Do you dream of diving into your very own backyard pool, with the water dazzling in the sun and your loved ones taking a lap?
For many homeowners, this is the epitome of the good life. However, part of owning a pool means taking care of it and keeping it in good condition.
While hiring a pool cleaning service might be one of the less glamorous parts of the gig, it’s a critical step nonetheless. Yet, it’s important to choose this team wisely.
With the right partner in place, you can enjoy a safe, clean pool all season long. Today, we’re sharing seven questions to ask as you research your local options.
1. Are You Certified?
You don’t want just anyone working on your property. That’s why you always want to check for credentials when selecting pool cleaners.
A reliable pool cleaning company will have team members on staff who are Certified Pool Operators (CPO). This indicates that they’ve taken the time to study their craft and become an expert on it. It also means they’re up-to-date on all the latest protocols, safety measures, and cleaning techniques.
Ask them to show you a copy of their certification. If they balk at this request, consider it a good sign to consider your search elsewhere.
2. Are You Licensed and Insured?
These first two pool maintenance questions go hand-in-hand. After asking if the technician is certified, request proof of their license and insurance.
Anyone operating a business in your state should have a valid business license. They also need an active general liability insurance policy. That way, you won’t be held liable if they damage anything or get hurt while working on your pool.
For instance, an uninsured pool cleaning company may damage or crack your tiles while cleaning them. Or, a technician could slip and fall on your pool deck. If they’re working without insurance, you could be left footing the bill for those expenses.
3. How Much Training Do Your Technicians Have?
Everyone indeed has to start somewhere. However, you don’t want your home to be the very first pool that someone cleans. That’s why it’s important to add experience to your list of pool care inquiries.
Ask the point of contact to share some background information on their hiring and training processes. Do they train everyone on the job or do they require their techs to complete an official certification course, like our online CPO class?
Ask how they ensure their techs stay current on all of the latest cleaning methods, and what kind of continuing education they require. It’s a good sign when a team puts time, money, and effort into training their staff. From current state codes and regulations to the best vacuums and cleansers, they should be well-versed in it all.
4. How Can I Reach You?
Customer service should be near the top of your cleaning service checklist. The best and most experienced team in the business won’t be helpful if they ghost you and don’t return your calls.
Ask how they prefer to communicate and what their business hours are. Pay attention to how quickly they call, email, or text you back and what their tone is like. If they’re prompt and polite, it’s a sign that they value your business and will work hard to keep you satisfied.
Remember to ask about emergency hours as well. If your pool needs a last-minute cleaning before a big party, will they be able to take your call? See how long their waitlist is before deciding to commit.
5. How Often Will You Clean My Pool?
This question might seem simple enough, but you’ll be surprised at how many different answers you receive. Some pool cleaning companies may only spot-clean during routine visits but will perform a deep clean once a year.
Others may do one task per visit. For instance, they might vacuum your pool out one week and then clean your filters the following week. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure you’re comfortable with the cleaning schedule.
It’s also helpful to see the products and tools they’re using. Let them know if you have specific preferences, such as all-natural cleaning solutions, so they can make those accommodations.
6. What Will I Pay?
A trustworthy pool maintenance company will always be up-front and transparent about costs. You should clearly understand what you’ll be paying and which services will be rendered.
Some companies may set you up with a repeat contract while others may just perform a one-time service. Establishing a preventative cleaning and maintenance plan can be a great way to keep your pool in top shape and prevent any minor issues from snowballing into bigger problems.
Ask for an initial estimate so you can compare local prices. Be wary of any quote that’s super low or way too high.
7. Do You Have Reviews and References?
Customer reviews are incredibly powerful for small businesses. A pool cleaning company that’s well-respected should be more than willing to share the feedback they’ve received from past clients.
Many companies will post these reviews on a dedicated section of their website. If you can’t find them, then be sure to ask. You can also request personal references and contact those local homeowners yourself.
Keep in mind that a few negative reviews aren’t necessarily a dealbreaker. However, pay attention to common themes such as cleanliness, professionalism, and promptness.
Find the Best Pool Cleaning Service Near You
Deciding to hire a pool cleaning service is a big move. You want to hire a group that you know will be competent, fair, and up to the task. You also want them to be knowledgeable, skilled, and respectful.
Before making a hiring decision, take the time to ask these seven questions to any prospective team. Then, you can be confident that you’ve chosen the best crew for the job!
At PoolCerts.com, we’re dedicated to helping experts jumpstart their CPO careers. If you’re interested in learning more about this exciting field, then you can sign up for a class today!