A complete guide for homeowners to understand professional pool service
Hiring a pool cleaning service is a smart way to keep your pool clean, safe, and running efficiently. But if you’ve never used one before, you might wonder: What exactly happens during a pool cleaning visit?
Here’s everything you need to know—from arrival to completion.
1. Arrival and Setup
The technician will typically arrive at your scheduled time with all the necessary tools and equipment. They may:
- Greet you or check-in (if required)
- Inspect access points and ensure pets are secure
- Prepare cleaning gear and testing kits
Tip: You don’t usually need to be home unless you have a locked gate or indoor system.
2. Initial Inspection
Before jumping into the cleaning, the technician will do a quick visual inspection of:
- Water level and clarity
- Pool walls, floor, and tile condition
- Skimmer baskets and pool deck
- Pool equipment: pump, filter, heater, etc.
They’re looking for visible damage, leaks, or anything unusual that needs attention.
3. Skimming and Debris Removal
Next, the surface of the pool is skimmed to remove:
- Leaves
- Bugs
- Grass or other floating debris
The technician will also:
- Empty skimmer baskets and pump baskets
- Remove debris from around the pool edge
4. Brushing and Vacuuming
Using professional-grade tools, they’ll scrub and vacuum:
- Pool walls
- Steps
- Floor
- Waterline tiles
This prevents algae buildup and removes any fine particles that can’t be skimmed.
5. Water Testing and Chemical Balancing
Your pool technician will use test strips or digital meters to check levels for:
- Chlorine
- pH
- Alkalinity
- Calcium hardness
- