What does this pool pump and filtration annual checklist cover?

14 items across 4 sections, covering shutdown, filter service, pump and circuit, safety and records. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.

Who should run this inspection?

The pool service tech on the annual service visit; chemical treatment and any variance stay with the certified pool operator.

When in the schedule should this walk happen?

Once a year, ideally at a shoulder season so the filter can be opened and the internals serviced without taking the pool down at peak use.

Why do these items ask for a photo?

9 of the 14 items call for photo evidence, 11 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.

What most often fails a pool pump and filtration annual inspection?

Filter backwashed for years but never opened, so torn grids or channeled sand let the filter pass debris it should be catching. Pump and valves serviced but the anti-entrapment cover's condition and compliance never revisited, so a degraded cover stays in service.

Can I use this checklist in RTI?

Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

Free checklist

Pool pump and filtration annual maintenance checklist

The annual pool equipment service is the deep pass: the measurements, cleanings and tests a quarterly round doesn't reach. This checklist keeps the full service on record with the photos that make it defensible later. Work is commonly verified against manufacturer's published instructions, the applicable health and safety code. Confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.

Start free with this checklist Download as PDF

The checklist

Every item, and the photo evidence it needs

The photo count on each row is what RTI would require before the item can be submitted. Work the list here and watch the gate hold, or load it into RTI and let it enforce the real thing.

Shutdown

Pool closed to bathers for the shutdown with the operator
Operator and owner agree the outage window, pool closed and signed for its length, chemistry and reopening left with the certified pool operator.
No photo
Every source locked and tagged before the filter is opened
Pump, heater, feeders and controller locked and tagged at their own disconnects, filter drained to zero. Valve run: lid and filter closed, people clear, locks off by whoever hung them, re-locked before the pump opens, off for good at the restart.

Filter service

Filter opened and internals serviced
Filter opened, grids/cartridges/media inspected and cleaned or replaced per the manufacturer, o-rings renewed, clean baseline pressure reset.
Backwash and multiport valve serviced
Valve operated through its positions, spider gasket checked, no cross-leak between waste and return, sight glass observed to clear.
No photo
Filter pressure gauge checked against a test gauge
Filter gauge, and the outlet gauge where one is fitted, compared with a test gauge and replaced if it reads off, so the rise that triggers a backwash is read true next season.

Pump and circuit

Pump internals and seal serviced
Impeller and diffuser cleared, mechanical seal and gaskets checked or replaced, motor bearings quiet, no leak after reassembly.
Heater serviced for its type where fitted
Gas heater burner and venting serviced by a qualified gas tech, electric elements and contactors checked, heat pump refrigerant work left to a certified refrigerant tech.
No photo
Full circuit brought up and observed
System restarted and observed at normal flow and pressure, all returns and suction confirmed, gauges reading against the reset baseline.
Circulation rate read against the design turnover
Flow read at the meter, or from the pump curve where none is fitted, with clean filters and compared with the design turnover on the plans or health permit.
Chemical feed seen to stop when circulation stops
With the pool still closed and the operator present, pump stopped at its control, feeders seen to stop and stay off, feed resuming only with flow restored.

Safety and records

Anti-entrapment cover compliance observed and recorded
Cover condition and any compliance marking re-checked at the drain, replacement flagged to the operator if degraded, condition photographed for the record.
Safety vacuum release tested with the operator where fitted
Safety vacuum release system or other entrapment device tested per its manufacturer with the pool closed and the operator present, release and reset observed.
No photo
Pool handed back to the operator for reopening
Pump, heater and feeders left in auto with no test hold on, reopening left to the operator once chemistry and flow read back on their targets.
No photo
Service report filed with the round record
Service tech's report attached to the maintenance record, media/parts replaced noted, next-due interval set.

What usually sends this back

The failures are almost always the evidence, not the work

Filter backwashed for years but never opened, so torn grids or channeled sand let the filter pass debris it should be catching.
Pump and valves serviced but the anti-entrapment cover's condition and compliance never revisited, so a degraded cover stays in service.

Common questions

6 answers

What does this pool pump and filtration annual checklist cover?: 14 items across 4 sections, covering shutdown, filter service, pump and circuit, safety and records. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.
Who should run this inspection?: The pool service tech on the annual service visit; chemical treatment and any variance stay with the certified pool operator.
When in the schedule should this walk happen?: Once a year, ideally at a shoulder season so the filter can be opened and the internals serviced without taking the pool down at peak use.
Why do these items ask for a photo?: 9 of the 14 items call for photo evidence, 11 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.
What most often fails a pool pump and filtration annual inspection?: Filter backwashed for years but never opened, so torn grids or channeled sand let the filter pass debris it should be catching. Pump and valves serviced but the anti-entrapment cover's condition and compliance never revisited, so a degraded cover stays in service.
Can I use this checklist in RTI?: Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

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Run it with the Photo Gate

A checklist nobody can submit half-finished

Load this list into RTI, stick a QR tag on the area it covers, and the submit button stays locked until every mandatory item is answered and the 11 required photos exist. Approved walks roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident record behind every line.