Winter Pool Maintenance Tips From Allen Realty For Landlords & Tenants

Allen Realty recently published a blog on their website providing tips on winter pool maintenance for landlords and tenants during the winter months, advocating a reduced maintenance plan during this time. Temperatures in Auckland generally mean pools don’t need to be drained in winter, and an owner can consider reducing maintenance to once a month because there are fewer issues when it’s not being regularly used.

As the Allen Realty team say, “Careful pool maintenance does take time and a winter of neglect means more hard work come summer. If a tenant is reluctant to help with the upkeep of the pool at your rental property, landlords could consider hiring a professional pool cleaner to service the pool regularly or do it themselves.”

As we are all aware, one of the most important issues to consider is the pool fencing and gates. Landlords need to ensure at all times that the property meets current legislation, including the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987. A fence or gate that doesn’t meet the standards under this act won’t meet obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 which requires all properties meet all enactments and council bylaws.

Another thing that pool experts generally recommend is that pumps are run at least four hours a day during winter. Chemical levels in the water need to be maintained within a recommended range, and leaves, dirt and other debris need to be removed on a regular basis. Leaf nets and pool covers are a great way to keep the pool in a good condition and can even reduce the need for chemical treatments.

Allen Realty property managers negotiate pool maintenance for each property. Some tenancies have maintenance included in the rent while others require the tenants to be responsible for the daily upkeep. No matter who is responsible to maintain the pool, the owner is always responsible for the maintenance of the pool pump and filter as this is generally a chattel on all tenancy agreements.

For anyone needing assistance to manage their property with a pool, they can contact Allen Realty, or visit their website at http://www.allenrealty.co.nz  for more information about their landlord services