Managing a swimming pool involves unique challenges—safety is paramount, capacity must be controlled, and water quality can't be compromised. Yet pools also offer incredible business potential, especially in urban India where demand far exceeds supply.
This guide covers everything you need to run a safe, efficient, and profitable swimming facility.
Safety: The Non-Negotiable Foundation
Swimming pools carry inherent risks. Your #1 job is ensuring everyone goes home safe.
Lifeguard Requirements
Minimum Standards:
| Pool Size | Lifeguards Required | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| <25m, <50 swimmers | 1 | All operating hours |
| 25m, 50-100 swimmers | 2 | All operating hours |
| 50m or >100 swimmers | 3+ | All operating hours |
Lifeguard Qualifications:
- National/state lifeguard certification
- CPR and First Aid certified
- Renewed annually
- Regular in-service training
Lifeguard Positioning:
- Elevated chair with full pool view
- Rotation every 30-45 minutes (attention fatigue)
- No other duties while on stand
- Rescue equipment within arm's reach
Safety Equipment Checklist
Poolside (Essential):
- Rescue tubes (1 per lifeguard)
- Reaching poles (minimum 2)
- Ring buoys with ropes (4 corners)
- Spine board
- First aid kit (fully stocked)
- AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
- Emergency phone
- Whistle for each lifeguard
Additional:
- Oxygen equipment
- Blankets
- Emergency action plan posted
- Depth markers clearly visible
- No diving signs where needed
Pool Rules (Post Prominently)
Essential Rules:
- No running on deck
- Shower before entering pool
- No diving in shallow end
- Children under 12 require adult supervision
- No glass containers
- No food in pool area
- Proper swim attire required
- No swimming with open wounds
- Exit pool during thunder/lightning
- Follow lifeguard instructions immediately
Emergency Action Plan
Every staff member must know:
- How to recognize drowning (often silent)
- How to activate emergency response
- Their specific role in emergency
- Location of all safety equipment
- How to clear the pool
- Emergency contact numbers
Conduct drills monthly.
Water Quality Management
Poor water quality = sick members = lawsuits + reputation damage.
Daily Testing Protocol
| Parameter | Target Range | Test Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Free chlorine | 1.0-3.0 ppm | Every 2-4 hours |
| pH | 7.2-7.8 | Every 2-4 hours |
| Combined chlorine | <0.5 ppm | Daily |
| Total alkalinity | 80-120 ppm | Daily |
| Water temperature | 26-28°C | Continuous |
| Clarity | See bottom clearly | Continuous |
Chemical Management
Storage:
- Separate storage for different chemicals
- Well-ventilated area
- MSDS sheets accessible
- Proper PPE for handling
Shocking Schedule:
- Regular shock: Weekly
- Heavy use days: After use
- Algae signs: Immediately
- After contamination incidents
Filtration System
Maintenance Schedule:
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Backwash | When pressure rises 8-10 psi |
| Inspect filter media | Monthly |
| Deep clean | Quarterly |
| Replace media | As needed (3-7 years) |
Batch and Slot Management
Swimming pools have finite capacity. Smart scheduling maximizes revenue while maintaining safety and experience.
Capacity Calculation
Formula: Pool area (sq ft) ÷ 25 = Max swimmers
Example: 25m × 10m pool = 270 sq m = 2,900 sq ft Max capacity = 2,900 ÷ 25 = 116 swimmers
Comfortable capacity: 50-60% of max = 60-70 swimmers
Slot Structure
Typical Schedule:
| Time | Slot Type | Duration | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5:30-7:00 AM | Adult lap swim | 90 min | 30 |
| 7:00-8:30 AM | Learn to swim (kids) | 90 min | 40 |
| 8:30-10:00 AM | Learn to swim (kids) | 90 min | 40 |
| 10:00-12:00 PM | Private lessons | 2 hours | 15 |
| 3:00-4:30 PM | Kids beginners | 90 min | 40 |
| 4:30-6:00 PM | Kids intermediate | 90 min | 40 |
| 6:00-7:30 PM | Adult beginners | 90 min | 30 |
| 7:30-9:00 PM | Lap swim/fitness | 90 min | 30 |
Lane Allocation
For lap swimming:
- Fast lane
- Medium lane
- Slow lane
- Shared/walking lane
For lessons:
- Shallow end: Beginners
- Middle: Intermediate
- Deep end: Advanced (with proper supervision)
Learn-to-Swim Programs
Swimming lessons are the bread-and-butter of most pools.
