So you have finally decided to hire a pool service company to clean and maintain your swimming pool. This is actually one of the best decisions you will make as a swimming pool owner. A good pool service company will save you money on pool maintenance in the long run, and more importantly, free up your weekends! I know you would rather spend your weekends relaxing by the pool instead of doing the pool man’s job.

So you do what we all do. You go to Google and type in “pool service”. Then you are bombarded with sites that all look pretty much the same. You find sites that say, “we clean your pool better than they do”, “we’ll give you a free month of pool service”, “click here to find out how much money your pool pump is costing you”.

It can be a little confusing and overwhelming to separate the true swimming pool professional from the rest of the not so professionals out there. With over twenty years in the swimming pool business, I would like to share a few things to keep in mind when hiring a pool service.

#1 Do they have a license to do business, and a contractors license? If a pool service does not have a business license, DON”T LET THEM IN YOUR YARD! Now, this probably doesn’t weed out too many pool service companies you will find on Google, but you must verify that the pool service you hire is licensed. This is the first step a pool service must take if they are truly professional. A contractor’s license is not required (in So Cal, check your area) to perform swimming pool maintenance and general repair. Depending on the work being done, a valid contractor’s license may not be required. If a pool service company lists a “contractors license number”, take the time to verify the status of their license with the state contractors license board.

#2 Do they have insurance. If a pool service does not have liability insurance, keep looking. Pool maintenance and pool cleaning may not seem risky, but, do you think a swimming pool service has ever accidentally knocked over a bottle of acid? Do you think the acid flowing from the bottle has ever come in contact with the beautiful stamped and stained concrete your spouse loves sooo much? Now you know how much that concrete cost, do think a not so professional pool service will stand up and pay to have that concrete repaired? When the cost of the repair is going to be much higher than the amount of profit your pool makes them in a year? That’s right, they’re gone and you now have a fresh claim for your homeowners insurance (hopefully). This can and does happen, the names were changed to protect the innocent. This is just one example of the many things that can happen. Liability insurance is mandatory! Don’t forget to verify the coverage is current.

#3 Customer Service. Did they answer the phone, and did they show up on time? It seems obvious, but the service you receive will never be better than your first meeting. Pool service companies are on their best behavior when they are trying to earn your business. You should hold them to a very high standard in this first service call. If they did not answer the phone or promptly return your call now, just imagine how hard it will be to get them to come out when it might not be convenient for them. Any pool service will remember the big things that make them money. But how many will remember the little things that make you happy. Customer service must be their first priority. If it’s not, keep looking.

#4 Do they look professional. I’m not talking about cheap magnetic signs on the door of their truck, for $40 I could be an “expert” at anything. I’m talking about your first impression of their company. A professional pool service will have estimate forms and business cards that look professional. When they answer the phone did they say “hello”, or was it something more professional like, “thank you for calling, Calm Water Pool Service, how may I help you?”. Do they answer all of your questions? Or do they seem to be new at this? You want to hire a swimming pool professional. This will ensure you are getting the best pool service, and the best, most current information about swimming pool water sanitization, and equipment selection. Your family’s health depends on it.

#5 Cost. WOW! Cost is the last consideration? You bet. Let’s talk about cost vs. value. If you pay $70 a month to a swimming pool service, when the going rate is $90, are you happy? Let’s see, saving $20 a month times 12 months, that’s a savings of $240 a year. But how much if any did you really save? Stay away from the low bid pool service, it may cost you more in the long run.

Allow me to inform you of the many ways your cheap pool service will make up that “savings”. The shady pool service companies are really going to hate me for this. Did the pool service charge you to clean your filter? How much did they charge? Prices can range from $45 to $90. Did you hear, “looks like you need a couple of grids for your filter”. How much did you pay for those grids? Prices range from $16 to $40. Did you pay extra for conditioner, and algaecide? Many pool service companies include these. If you paid extra for algaecide, did your pool service ever put phosphate remover into your pool? Phosphates help the algae grow. Why would a cheap pool service remove the phosphates when they are charging you extra for algaecide? Did you need to buy any equipment during that year of amazing “savings”? A cheap pool service will overlook things like noisy motors, leaking seals, and small easy to replace maintenance items. These little things can quickly add up to big things like new pumps, motors, cleaners, and heaters. When this happens, that “savings” goes right down the drain! You want to hire a pool service that will do maintenance first and repairs when needed. The last thing you want to do is hire a pool service that will overlook maintenance so they can do the costly repairs.

Ask your swimming pool maintenance company for a list of prices for common items. The cheap pool service companies will have a very long list of nickel and dime charges that quickly eat away that $240 “savings”. This is by design, don’t fall for the low bid!

Now you are ready to go out and find your new pool service company. Don’t forget to ask your friends for referrals. They may have a pool service they like, just don’t forget about the five things you learned when you interview them.

Calm Water Pool Service serves North San Diego County and would be happy to come out and offer a FREE inspection and quote for any and all services your pool may need.

Roark Griffin- Owner