Fillable checklist

Pool Maintenance Checklist: Home Pool and Spa (Free Printable PDF)

Fillable US home pool and spa maintenance form with water test, filter, pump, covers, and safety checks. Print blank or save a filled PDF.

Maintenance Fillable form · 10 sections · 47 checks Download filled or blank PDF and CSV Cross-checked against CDC, CPSC, EPA, Pentair, and Hayward · Last verified Sep 1, 2026

Snugage fillable checklist

Fill this on screen, then download a PDF or CSV. Download a blank copy to complete by hand. Answers stay in this tab only. The next visitor sees a blank form. This is owner and technician periodic maintenance for a US home pool or spa. It is not a public-pool operator exam, not a home inspection, and not a substitute for the OEM manual or a licensed pool technician.

  • 10 sections
  • 47 checks
  • Blank for each visitor

Form details

Pool and service date

Record the pool or spa you are actually servicing. Mark spa-only lines N/A on a swimming pool, and pool-only lines N/A on a stand-alone hot tub. This is a maintenance template, not a substitute for the OEM procedure or local barrier code.

13 fields
Pool and service date

Record the filled volume used for dosing. This is not a pass or fail number.

From the pump rating plate.

From the filter tank label.

Pentair and Hayward: record the pressure right after a clean start at the same pump speed. This is a log, not a code limit.

Read the gauge with the pump running after the air relief shows a steady water stream.

Owner, technician name, or company.

Form details

Water test log

Write the numbers you measured. CDC targets below are health guidance, not a building-code fail. Leave bromine blank on a chlorine pool. Leave cyanuric acid blank if you did not test it.

10 fields
Water test log

CDC target, not a code fail: at least 1 ppm in a pool without cyanuric acid, at least 2 ppm if you use cyanuric acid or stabilized chlorine, at least 3 ppm in a hot tub. A second CDC page lists a typical pool range of 1 to 4 ppm. Follow the product label.

Record if your kit reports it. Combined chlorine is total minus free. CDC does not set a home-pool fail number for combined chlorine on this form.

CDC typical range 3 to 8 ppm when you use bromine. Leave blank on a chlorine-only pool.

CDC target 7.0 to 7.8 for pools and hot tubs. Not a code fail. High pH weakens chlorine. Low pH can corrode pipes.

Record if tested. CDC: if you use cyanuric acid, keep pool chlorine at least 2 ppm. CDC recommends not using cyanuric acid in hot tubs. This form does not invent a CYA fail number.

Optional record. Home Depot winter-close how-to lists 80 to 150 ppm. CDC and EPA pages fetched for this form do not set a home-owner fail number. Not a code fail.

Record only. This is not a pass or fail limit.

Inspection station

Water test and chemical handling

Do the test and handling lines here. Write the ppm and pH in the water log. Mark spa CYA lines N/A on a pool that does not use stabilizer. Skip a line only when it is not due this visit.

6 items
Water test and chemical handling

Disinfectant and pH tested this visit

CDC: test chlorine (or bromine) and pH at least twice per day, and more often when many people are in the water. A DPD kit is more accurate than strips. Strips are acceptable if you follow the strip maker. If chlorine is above about 10 ppm, a DPD test can bleach out and read false low or 0.

Disinfectant and pH tested this visit: Done, Skip, or N/A

Readings written in the water log

Copy free chlorine or bromine, pH, and any cyanuric acid or alkalinity you measured. Do not treat the CDC ppm figures as a building-code fail. They are targets for killing germs.

Readings written in the water log: Done, Skip, or N/A

Readings compared with CDC targets

Pool without cyanuric acid: at least 1 ppm chlorine, pH 7.0 to 7.8. Pool with cyanuric acid: at least 2 ppm chlorine, same pH. Hot tub: at least 3 ppm chlorine, and CDC says not to use cyanuric acid. Bromine: typical 3 to 8 ppm. Adjust only if the product label tells you how.

Readings compared with CDC targets: Done, Skip, or N/A

Adjustments made only per the product label

CDC and EPA: read the entire label or SDS before each use. Measure carefully. Never mix chlorine with acid or mix different chlorine products. Open one container at a time and close it before you open another.

