The operations of the pool facilities, which can be private or public, are overseen by a swimming pool manager. Managers are hired by facilities such as city pools or hotels for the sole purpose of overseeing all pool activities and operations. Swimming pool managers frequently supervise and train staff to perform a variety of duties related to facility maintenance, such as organizing aerobics classes and swimming lessons, as well as ensuring swimmer safety. Most jobs only require a high school diploma or general equivalent diploma, as well as certifications in CPR, lifeguarding, and first aid. The pool manager must be able to handle medical emergencies on the premises and must have procedures in place to summon assistance.
Managers must be comfortable with both the financial and health and technical aspects of managing pool facilities. A swimming pool manager’s responsibilities include drafting and submitting budgets, as well as obtaining enough funds to pay staff, such as lifeguards and swimming instructors. Unless they delegate these responsibilities to an assistant swimming pool manager, many managers must balance the cash and make daily deposits at the close of business. The manager may be delegated by the leadership team the responsibility of developing accounting procedures to account for the fees collected from patrons to the pool and class attendees. When inventory is low and more supplies are needed to keep the pool facility running, it is often the manager’s sole responsibility to notify his or her supervisor or other designated person.
Any swimming pool manager’s job often entails training and supervising staff on a daily basis. The manager must act as a human resource representative, monitor each employee’s time worked, and ensure that overtime pay is paid if necessary. The swimming pool manager is also responsible for disciplinary actions against employees, such as suspending or firing employees in accordance with company policies. The swimming pool manager’s job often entails continuing to train lifeguards and other staff to perform the tasks for which they were hired. Depending on the type of training and the number of employees who need to be trained, this may include group training sessions or individualized training.
Swimming pool managers must supervise the process of maintaining a healthy and sanitary pool. Water samples from the pool are frequently collected by the manager and sent to a laboratory for analysis. A swimming pool manager is also in charge of maintaining the grounds and, if necessary, hiring help for repairs.