Most homeowners pick a pool service the way they pick most home services: a neighbor's recommendation, or whoever calls back first. That often works out. But a pool company is in your backyard every week, handling chemicals and equipment that are expensive to replace, often while you're not home — so a little diligence before you sign up pays off for a long time.
Look for training, not just experience
"We've been doing this for years" is a good sign, but it isn't the same as knowing water chemistry well. Ask whether the technicians who will actually service your pool hold a recognized credential such as the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification, and how new technicians are trained before they run a route on their own.
Some states and counties also require a license or registration for pool service or equipment work. Requirements vary widely, so ask what applies where you live and whether the company holds it.
Ask about insurance, specifically
Pool service involves chemicals, electrical equipment, and access to your property. Ask whether the company carries general liability insurance, whether it's current, and — if they have employees — whether those employees are covered by workers' compensation where your state requires it. A legitimate company answers quickly and can usually send a certificate of insurance.
Get the scope in writing
- What's included in every visit, and what's billed separately
- Whether chemicals are included in the monthly price or charged as used
- How often the filter is serviced, and whether that costs extra
- How repairs are quoted and approved before work starts
- How you'll know a visit happened — a service report, a photo, or a log of water readings
Red flags worth taking seriously
- Won't say who will actually service your pool, or it's a different person every week with no explanation
- No written agreement, or no clear cancellation terms
- Pushes an expensive equipment replacement on the first visit without showing you the problem
- Can't tell you what chemical readings they aim for, or never leaves a record of them
- No reliable way to reach anyone between visits
Check what's been verified, not just what's claimed
Reviews tell you how past customers felt. They don't tell you whether insurance is current or a certification is real. An accredited business listed with PWSAC has had specific items reviewed, with the dates shown on its page — look at what was checked and when, and ask the company directly about anything that isn't listed.