What does a pool service company do each visit?

A weekly pool service visit usually covers the same routine: skim the surface, empty the baskets, brush, vacuum, test the water, add chemicals, and check the filter and equipment. What a particular company does is whatever is written in its service agreement, so ask for the list. The routine mirrors what a careful owner does, and the Portsmouth Health Department's operator guide shows what a good one looks like.

What a typical visit includes

Skimming and baskets. The tech nets leaves and empties the skimmer basket and the pump's hair and lint catcher. Both catch debris that would otherwise clog the pump; the guide says to clean them out daily at a public pool.^[1]

Brushing and vacuuming. Walls, steps and the floor get brushed, then vacuumed. The guide describes vacuuming as removing large debris from the pool sides and bottom and sending it to the filter with the pool water.^[1]

Water testing. The tech tests chlorine and pH at least. Virginia Department of Health standards, as quoted in the Portsmouth guide, keep free available chlorine in public pools within 1.0 to 3.0 parts per million,^[1] and the guide says pool water should be kept at a pH of 7.2 to 7.8.^[1] Alkalinity, calcium hardness and stabiliser are tested less often; the Portsmouth pool code requires alkalinity and calcium hardness to be tested weekly at public pools.^[1]

Adding chemicals. The tech adds what the test shows is needed. The guide says to bring chlorine into range first, because premature correction of pH causes an overcorrection of pH problems.^[1] Many companies also add a shock treatment on a schedule. The guide describes superchlorination as raising free chlorine to 5 to 10 ppm to burn off chloramines.^[1]

Filter and equipment. A good tech reads the filter gauge and cleans or backwashes the filter when the pressure rises; for a rapid sand filter the guide's rule of thumb is a 3 to 5 psi increase over the start of the cycle.^[1] They also look at the pump, valves, and lid for leaks or noise.

A note on the pool. Many companies leave a log of readings, and report anything that needs a repair.

What is not usually included

Filter cleaning, pump or heater repair, leaks and green-water recovery are often priced separately. "Swimming pool construction contracting" means the construction, repair, improvement or removal of in-ground swimming pools,^[2] and a repair job valued at $1,000 or more needs a licensed contractor in Virginia.^[3] Ask what the company will do on its own and what it will quote first.

How to hire a pool service

Get at least three written bids,^[3] and ask what the visit includes, who does the work, how they handle chemicals and what happens when the pool turns green. See how much weekly pool service costs in Virginia before you compare quotes, and read how to clean a swimming pool so you can judge the work.

A company that handles chemicals should keep them correctly: the guide says to keep chlorine in a closed waterproof container away from pumps and filters, and never to mix anything with chlorine except water.^[1]

Stop and call a pro if

• The company does not test the water or leaves no readings. Ask for them in writing.
• The pool turns green or cloudy repeatedly. There may be a circulation or filter fault.
• A pump, light, heater or panel is involved. Only a licensed professional should open them.
• A company asks for a large payment up front. The DPOR guide suggests no more than 10% or $1,000, whichever is less, on home improvement work.^[3]

Getting help in Virginia

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