Adjustments made only per the product label: Done, Skip, or N/A

PPE used, chemical added to water

CDC: wear goggles and gloves. Handle in a well-ventilated area. If the label says to pre-dissolve, add the chemical to water. Never add water to the chemical: a violent reaction can occur. EPA: even a small splash of water on dry oxidizer can release heat and chlorine gas.

PPE used, chemical added to water: Done, Skip, or N/A

No cyanuric acid used in a hot tub

CDC recommends not using cyanuric acid or chlorine products that contain it (dichlor or trichlor) in hot tubs. Mark N/A on a swimming pool, or Skip if this visit did not change the sanitizer.

No cyanuric acid used in a hot tub: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Filter and pressure

These lines are the filter tank and gauge only. Pump and skimmer baskets stay in the pump section. Mark DE recharge N/A on a cartridge or sand filter.

7 items
Filter and pressure

Pump off, air relief open, pressure at 0 before opening

Pentair and Hayward: turn the pump and automatic controls off, open the manual air relief, and wait until the gauge reads 0 psi. Never open a clamp, lock ring, or lid under pressure. Trapped air can launch a lid.

Pump off, air relief open, pressure at 0 before opening: Done, Skip, or N/A

Clean start and current pressure recorded

Write both numbers in the header. Pentair: on a variable-speed pump, the clean starting pressure depends on the RPM you used when you recorded it. Use the same speed when you compare.

Clean start and current pressure recorded: Done, Skip, or N/A

Filter cleaned or backwashed if due

Pentair Clean and Clear RP and Hayward sand and DE manuals: clean or backwash when pressure is about 8 to 10 psi above the clean starting pressure, or when flow drops a lot. That is an OEM service target, not a code fail. Cartridge: rinse pleats with a hose. Sand or DE: stop the pump before you move a multiport valve.

Filter cleaned or backwashed if due: Done, Skip, or N/A

DE recharged after backwash

Hayward Pro-Grid style DE: after backwash and rinse, add the labeled amount of DE through the skimmer as a slurry and record the new clean pressure. Mark N/A on cartridge or sand.

DE recharged after backwash: Done, Skip, or N/A

Pressure gauge reads 0 off and pressure on

Pentair: the gauge is the primary operating indicator. It should go to 0 when the system is off and pressure is relieved, show pressure when running, and stay readable. Replace a stuck or damaged gauge.

Pressure gauge reads 0 off and pressure on: Done, Skip, or N/A

Lid, clamp, and O-ring seated

Pentair: clean the O-ring and groove. Use silicone lubricant, not a petroleum grease, on cartridge-filter O-rings. Hayward: do not change a filter control valve while the pump is running.

Lid, clamp, and O-ring seated: Done, Skip, or N/A

Restarted with air relief open until steady water

Hayward and Pentair: before start, all suction and return valves open, air relief fully open. Do not close the relief until a steady stream of water (not air) comes out. Stand clear at start-up.

Restarted with air relief open until steady water: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Pump, strainer, and skimmer

These lines are the pump, hair-and-lint basket, and skimmer only. Filter pressure and media stay in the filter section. Electrical work beyond a GFCI test is a licensed task.

8 items
Pump, strainer, and skimmer

Power off before opening the strainer

Hayward: turn power off at the breaker before you drain or open the pump. Pentair: lock out or tag automatic controls so the pump cannot start while the lid is off.

Power off before opening the strainer: Done, Skip, or N/A

Pump strainer basket emptied

Hayward: clean the strainer basket regularly. Do not strike the basket. Inspect the cover gasket and replace it if it is cut or flat. Lubricate the cover O-ring each time you remove it. Tighten cover knobs by hand only.

Pump strainer basket emptied: Done, Skip, or N/A

Skimmer basket emptied

Hayward lists a loaded skimmer basket as a no-prime and low-flow cause. Pentair: a clogged skimmer basket can pull air and drop filter pressure. Home Depot close steps also empty skimmer baskets before winter.

