Blog

A new year is more than a reset on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to step back, evaluate what’s working, and proactively plan for the months ahead. For commercial pool operators, facility managers, and service teams, early planning can make the difference between a smooth operating year and one filled with avoidable downtime, emergency repairs, and budget overruns. As we kick off 2026, now is the ideal time to build a clear, practical pool operations game plan that prioritizes reliability, safety, and long-term cost control.

Winter storms pose serious risks for outdoor pool, spa, and water treatment equipment. Freezing temperatures, wind chill, and sudden weather shifts can cause significant damage to pumps, filters, plumbing, and control systems—often leading to costly repairs, extended downtime, and emergency replacements. For commercial facilities, multi-family properties, hotels, and aquatic centers, freeze-related failures are more than an inconvenience. They can interrupt operations, create safety hazards, and strain maintenance budgets. The good news is that most freeze damage is preventable with proper planning, system design, and winter operating practices. This guide outlines why freeze protection matters, which components are most vulnerable, and how facility operators can safeguard outdoor equipment throughout the winter storm season.

Indoor and year-round aquatic facilities face a distinct set of operational challenges throughout the winter months. While the colder season often brings reduced swimmer load, it also introduces new variables—humidity management, temperature swings, increased chloramine production, ventilation stress, and the need for tighter chemical monitoring. For facilities such as fitness centers, hotels, therapeutic pools, recreational complexes, rehabilitation clinics, and community pools, a strategic approach to winter operations is essential for safety, compliance, energy efficiency, and guest experience. This guide explores the core components of winter pool management through the lens of real-world facility performance, AWWA and operator best practices, and practical field insights. We’ll cover chemistry adjustments, filtration performance, ventilation, equipment monitoring, and preventive maintenance strategies that help aquatic operations run smoothly during the off-season. Whether your facility maintains a single indoor pool or a large multi-use aquatic center, a proactive approach now will reduce downtime, prevent costly repairs, and support clearer, cleaner, and safer water all winter long.

When the swimming season winds down and the covers go on, most people breathe a sigh of relief. The hard work of daily maintenance, water balancing, and keeping guests happy finally eases up. But while the pool might be taking a break, smart facility managers and pool owners know this is the perfect time to think ahead. Budgeting for next year’s pool upgrades isn’t just about having money set aside — it’s about making strategic decisions that save costs, improve performance, and maximize the return on your investment (ROI). Whether you’re managing a large aquatic center, a hotel pool, or a backyard retreat, now is the time to plan. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essentials of budgeting for pool upgrades, highlight where facilities see the biggest ROI, and show how Orca Pacific can help you prepare for a better, more efficient season ahead.

No two pools are the same. Some are simple rectangles, while others feature curves, raised walls, diving boards, waterfalls, or attached spas. Add in the wide range of pool sizes—from backyard havens to large community facilities—and it becomes clear that a one-size-fits-all pool cover simply doesn’t work. That’s why custom pool cover solutions are so important. Instead of struggling with gaps, loose edges, or covers that wear out too soon, a custom-designed cover gives your pool the perfect fit and protection it deserves.

When most people think of “pool closing,” they picture dragging out the winter cover, tossing in a few chemicals, and calling it a day. But here’s the truth: closing your pool properly is one of the most important maintenance steps of the entire year. Why? Because the way you close directly impacts the lifespan of your pool equipment—from pumps and heaters to filters and plumbing. Improper or delayed closing doesn’t just make your spring opening harder. It can cause serious, expensive damage that leaves you with repair bills in the thousands. For commercial operators—whether you manage a hotel pool, an HOA facility, a municipal aquatic center, or a school natatorium—the stakes are even higher. A mistake during closing can mean not only high equipment costs, but also lost revenue, regulatory fines, or frustrated residents. This guide will walk you through why closing matters for your equipment, what can go wrong if you delay or cut corners, and how a professional closing can protect your investment.

Closing season is one of the most important times of the year for commercial pool operators. Whether you’re managing an HOA pool, a hotel resort, a municipal aquatic center, or a school facility, how you close your pool has long-term impacts on safety, water quality, maintenance costs, and even your facility’s reputation. At the center of a smart closing plan is one crucial decision: choosing the right pool cover. For commercial pools, this isn’t just about keeping out leaves or improving aesthetics. It’s about risk management, operational efficiency, cost control, and protecting your investment. The two most common options are mesh covers and solid covers—and while both are effective, each comes with specific strengths that may make one better suited for your facility than the other. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything facility managers need to know about mesh vs. solid pool covers, moving beyond simple pros and cons and into ROI, long-term maintenance, and operational ease. Along the way, we’ll highlight Mizu Pool Covers, an industry leader known for high-quality, durable safety covers that are custom-designed for both residential and commercial pools. By the end, you’ll know exactly which cover type fits your facility—and how Orca Pacific can help you make the right choice with confidence.

For many pool owners and operators, the first hint of cooler evenings sparks the question: “When should I start thinking about closing the pool?” The truth is, successful pool closing doesn’t start when the leaves are falling or the nights dip below freezing — it begins weeks (sometimes months) earlier with planning and preparation. Whether you manage a busy commercial facility or maintain a backyard pool, closing your pool correctly is about more than just tossing on a cover. It’s about protecting your investment, ensuring the water is balanced, safeguarding equipment from damage, and making next spring’s reopening smooth and stress-free. This blog will serve as your comprehensive early-closing guide — helping you understand why it’s essential to plan ahead, what steps to take, and how both residential and commercial users can benefit from a well-thought-out closing strategy.

