If you’ve decided that you prefer to hire a swimming pool service company to maintain your pool instead of doing it yourself, here are a few helpful hints to make sure the company you choose suites your needs.
1) Are they licensed and do they have insurance? Licensing might not be required in your state. But if you contract a company that builds and services pools, they usually are licensed. Verify that it is in good standing with your state’s contractor’s license board. Your service provider should be able to provide proof of current liability insurance. Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time and your homeowners insurance will have to pay for any damage if they’re not insured. Most states require service companies to have liability insurance. So, ask to see their insurance card.
2) What do they charge? Will your choice be reliable, reputable, and do what is required to give you complete satisfaction? Remember, you get what you pay for. If you pay $50 a month to a swimming pool service, but the average is $80-$100, what are you getting? A good rule is to understand that price equals value. Your pool is a king sized investment and it deserves a maintenance company that will treat it that way.
3) Do you get good customer service? Do they answer the phone on time? Do they arrive promptly for appointments? Of course they will if you’re a new customer because they want to leave a good first impression. So, use this first service call as your standard of future measure. A few months down the road do they still answer the phone quickly (or promptly return your message)? Do they still arrive for scheduled service visits? If they do, then you chose well. Ask for at least three references from each prospective pool maintenance provider during the introductory appointment, and contact them! If you speak with several companies, you’ll likely find one that views customer satisfaction as their first priority.
4) Do they look and act professional? A professional pool service will have professionally printed estimate forms and business cards. When they answer the phone they sound professional: “Thank you for calling, ABC, my name is John. How may I help you?” When you meet company representatives, do they answer all of your questions and look you in the eye?
Take the time during your intro appointment with prospective pool maintenance companies to “take their measure” and, finally, ask yourself this. “Does this company take their work as seriously as I take mine? Hopefully, your answers to all of these questions will be “yes.” If they are, then rest easy.
5) Flat rates mean just that. Make sure that your chosen pool maintenance company quotes you a fair flat rate that includes all materials and services. If it doesn’t, make sure that all services are clearly itemized in writing. Most pool maintenance providers charge one flat rate regardless of the amount of chemicals used. Make certain that your pool service company clearly states what is and isn’t in the contract and hold them to it.