What Is a Pool Manager and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A pool manager oversees the operations of the swimming pool and other aquatic facilities at a public recreation center or private club. As a pool manager, your job duties include managing the staff schedule, hiring and training new staff, supervising lifeguards during busy hours, and enforcing facility safety rules and policies with patrons. Before the center opens, you walk through the whole facility, inspecting equipment and water slides for potential damage and safety issues, and request repairs and maintenance when necessary. You also document the number of visitors that come to the facility daily and make recommendations on how to improve the recreation center's procedures.

To become a pool manager, you need several years of lifeguarding experience, with at least a year in a supervisory role. There are no formal education requirements for this position, though you do need to be at least 18 years old and have current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications. Employers prefer candidates who have senior lifeguarding experience or have assisted with the administrative functions of a recreation center. Some pool managers focus exclusively on administrative work, while others interact directly with visitors and may even oversee swimming lessons and walk the facility during busy periods to enforce pool rules. You need to have expert swimming skills and the ability to manage large crowds.

Job Summary

Our recreational center has an immediate opening for a Pool Manager to oversee our aquatics department. In this role, you will be responsible for scheduling employees, hiring and training new staff, supervising lifeguards, and inspecting equipment and facilities to ensure the safety of our patrons. During busy hours, you will also walk around the pool areas to enforce pool rules and policies. Administrative duties include documenting the number of daily visitors, requesting repairs or service, and developing new safety policies to ensure the safe use of our facilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage staff schedules
• Hire and train new staff
• Oversee lifeguards
• Inspect facilities for repairs and maintenance
• Keep accurate records of visitors
• Report problems and request service calls

Requirements and Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• At least 18 years old
• 5+ years of lifeguarding experience with at least 2 years in supervisory roles
• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications