How much does weekly pool service cost in Virginia?

What drives the price

Size and surface. A bigger pool takes longer to skim, brush and vacuum and uses more chemical. A pool under trees takes more cleaning than one in an open yard.

Season. Many Virginia pools close or run lightly in winter, so companies often quote an open-season rate and a different rate for the months the pool is closed. Ask when the season starts and ends and whether closing and opening are extra.

What a visit includes. Some companies only test and balance the water. Others also skim, brush, vacuum, empty baskets and check the equipment. Read what a pool service company does each visit and compare line by line.

Chemicals. Chemicals may be included, billed at cost or billed with a mark-up. A quote that says "chemicals extra" can cost more than a higher flat rate. Ask what is billed for chlorine, pH and other adjustments.

Equipment and filter. Cleaning a sand filter, replacing a cartridge or fixing a leak is normally outside a basic weekly visit. Repairs are billed separately.

Visit frequency. Weekly is common because water chemistry drifts. The Portsmouth guide says chlorine and pH at a public pool are checked every day before it opens and every two hours afterward,^[1] which shows how quickly the numbers can move; a home pool is far less used, but a week is a long time in summer heat.

Costs outside the weekly fee

Pool equipment work, plumbing or electrical repair, a new liner or surface, and pool construction are separate jobs. In Virginia, "swimming pool construction contracting" means the construction, repair, improvement or removal of in-ground swimming pools, and no trade-related plumbing, electrical, backflow or HVAC work is included in it.^[2] A routine cleaning and chemical visit is not listed in that definition. A repair job valued at $1,000 or more needs a licensed contractor.^[3]

Compare quotes fairly

Virginia's Board for Contractors tells homeowners to get at least three written bids.^[3] Even for a service contract, the same advice works. For each company, ask for:

• the price per visit and per month, and the months it applies
• exactly what each visit includes and how long the visit usually takes
• whether chemicals are included, and how extra chemicals are priced
• what happens if the water turns green: a service call fee or a free return visit
• the cancellation terms and whether you pay in advance

Never sign a blank or partly blank contract, and get a copy.^[3] The DPOR guide says a good rule of thumb for an initial deposit on home improvement work is no more than 10% of the total price or $1,000, whichever is less.^[3] That is guidance for contracting jobs; for a service plan, avoid paying months ahead.

Doing it yourself changes the cost

If you do the basics, your costs are the chemicals, test kit and your time. The how-to is in how to clean a swimming pool. Some owners clean it themselves and hire a company only for opening, closing or repairs.

Stop and call a pro if

• Equipment is leaking, loud, or the pump will not prime. Do not keep running it.
• Anything electrical is involved: a light, panel or buzzing motor. Leave it to a licensed professional.
• A quote asks for most of the money up front. The DPOR guide suggests limiting a deposit to 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.^[3]
• The water stays green despite service. Ask for a written explanation and a fix.

Getting help in Virginia

Loclis lists DPOR-licensed businesses. Browse pool and spa services or read more pool and spa answers.

When you are ready, describe your pool once and local pool services quote it.