
from us if you don’t have this installed)
iii. Porch/deck lighting should be in working order. - Motion lights were suggested as a safety precaution.
g. Pool Safety
i. Pool covers are a safety hazard and responsible for several accidental drownings. It is
recommended that these and the rollers are removed. - Solar Pills are a good replacement for these, and they are very effective.
- Safety fences MUST be attached to the pool cage on each side.
a. Old fences become brittle from Florida intense sun and therefore become
ineffective against drowning prevention.
i. Newer models are affordable and have easier guest access, so the
fences are kept in position more often. - Pool alarms must be at least 85 decibels from 10 feet away.
a. Battery-operated stick-on models are compliant but due to the possibility of
guest removing battery or battery dying, your liability is much higher.
i. Electric integrated or wifi/app supported alarms systems are the
preferred system to better protect you. (we can provide quotes for
replacements and new installs) - Adding another layer of pool safety is suggested.
a. Floating motion detector devices are suggested for pool and spa
i. These will sound when the water is disrupted so if a child or pet falls
in, adults will be alerted.
This information is presented in hopes that vacation home pool operation is better
understood by homeowners. This is the main feature of a home that guests look forward
to, so it is imperative that pools are well-maintained and operated with guests’ needs in
mind.
Your Orlando Rent A Villa Team