Last week, our own Richard Lindhorn, Vice President at VivoAquatics penned a guest column for Green Lodging News that pulls back the curtain on the hidden risks lurking in even the most luxurious pools. If you manage water features at a hotel, resort, or spa, or any commercial facility you’ll want to read his full piece:

 👉 Read the article on Green Lodging News

Below is a quick recap and a few VivoAquatics resources that can help you tackle these blind spots head-on.

1. “Clear” water can still be dangerous

Looks deceive. Crystal-clear water may hide pH or chlorine drift that irritates skin, corrodes equipment, and invites code violations. Richard’s advice: “Verify chemistry at least every four hours (or automate the task) and keep digital logs for audit defense.” 

2. Silent equipment failures cost a fortune

Flow meters that freeze, feeders that stick, filters that clog — small malfunctions snowball into health-department shutdowns and five-figure repair bills. Proactive monitoring and weekly walk-throughs catch issues before guests do. 

3. Training gaps create compliance gaps

High turnover means new hires miss warning signs like strong chlorine smells or erratic readings. Continuous education (think CPO certification and refreshers) keeps every shift on the same playbook. 

4. Paper logbooks won’t save you in court

Scrawled entries fade, go missing, or get “updated” after the fact. Digital, time-stamped records turn a liability risk into a compliance asset.

5. Every property is unique. Treat it that way

Brand-new builds assume their modern systems are “set-and-forget,” while legacy resorts wrestle with aging infrastructure. Annual, site-specific assessments align resources with real-world risk.

6. Prevention beats reaction, every time

From ruined vacations to emergency pump replacements, reactive fixes are the priciest fixes. Richard recommends quarterly third-party audits and scheduled PMs to stay ahead.

7. Automation is consistency, not autopilot 

Chemical controllers, sensors, and AI alerts keep chemistry tight 24/7, but only when humans review the data and calibrate the gear. As Richard notes, 

“The future of water safety will demand a widespread adoption of automation tools and stricter protocols around data tracking, chemical storage and even indoor air quality. As regulations tighten, facility leaders must align their operational practices with evolving expectations and standards.”

8. Sustainability and safety go hand-in-hand

VFDs, leak-detection sensors, and smart filtration not only shrink the utility bill. They also stabilize water quality and earn ESG points with programs like LEED and Green Key.

Want a deeper dive?

• The Role of Chemical Controllers in Pool Safety – why automation supports (but never replaces) human oversight, plus best-practice maintenance tips.
  Read the blog › Vivo Aquatics Blog
• Resorts World Las Vegas Case Study – 29 pools across 88 acres, yet operator Robert Barth can say: “At any moment, zero percent of my pools are out of compliance.” See how real-time monitoring and digital logs make that possible.
   Download the case study › VivoAquatics