How To Prepare and Maintain a Swimming Pool For Renters
Swimming Pool For Renters
A swimming pool can be a standout feature for any rental backyard. This is because it offers guests the perfect opportunity to have fun and relax while hosting large gatherings.
However, this is only true as long as your swimming pool is clean and appealing. If you’re going to be renting out a swimming pool in your backyard, you need to be committed to maintaining it properly over the long term and preparing it each time before new renters arrive.
In this article, we’ll dive into exactly how you can do that?
Preparing the Pool Before Renters Arrive
You’ll need to discipline yourself to pay special attention to your pool and make some adjustments to it each time before guests arrive.
Your goal here should be simple: your pool needs to be in pristine condition each time before guests arrive. It needs to match the description and the photos that you show in your listings and your marketing proposals, and it also needs to be in excellent condition and properly maintained.
Here’s a general step-by-step checklist of things you’ll need to check and do before guests arrive:
Start by giving your pool a thorough cleaning. Skim the surface to remove leaves, bugs, and any debris that may have accumulated.
Next, use a pool brush to scrub the walls and floor of the pool to eliminate algae, dirt, and grime that might be clinging to the surfaces.
After brushing, vacuum the pool to remove any remaining debris that has settled to the bottom. This will help maintain crystal-clear water, which is an absolute must for renters.
Test the water to check the pH levels, chlorine or bromine levels, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. The pH should ideally be between 7.2 and 7.8, as this range is safe for swimmers and helps prevent irritation to the skin and eyes. Chlorine or bromine levels should be maintained to between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million (ppm).
Check all pool equipment to ensure it is functioning properly. This includes the pool pump, filter, heater, and any automatic cleaning systems. Make sure the pool pump is circulating water effectively and that the filter is clean and operating correctly to keep the water clear of debris and bacteria.
Make sure the lighting in your pool works as well for nighttime use (if you have lighting).
If your pool has a heater, you’ll need to confirm that it is working properly, especially if you are hosting guests during cooler months or if the pool is advertised as heated.
Besides making sure the pool is in top shape condition, you’ll also want to make sure that all safety features are likewise. To that end, check that the pool fences and gates are secure and sure any pool alarms are working correctly,
Amenities That Will Improve the Renter Experience
Besides making sure that the pool itself has crystal clear water and is in perfect condition, you’ll also want to have plenty of luxuries and amenities in the pool area to help enhance the experience for renters.
Here’s what you’ll want to have:
Comfortable Poolside Furniture
Comfortable seating is a must for any pool area. Provide a mix of loungers, chairs, and tables so guests can relax by the pool, enjoy a meal, or socialize in comfort. Look for durable, weather-resistant furniture that can withstand outdoor conditions and maintain its appearance over time.
Shading
Sun protection is also essential for a comfortable and safe pool experience. You can add umbrellas, pergolas, or shade sails around the pool to provide shaded areas where guests can escape the sun.
Pool Toys
You can always improve the fun factor of your pool by providing a variety of pool toys and games. Think floats, noodles, beach balls, and inflatable loungers. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also add water sports equipment like pool volleyball or basketball sets.
Refreshments
It’s no secret that it gets hot during the summer! Even though renters will probably bring their own refreshments, you can still be a great host by offering your own refreshment station. You can have a small table or a cooler filled with ice and cold beverages. At the very least it adds convenience for any guests who forget to bring drinks of their own. If you don’t want to provide drinks, offering a cooler with the ice on its own would still be good.
Changing Area
It will also be a good courtesy if you have a changing area for guests to change into their swimwear. If you don’t have any place indoors where they can use, you can set up a small changing area surrounded by tarps instead.
Lighting
Make sure there’s plenty of outdoor lighting so guests can still see what’s going on if they want to keep sticking around or partying at night.
General Ongoing Maintenance Tips
Any pool will require regular, ongoing maintenance to ensure that it remains in top condition and perfect for your renters.
That’s why you’ll want to follow a regular cleaning routine for your pool where you do the following:
Skim the pool surface daily to remove leaves, insects, and other debris that may have blown in.
Use a pool brush to scrub the walls, steps, and floor at least once a week to prevent algae growth and to remove any dirt or grime that has accumulated.
Vacuum the pool regularly, especially after a busy rental period, to remove debris that has settled on the bottom.
In addition to your regular maintenance routine, you’ll need to schedule seasonal maintenance to prepare your pool for changing weather conditions. For instance, before winter, ensure that the pool is properly winterized if you live in a colder climate. This means you’ll need to lower the water level or drain the entire pool out, and keep the pool covered to keep it protected from debris and freezing temperatures.
As the warm summer months approach, inspect the pool for any winter damage, clean it thoroughly, and balance the water chemistry before the first guests of the season arrive.
Regularly walk around the pool area where you look for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks in the pool deck or loose tiles.
Conclusion
Following these tips is the number one thing you can do to ensure that you have a high rental satisfaction, secure good reviews, and have guests keep coming back. A pool will be a major draw for summer renters, but only if it’s in top shape.
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