With the rapidly evolving pandemic, we will continue to monitor developments and follow the guidance of local public health authorities, as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO).
Although our head office, our Amenities office and Fitness offices have closed, our Aquatics division is still dispatching service and making repairs as required to maintain our accounts. If you have any questions regarding your pool and/or fitness facilities, please contact us at the numbers or emails listed below.
During this time, please be assured that the LIV North, 24-hour emergency service line is open and operating. As we all know, breakdowns in your chemical systems can happen at any time regardless of usage, even though the likelihood is diminished.
After hours emergency: 416-665-0140 Ext #9
We have fielded many calls asking what to do with your pools and spas during this shut down. Below are some do’s and don’ts to provide some guidance.
A very important clarification is that a pool closure does not necessarily mean shutting down filtration system and draining the pool. It simply means you cannot allow bathers in the pool or pool areas. If your pool has been drained and shutdown for more than 30 days an opening inspection is required by your local health inspector. In most cases, it is safer and more cost-effective to keep the pool running and balanced during this time. This will prevent potential damage to the pool/equipment and prevent biofilm, mold, algae or other outbreaks that will occur in stagnant water.
Recommended Guideline for your Pool / Spa during this shut down:
- Do NOT drain the pool. The costs of re-filling a typical condominium pool can be between $1200-$1800 depending on the size of your pool. In addition a significant amount of damage can result if certain concrete pools are left without water pressure, this outward pressure forms part of the structure and can affect much more that the pool, this is why pools even for winterization are never fully drained. If your pool is built using a marblite style finish it can not stay drained under any circumstances.
- Do not stop basic maintenance of your pool and/ or spa. It is important to maintain proper chemical balances and ensure your system is running properly.
- Do not delay in having repairs made to the system. Putting off basic repairs can lead to more expensive repairs in the future and may delay your re-opening once the go ahead is given.
- Keep water circulating! If pumps are equipped with Variable Speed Drives, the speed can be turned down significantly. This will conserve energy, but it is important to keep water circulating through the filter.
- The set point on your heaters can be lowered to conserve energy, but you must consider the cost and time to re-heat the water. Check with our technician for an acceptable range.
- Keep water balanced and chlorinated! Chlorine setpoints can be reduced to minimal (1-3 PPM). This is key to prevent biofilm, mold, and algae from forming.
- You may not need to check chemical balance every 2 hours as mandated by code during this closure, but we recommend checking once a day minimum to ensure settings have not varied that would cause potential damage. For future records.
- If you have not already done so, make sure you record the date of closure in your pool log and record all maintenance checks during the closure if you can. It will assist if any issues arise.
- Prior to opening you pool and/or spa it is strongly recommended that your pool area be thoroughly cleaned, and wash by professionals.
- Pool & Pool Deck and surrounding area can be pressure washed with chlorine rinse.
- Hot Tub cleaning includes draining, running the lines, cleaning the filter and pressure washing.
- Changerooms should be disinfected in the same manner
Check the LIV North website for more details or call your provider.
Hot tubs:
- Smaller hot tubs (non-concrete) can typically be drained, but all plumbing lines, pumps and especially filters should be drained of water to prevent biofilm and mold growth.
- If not draining, follow the same recommendations as pools to keep circulating, filtering and chemically treated.
Outdoor Pools
Outdoor pool season is almost upon us and everyone is looking forward to the current restrictions being ended. There are many things you can do to prepare your pool, including making repairs in advance of the summer season.
The earlier we can get in and shock the stagnant pool water the greater the level of comfort on the part of your owners and renters. Once the weather is warm in early April, this process can be started.
It is important that you plan to start up these pools and keep them clean and treated similar to the guidance above and for the same reasons.
For additional information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) relating to public swimming pools, please visit the CDC website.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions or any concerns.
EMAIL: customercare@livnorth.com
Phone: 416-665-0410 Ext # 3
Website: https://livnorth.com/aquatics/