As late summer sets in, many commercial pools face a tricky balancing act: the season is still busy, the sun is strong, and water chemistry can shift rapidly. Even the most experienced operators know that by this point in the year, multiple factors — higher bather loads, fluctuating makeup water, pollen, and debris — can create challenges that lead to cloudy water or algae outbreaks if not addressed proactively. This playbook is designed for commercial pool managers and operators who want a clear, practical step-by-step guide to keep their water safe, sparkling, and compliant all the way through the end of the season.

Summer is the season of sun-soaked pool days, barbecues, and backyard fun. But when temperatures climb, so do the demands on your pool water. Without the right care, harsh UV rays can diminish chlorine levels, leaving your water vulnerable to algae, bacteria, and cloudiness. That’s where Chlorine Stabilizer, also known as cyanuric acid (CYA), comes in. It acts like sunscreen for your chlorine—protecting it from the sun so it can do its job longer. If you’re managing a commercial pool or simply want a more efficient home setup, the Orca Pacific Chlorine Stabilizer 40# Pail and 25# Pail are ideal bulk solutions to keep your pool in peak condition during hot weather.

Protect your investment and keep your pool running strong all summer long. Summer is the best time to enjoy your pool — but it can also be the harshest season for your pool equipment. Prolonged heat, high UV exposure, and heavy pool usage can wear down pumps, heaters, and filtration systems faster than you think. Whether you're managing a commercial aquatic facility or a residential backyard pool, now is the time to take preventive steps to protect your system.

When summer heat rolls in, keeping your pool sanitized becomes a little more challenging. That’s because sunlight—specifically UV rays—can quickly break down chlorine in your water. The solution? Cyanuric Acid (CYA), also known as the “sunscreen for chlorine.” If you’ve never heard of it or haven’t checked your CYA levels lately, this blog will walk you through why this chemical matters, especially during peak summer months.

Summer is in full swing, and your pool has likely seen its fair share of activity — from pool parties to daily dips. But with all that use, have you stopped to ask: Is your pool equipment working efficiently? If you haven’t, now is the perfect time for a mid-season checkup. Proper pool equipment maintenance ensures your system runs smoothly, saves you money on utilities and repairs, and provides a safer, more enjoyable swimming experience. This guide will walk you through signs of wear, when to repair or replace equipment like filters, pumps, and heaters, and how to keep your pool system in peak condition.

Memorial Day kicks off more than just swim season—it launches one of the most high-pressure times of the year for commercial pool operators, property managers, hotels, and HOAs. Between soaring guest counts, unpredictable weather, and health code inspections, your pool system takes a beating. And while you may already have your chlorine levels dialed in, the truth is: chlorine alone isn’t enough when the pool traffic spikes and everything from sunscreen to sweat ends up in your water. If you’re looking to save time, reduce chemical use, and make your filter system work smarter—not harder—then it’s time to stock up on your secret weapons for summer: the Orca Pacific chemical lineup.

Summer is the high season for pools. Whether you're managing a hotel, HOA, resort, or waterpark, a surge in pool usage means one thing—your pool supplies need to be ready before your guests arrive. Having the right tools and products on hand doesn’t just make maintenance easier. It helps you provide a clean, safe, and enjoyable experience, keeps your team efficient, and ensures you’re prepared for unexpected challenges like algae blooms, cloudy water, or broken equipment. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the must-have summer pool supplies for commercial pools—and most importantly, how to use them effectively. From cleaning nets and vacuums to water test kits and chemicals, consider this your poolside shopping checklist.

Summer brings heat, sunshine, and most importantly for commercial facilities — crowds. Whether you manage a hotel, HOA, or waterpark, high bather loads are inevitable during the busy pool party season. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, weekends and holidays are prime time for swimming, socializing, and splash-worthy events. But while your guests may be enjoying the fun, high bather loads can quickly push your pool's sanitation and filtration systems to their limits. Without the right planning and response, you could be facing cloudy water, algae blooms, complaints, and even health code violations. This guide will help you prepare before the party, manage your pool during peak hours, and recover effectively to maintain crystal-clear water and a five-star guest experience.

Whether you manage a commercial facility or maintain your backyard pool, shocking is one of the most essential parts of keeping water clean, clear, and safe. But there are tons of myths out there: "Only shock at night," "You only need to shock once a season," "More chlorine is always better." So what's fact and what's fiction? In this guide, we break down the most common pool shock myths and reveal the real science and best practices behind effective pool shocking. If you want to protect swimmers, preserve equipment, and avoid cloudy water or algae blooms, this post is for you.

Swimming pools at HOAs, apartment complexes, condos, or community centers serve as focal points for residents and guests. With high usage and strict health codes, a streamlined weekly maintenance routine is essential for safety, clarity, and cost efficiency. This guide outlines all the necessary tasks—from water chemistry to filtration—many of which can be handled by on‑site teams, with support from professional service partners like Orca Pacific.