Skimmer basket emptied: Done, Skip, or N/A

Strainer refilled and cover sealed

Hayward: never run the pump dry. Fill the strainer housing with water, seat a clean lubricated O-ring, and lock the cover. A suction leak often shows as bubbles at the returns.

Strainer refilled and cover sealed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Motor clean, air vents open

Hayward: keep the motor clean and the air vents free. Do not hose off the motor. Motors need free air or they can overheat. No lubrication is needed on Hayward self-lubricated bearings.

Motor clean, air vents open: Done, Skip, or N/A

Water level high enough for the skimmer

Pentair: a low water level starves the skimmer and lets air into the filter, which is dangerous. Add water so the skimmer weir can float and the pump hair pot stays full.

Water level high enough for the skimmer: Done, Skip, or N/A

Pump primed, valves open, no dry run

Hayward: fill the strainer before start. All suction and discharge valves must be open. Do not move a filter valve while the pump is running. Never operate the circulation system above 50 psi (Hayward and Pentair tank limits). That 50 psi is an OEM maximum, not a service target.

Pump primed, valves open, no dry run: Done, Skip, or N/A

GFCI protecting the pump tested

Hayward cites NEC: connect only to a GFCI-protected branch circuit and test the GFCI on a routine basis (test button trips, reset restores power). If you cannot reach the device, mark Skip and schedule an electrician. Repair is licensed work.

GFCI protecting the pump tested: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Cleaner, vacuum, and debris

Mark automatic-cleaner lines N/A if you only use a pole, net, or manual vacuum. Do not run a suction cleaner on a missing or broken drain cover.

6 items
Cleaner, vacuum, and debris

Surface skimmed, walls brushed, or floor vacuumed

Home Depot winterize steps: net floating debris, brush surfaces, vacuum the floor, and empty skimmer baskets. Do the same on a regular visit so the filter is not the only cleaner.

Surface skimmed, walls brushed, or floor vacuumed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Automatic cleaner bag or canister emptied

Pentair RACER and Kreepy Krauly Platinum: empty the debris bag when it is about half full, and after a storm. A second bag can dry while the other runs. Mark N/A if there is no automatic cleaner.

Automatic cleaner bag or canister emptied: Done, Skip, or N/A

Cleaner hose, bag, and wall fitting inspected

Pentair: check that hoses are not split, floats are spaced, the wall fitting is seated, and the bag fabric is not torn. Replace a punctured bag. A split suction hose can pull air into the pump.

Cleaner hose, bag, and wall fitting inspected: Done, Skip, or N/A

Cleaner removed before adding chemicals

Pentair RACER and Kreepy Krauly: take the cleaner out of the water before you add chemicals so the bag and plastics last longer.

Cleaner removed before adding chemicals: Done, Skip, or N/A

Cleaner not used with a damaged drain cover

Hayward: never use the pool or spa if a suction outlet cover is damaged, broken, cracked, missing, or loose. Replace it before you run a suction-side cleaner or the pump.

Cleaner not used with a damaged drain cover: Done, Skip, or N/A

Nets, poles, and deck gear stored clear of the water

Home Depot close steps remove the ladder and deck equipment for winter. In season, keep poles and chemicals off the deck edge so they cannot fall in or become climb holds on a fence (CPSC: do not give children a climb path).

Nets, poles, and deck gear stored clear of the water: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Covers

A solar blanket is not a safety barrier. CPSC treats a power safety cover that meets ASTM F1346 as one possible layer when the house is a side of the fence. Mark power-cover lines N/A if you have only a solar or winter mesh cover.

5 items
Covers

Cover on when the pool is not in use

PoolSafely (CPSC): keep pool and spa covers in working order and keep them covered when they are not in use. This is a layer of protection, not a substitute for a fence or adult supervision.

Cover on when the pool is not in use: Done, Skip, or N/A

Cover intact and in working order

CPSC Pub. 362: maintain covers. Check for tears, missing anchors, a failed mechanism, or standing water that could hide a child. Repair or replace before you rely on it.

