By Richard Lindhorn, Vice President at VivoAquatics. VivoAquatics won the ‘Best Use of Cloud in the Internet of Things (IoT)’ category at the 2023/24 Cloud Awards.

In the dynamic world of pools, spas and other water features, ensuring safety and compliance is paramount.

With new technological advancements emerging, traditional methods of managing commercial pool water are rapidly evolving and improving. At the forefront of this revolution is cloud-based technology.

At VivoAquatics, we firmly believe that embracing this digital transformation is a critical step towards safer and more efficiently managed commercial pools, in addition to a more sustainable future.

In this article, we’ll dive into the numerous ways in which cloud technology is reshaping commercial pool management for the better.

Real-time monitoring for a safer swim

Commercial facilities face plenty of challenges in maintaining a safe and sanitary environment for their guests. It’s no secret that pools pose inherent safety hazards, with guests running the risk of being exposed to harmful chemicals or acquiring an infection. This is why factors such as unbalanced pH levels, low (or high) chlorine levels, and cloudy water can all cause a failed pool safety inspection.

This is where cloud-based technology – and its real-time monitoring capabilities – comes in. With this innovative technology, commercial pool managers and engineers can access valuable data on water quality, temperature, chemical balance and more – all from the convenience of a remote interface. This instant access ensures that any deviation from safety parameters can be identified and addressed as quickly as possible, significantly reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses and other issues.

For example, consider a scenario where the chlorine levels in a pool begin to fluctuate beyond the acceptable range. With cloud-based technology, an alert is generated and sent to a manager’s device in real-time, which allows them to remotely assess the situation and take immediate action. This proactive approach protects swimmers and helps the facility maintain its reputation as a safe and reliable destination.

Cloud technology and compliance

Navigating complex and ever-changing regulatory requirements can be tough. Local, state and federal regulations dictate specific parameters for water quality, safety equipment and emergency procedures.

Frequent compliance violations include improper pH levels or chlorination, recreational water illnesses (RWIs), chemical spills, maintenance issues and poor filtration or air circulation. Without sufficient compliance management, commercial facilities face financial risks such as litigation, shutdowns, property and equipment damage, guest safety issues and more.

Cloud-based technology proves to be a lifeline in this regard, offering compliance standards tracking and reporting. The cloud acts as a centralized repository for updates and changes in regulatory requirements. As regulations evolve, the system can be updated to reflect the latest standards, ensuring that the facility remains in continuous compliance.

Additionally, efficiency is critical when it comes to adhering to regulations and protocols. Cloud-based technology can help organize, track and streamline all pool management processes and automate operating procedures to ensure best practices are up-to-date and easy to follow. By automating these crucial processes, facilities not only enhance the safety of their pools and improve the overall guest experience, but they also save valuable time and resources.

If facilities don’t take a proactive approach to pool management and leverage the technological tools available to them, then they have a higher chance of experiencing issues that could lead to larger compliance problems.

Water and energy conservation through cloud technology

Responsible water usage is imperative in a world facing growing concerns about sustainability and water scarcity.

Cloud-based technology provides facilities with the tools needed to monitor and manage water usage as effectively as possible. Through the integration of smart meters and sensors, facility managers and engineers can track water usage patterns, identify inefficiencies and implement valuable water-saving measures.

Cloud-based platforms often feature advanced analytics and reporting tools that allow users to gain insights into water usage trends. By understanding a facility’s water consumption patterns, managers and engineers can make informed decisions about system upgrades, maintenance schedules and efficiency improvements to further reduce overall water usage and costs.

Leak detection is another important aspect of water conservation that benefits from cloud technology. Traditional methods of detecting leaks often involve visual inspections and manual assessments, which can be time-consuming and inaccurate. Cloud-based systems enable real-time monitoring of water levels and can swiftly identify deviations that may indicate a leak. Early detection of leaks allows for prompt repairs and can prevent significant water loss and potential damage to the facility. By minimizing water waste through efficient leak detection, facilities not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also reduce operational costs.

Similarly, cloud-based technology enables a significant reduction in energy consumption. Today, many facilities are excessively spending on energy bills with outdated circulation and filtration systems, leading to annual costs in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Leveraging cloud-based technology can significantly reduce this expense.

Implementation and integration

It’s clear that cloud-based technology provides commercial properties with a leg up against the competition. While its benefits for pool management are undeniable, integrating any new software into an existing operation can be overwhelming for managers, engineers and other staff members.

To overcome this initial hurdle, facilities should take advantage of the training, documentation and support services that are available to them. For example, at VivoAquatics, we provide our customers with on-site training and access to expert support via phone, email and chat anytime.

And remember, the journey into cloud-based technology is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of learnings, adaptation and long-term scalability.

Looking ahead: Setting new industry standards

The commercial pool industry is growing rapidly. To keep up, facility owners, operators, managers and engineers are realizing the necessity of advanced pool management software, with more and more opting for solutions that offer 360-degree visibility.

I am confident that cloud-based technology will continue to lead us toward a safer, more compliant and more eco-friendly future.

Facilities that embrace cloud technology today are not merely adopting a new tool but are ushering in a more connected and forward-thinking industry. By investing in this technology, hotels, resorts, fitness centers and others can position themselves at the forefront of innovation, helping to set new and improved standards for commercial pool management.