There's no industry-wide definition of "full-service" pool care, so what's included can vary meaningfully between companies. This is a general picture of a typical weekly visit, so you know what to confirm before you sign up.
Usually included in a routine visit
- Skimming leaves and debris off the surface
- Brushing walls, steps, and the tile line so algae doesn't get a foothold
- Vacuuming the pool floor as needed
- Emptying skimmer and pump baskets
- Testing the water and adding chemicals to bring it back into range
- A quick check of the pump, filter pressure, and other equipment for anything obviously wrong
What the water testing should cover
At minimum, a technician should test sanitizer (usually free chlorine) and pH every visit. Typical targets for a residential chlorine pool are roughly 1–3 ppm free chlorine and a pH of about 7.2–7.8, though your technician may aim for somewhat different numbers depending on your pool and sanitizer system. Total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and — for outdoor chlorine pools — cyanuric acid (stabilizer) are usually tested less often, but they should be tested. Ask to see the readings; a good company keeps a log.
Usually an add-on, not standard
- A deep filter service, such as a cartridge soak or full filter teardown, depending on the company
- Recovering a green or cloudy pool
- Equipment repairs and replacement parts
- Salt cell descaling on saltwater pools
- Seasonal openings and closings
- Leak detection
- Tile, stain, and scale treatment
What weekly service doesn't replace
A weekly visit keeps the water balanced and the equipment watched, but a pool can change a lot in seven days — after a heavy storm, a big pool party, or a heat wave. Keep baskets clear and the pump running on its schedule between visits, and tell your company if the water starts to look off rather than waiting for the next scheduled stop.
If you're not sure whether something's included
Ask for the service scope in writing before the first visit. It's a much easier conversation up front than after a surprise charge on your first invoice, and most companies would rather confirm scope early than guess and get it wrong.