Cover intact and in working order: Done, Skip, or N/A

Safety cover vs solar blanket identified

CPSC: a power safety cover should meet ASTM F1346-91. A thin solar blanket holds heat only. It is not a child barrier. Write which cover you have in Notes.

Safety cover vs solar blanket identified: Done, Skip, or N/A

Power-cover control kept out of child reach

CPSC: keep the control device for a power cover out of the reach of children. Mark N/A if there is no powered cover.

Power-cover control kept out of child reach: Done, Skip, or N/A

Standing water removed from a solid cover

A puddle on a solid cover is a drowning hazard for a toddler and can collapse mesh or tarp covers. Pump it off. Mark N/A on a mesh cover that is designed to pass rain, if the cover is still taut.

Standing water removed from a solid cover: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Barriers, drains, and chemical storage

CPSC barrier figures are guidelines, not a federal mandate for every home pool. Some states and cities write them into code. VGB drain-cover rules are mandatory for public pools and spas. CPSC still recommends anti-entrapment covers on residential pools.

8 items
Barriers, drains, and chemical storage

Isolation fence at least 4 feet, four sides preferred

CPSC Pub. 362 and PoolSafely: a non-climbable fence at least 4 feet (48 inches) above grade on the outside. Four-sided isolation from the house is better than using the house as the fourth side. Some localities require 5 feet. This is a guideline unless your city adopted it. Barriers never replace adult supervision (CPSC, CDC).

Isolation fence at least 4 feet, four sides preferred: Done, Skip, or N/A

Gates self-close, self-latch, and open out

CPSC: pedestrian gates should open out from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching so a child pushing the gate closes it. CDC also calls for four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Gates self-close, self-latch, and open out: Done, Skip, or N/A

Door or pool alarms if the house is a barrier side

CPSC and PoolSafely: if a house wall is one side of the fence, put alarms on doors (and windows) that lead to the pool. CPSC points to UL 2017 pool-entrance alarms. A pool alarm or safety cover is another layer, not a substitute for supervision.

Door or pool alarms if the house is a barrier side: Done, Skip, or N/A

Drain covers intact and anti-entrapment type

Hayward: replace a damaged, cracked, missing, or loose suction cover immediately and do not use the pool until it is replaced. CPSC VGB (15 U.S.C. 8001 to 8008, 16 CFR 1450): public pools must have compliant covers (ANSI/APSP/ICC-16). Residential covers are not federally required, but CPSC strongly recommends them.

Drain covers intact and anti-entrapment type: Done, Skip, or N/A

Life ring, float, or reaching pole at hand

CPSC Pub. 362: have life-saving equipment such as life rings, floats, or a reaching pole available and easy to reach. CDC: Coast Guard-approved life jackets as directed, plus CPR skills. This line is the hardware check only.

Life ring, float, or reaching pole at hand: Done, Skip, or N/A

Chemicals locked in original labeled containers

CDC storage poster: lock chemicals away from people and animals, keep them closed in the original labeled container, cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight. CDC chemical-safety page: store below 95°F / 35°C when the maker allows, and follow local fire code.

Chemicals locked in original labeled containers: Done, Skip, or N/A

Acid stored away from chlorine, liquids low

CDC: separate incompatible chemicals (acid and chlorine). Do not mix different chlorine products. Store liquids low so a leak does not drip onto dry oxidizer. EPA: do not sweep different spills into one pile. Use a dedicated tool for each chemical.

Acid stored away from chlorine, liquids low: Done, Skip, or N/A

Storage kept dry, no ignition sources

EPA: keep packages off wet floors, away from roof leaks, hoses, and sprinklers. CDC: no gasoline equipment or smoking in the chemical area. Dispose of unlabeled or leftover product through the local hazardous-materials program. Never reuse empty containers (CDC).

Storage kept dry, no ignition sources: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Seasonal close and open

Complete close lines before freeze weather. Mark every freeze line N/A in a year-round warm climate where the system stays circulating. Follow the pump and filter OEM before you blow lines.