Level Progression System
Level 1: Water Comfort (8-12 sessions)
- Enter and exit safely
- Blow bubbles
- Submerge face
- Float with support
- Basic kicks with support
Level 2: Basic Skills (8-12 sessions)
- Float independently (front/back)
- Glide with kick
- Retrieve objects underwater
- Treading basics
- Pool safety rules
Level 3: Stroke Development (12-16 sessions)
- Front crawl basics
- Back crawl basics
- Rhythmic breathing
- Jump into water, swim to side
- 15m swim
Level 4: Stroke Improvement (12-16 sessions)
- Front crawl refinement
- Backstroke refinement
- Breaststroke introduction
- Diving basics
- 25m swim
Level 5: Advanced Skills (Ongoing)
- All four strokes
- Flip turns
- Diving
- Endurance building
- Competition preparation
Class Sizes
| Level | Max Students | Instructor Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 6 | 1:6 |
| Level 2 | 8 | 1:8 |
| Level 3 | 8 | 1:8 |
| Level 4 | 10 | 1:10 |
| Level 5 | 12 | 1:12 |
Pricing Strategy
Monthly Packages:
| Program | Sessions/Week | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Learn to swim (kids) | 3 | ₹2,500-4,000 |
| Learn to swim (adults) | 3 | ₹3,000-5,000 |
| Lap swimming | Unlimited | ₹2,000-3,500 |
| Aqua aerobics | 3 | ₹2,500-4,000 |
| Competitive training | 5-6 | ₹5,000-8,000 |
Member Management
Registration Process
Information to Collect:
- Personal details (name, age, contact)
- Emergency contact
- Medical history (allergies, conditions)
- Swimming ability self-assessment
- Photo (for identification)
- Signed liability waiver
Health Declarations:
- Heart conditions
- Epilepsy
- Skin conditions
- Recent surgeries
- Pregnancy
Membership Types
| Type | Best For | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Session pack (10/20) | Casual swimmers | Flexibility, no commitment |
| Monthly unlimited | Regular swimmers | Best value for frequent use |
| Slot-specific monthly | Budget-conscious | Lower price, limited timing |
| Annual | Committed members | Best per-session rate |
| Family | Multiple members | Shared sessions, discount |
Attendance and Access
Options:
- Slot booking system (recommended for lessons)
- Open access during operating hours (lap swimming)
- Hybrid (lessons require booking, lap swim open)
Check-in Methods:
- Staff verification
- QR code scan
- Biometric (waterproof challenges)
- Access cards
Operations Excellence
Daily Checklist
Opening (30 min before first slot):
- Test water chemistry
- Check all safety equipment
- Inspect pool and deck for hazards
- Ensure changing rooms are clean
- Verify lifeguards are present and briefed
- Check first aid supplies
- Start filtration/heating systems
During Operations:
- Water tests every 4 hours
- Deck cleanliness checks
- Restroom checks hourly
- Monitor capacity
- Watch for safety issues
Closing:
- Clear pool completely
- Final water test
- Secure all chemicals
- Lock up
- Set systems for overnight
Seasonal Considerations
Summer (Peak Season):
- Extended hours
- Additional staff
- Increased chemical use
- Higher capacity demand
- Summer camp programs
Monsoon:
- Weather monitoring
- Indoor activities backup
- Flexible cancellation policy
- Increased drainage maintenance
Winter:
- Heated pool (if available)
- Reduced hours possible
- Membership retention focus
- Off-peak promotions
Communication Best Practices
What Parents Want to Know
For Learn-to-Swim:
- Child's progress
- Level assessments
- Attendance records
- Upcoming batches
- Fee due dates
Regular Updates:
| Update Type | Frequency | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule changes | As needed | WhatsApp + App |
| Weather cancellations | Same day | SMS + WhatsApp |
| Progress reports | Monthly | App/Email |
| Fee reminders | Before due | |
| Level promotions | After assessment | Personal call + message |
Sample Progress Message
Hi [Parent Name],
[Child Name] has completed Level 2! 🏊♂️
Achievements: ✓ Independent floating ✓ 10m glide with kick ✓ Basic water safety
Ready for Level 3 starting next week!
Batch timing: Mon/Wed/Fri, 4:30 PM
Reply to confirm or call us for questions.
Financial Performance
Revenue Model
50-student swim school example:
| Revenue Source | Monthly |
|---|---|
| Learn to swim (40 × ₹3,500) | ₹1,40,000 |
| Lap swim (15 × ₹2,500) | ₹37,500 |
| Private lessons (30 × ₹700) | ₹21,000 |
| Summer camp (prorated) | ₹15,000 |
| Total Revenue | ₹2,13,500 |
Expenses:
| Expense | Monthly |
|---|---|
| Rent/lease | ₹50,000 |
| Staff (3 instructors + lifeguard + admin) | ₹70,000 |
| Utilities + water | ₹25,000 |
| Chemicals | ₹10,000 |
| Maintenance | ₹8,000 |
| Insurance | ₹5,000 |
| Marketing | ₹5,000 |
| Software | ₹3,000 |
| Total Expenses | ₹1,76,000 |
Net Profit: ₹37,500/month (17.5% margin)
Improving Profitability
- Increase slot utilization (off-peak promotions)
- Add premium services (private lessons, video analysis)
- Seasonal programs (summer camps, intensive courses)
- Corporate partnerships (employee swimming benefits)
- Birthday parties (pool rentals)
Conclusion
Swimming pool management requires balancing three priorities:
- Safety - Non-negotiable, always comes first
- Experience - Clean facilities, clear water, good instruction
- Business - Efficient operations, smart pricing, full batches
Get these right, and you'll have a facility that parents trust, swimmers love, and that generates sustainable profits.
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