Swimming Pool Cleaning & Maintenance

Top 5 Pool Cleaning FAQ's

• "What do pool cleaning services do?"

Swimming pool services perform a variety of tasks to keep pools clean and healthy. Those tasks commonly include:
test and adjust chemical levels to maintain a balanced pH,
add shock treatment to ensure that the pool remains sanitized,
remove dirt and debris from the pool,
clean the pool liner and surfaces to remove debris, algae and mold,
check the pool's filter, skimmers and return to make sure water is being properly cleaned and filtered,
check the pool's pump to make sure it's running properly.

Some pool cleaning companies provide additional services like leak detection.

• "Why hire a pool service company rather than doing it myself?"

Common reasons for hiring a pool service include time savings, expertise, and problem solving and cost savings.

• Time and Convenience
  If a pool maintenance company is cleaning the pool, that's time you don't have to spend. Also, using a service means that you don't have to shop for pool cleaning equipment, chemicals and other supplies.
• Expertise
  Pool maintenance companies know the in's and out's of pool maintenance: cleaning, chemistry, mechanical problems, and general upkeep. They can also give you advice to help keep the pool in top shape year-round.
• Problem Solving
  Experienced pool service companies have seen it all, so there aren't many problems they can't solve. From pump problems to chemical imbalances, if there's an issue, your pool service should know how to fix it. For many homeowners, that's very reassuring.
• Cost Savings
  That may seem surprising but think about it: Pros know how to identify small issues quickly, before they become larger problems. They also know how to maintain a pool's unique beauty, extend its life, and hold its value over time – which can be especially important if you ever decide to sell the house.
• "Are there different levels of service that pool cleaners provide?"

Most pool services companies offer a basic package that includes water testing, chemical treatment as needed, cleaning pool services, cleaning/filtering pool water, and equipment inspection.

Options may include frequency of visits, and add-on services like opening and closing a pool. To best understand what is offered, consult with a few pool cleaning services near you.

Also, don't forget about service quality. There's a big difference between a college student who cleans pools part-time to pick up spare cash, and a professional pool cleaning service with extensive experience.

• "How often should a pool cleaning service come?"

Pool service cleaning range from weekly to monthly. Frequency depends on:
size of pool,
heat and direct sunlight,
local environment (leaves, dust, wildlife),
seasonal use,
if the pool is enclosed or open,
homeowner preference, and,
the amount of spot cleaning and DIY maintenance done by the homeowner between service calls.

Depending on the level of homeowner involvement, most pool cleaning services come somewhere between once a week and once a month.

• "Do all pool cleaning services use chemicals?"

Pools can become contaminated very quickly: human hair, skin cells, body oils, dirt, dust, leaves, pollen, insects, bird droppings, and other contaminants all cause water quality to degrade. Chemicals are more or less essential to keep a pool clean and sanitized.

• Sanitizers
  These chemicals help keep the water clean and disinfected. Chlorine is a common sanitizer.
• Pool Shock
  These chemicals are used to kill or retard the growth of algae and various bacteria.
• pH Balancers
  These chemicals help your pool's pH levels where they should be.
• Targeted Chemicals
  This group contains a wide variety of chemicals, each designed to address a specific need, for example: anti-algae, enzymes and phosphate removers.