7 items
Seasonal close and open

Close: water lowered below inlets or skimmer

Hayward winterize: drain the water level below all inlets. Home Depot how-to: a common close is about 4 to 6 inches below the skimmer, then a skimmer cover or plug. That 4 to 6 inch figure is retailer how-to, not a code number. Use the OEM and your liner or concrete maker if they differ.

Close: water lowered below inlets or skimmer: Done, Skip, or N/A

Close: pump, filter, and heater drained

Hayward: power off, remove strainer drain plugs and the strainer cover, drain the pump, then store it dry. Do not wrap the motor in plastic. Home Depot: remove drain plugs, store the pump indoors if you can, set a sand multiport to winterize or between ports, and store a rinsed cartridge dry.

Close: pump, filter, and heater drained: Done, Skip, or N/A

Close: no compressed-air purge

Hayward: do not purge with compressed air (explosion hazard). If air is used, Hayward allows only a low-pressure (below 5 psi), high-volume blower. Pentair: if air is used to winterize, open the filter air relief first. The 5 psi figure is Hayward OEM, not a code fail. Hire a tech if you are not trained.

Close: no compressed-air purge: Done, Skip, or N/A

Close: winter cover fitted and secured

Home Depot: fit a durable cover, plug returns, add a skimmer cover, and secure the cover. PoolSafely: keep covers in working order. A winter mesh or solid cover is not automatically an ASTM F1346 safety cover.

Close: winter cover fitted and secured: Done, Skip, or N/A

Close: leftover chemicals stored or disposed

Home Depot: store unused chemicals per the label and dispose of product that will lose potency. CDC: never reuse containers. Contact the local hazardous-materials agency for unlabeled waste.

Close: leftover chemicals stored or disposed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Open: equipment inspected, strainer filled, water tested

Reverse the close: inspect the pump, filter, and drain covers before you add water to the strainer (Hayward: never start dry). Restart with the air relief open (Pentair, Hayward). Test chlorine and pH before anyone swims (CDC). Mark N/A if this visit is mid-season only.

Open: equipment inspected, strainer filled, water tested: Done, Skip, or N/A

Year-round climate: freeze lines marked N/A

If the pool stays open and circulating all year, mark the close and blow-out lines N/A and keep the twice-daily water test (CDC). Home Depot notes a mid-winter shock may still be used in warm climates. Follow the label, not this form, for dose.

Year-round climate: freeze lines marked N/A: Done, Skip, or N/A

Form details

Service log and sign-off

Write what you found, what you added, and the next test and filter dates, then sign. If a drain cover, electrical fault, or freeze blow-out needs a license, pick Licensed technician needed instead of Service complete.

9 fields
Service log and sign-off

CDC: at least twice per day in season. Use today's date if the second test is later today, and say so in notes.

Check the gauge often. Clean at about 8 to 10 psi above the clean start (Pentair, Hayward), or sooner if flow drops.

Set a date for a licensed visit when you cannot complete a drain cover, electrical, or freeze blow-out yourself.

Draw your signature, or upload an image to replace it.

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References

  1. Home pool and hot tub water treatment and testing - CDC
  2. Guidelines for keeping your pool safe and healthy - CDC
  3. Pool chemical safety (storage, handling, PPE) - CDC
  4. Use pool chemicals safely poster - CDC
  5. Store pool chemicals safely poster - CDC
  6. Safety Barrier Guidelines for Residential Pools (Pub. 362) - CPSC
  7. Barriers, covers, and alarms for residential pools - PoolSafely (CPSC)
  8. Virginia Graeme Baker Act drain cover rules - CPSC
  9. Safe storage and handling of swimming pool chemicals - EPA
  10. Clean and Clear RP cartridge filter owner's manual - Pentair
  11. Super Pump Series installation and operating instructions - Hayward
  12. RACER pressure-side cleaner user's guide - Pentair
  13. How to winterize a pool - Home Depot

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These checklists are provided for general reference only. Always verify the steps against local codes, a licensed inspector or a qualified contractor before relying on them, especially for safety-critical work.