Maintaining a swimming pool can be a lot of work, which is why a lot of busy homeowners decide to outsource it to professional pool cleaning services. Compared to the overall cost of an inground pool, hiring a swimming pool cleaning service isn’t all that expensive. But how to decide between different pool cleaners? Here are a few pointers.
Choose Someone Who Offers All the Services You Need
When considering a pool service package, make sure it includes all the services you need. Most pool cleaners offer the full array of services you might want, but they may not all be included in the standard package. Some typical services offered include:
- Testing pool chemistry and adding chemical as needed
- Skimming debris
- Cleaning the pool floor and walls
- Emptying the pump and skimmer baskets
- Inspecting the pump and other elements to make sure they’re in working order
Some pool cleaners are flexible, allowing you to add or remove services and pay for only what you need. Others, not so much. Many pool companies require you to sign a contract that commits you to the service for a given period of time. Try to avoid these deals unless you’ve worked with the company before. You don’t want to get saddled with a service that turns out to be a disappointment.
Choose a Professional
Not every pool person has to come dressed in a uniform with the company logo on it, but they should all operate professionally. In other words, they should bring things to the table that an amateur does not. This could mean using commercial grade equipment to do a better and more thorough job than you could do yourself.
But more importantly, it means showing up on time and being accountable for the work. You often have to go by appearances or your gut when trying to initially determine whether a pool cleaning service is professional. However, once they’re on the job, it will become clear soon enough. Perhaps the moral is, don’t sign a contract with a pool cleaner until you’ve at least had a trial period to evaluate their work.
Choose Someone You Can Trust
This is an obvious one, but it’s worth reinforcing anyway. The people cleaning your pool will spend a significant amount of time around your home. If you have to keep an eye on them all the time, you might as well be doing the work yourself. Choosing a service you trust is essential to getting your money’s worth.
Unless you personally know the pool cleaner, you should look for someone with a permanent business address. Take the time to look into their background and check out their references, the same way you would if selecting a contractor to build or renovate a pool. For pool cleaning services, personal character matters a lot, as above all, you want someone who is reliable and will perform the work as scheduled.
Choose Someone Affordable
Like you need to be told this, right? Cost is the main factor in most buying decisions, and it will play a role when hiring a pool cleaner as well. The key is not to let cost dominate the decision. A higher price doesn’t guarantee better service, but a cut-rate price is often a sign of trouble. If you can’t count on your pool service, you can’t count on being able to enjoy your pool. Considering what you’re paying for the pool and the cleaning service, that’s simply not acceptable.
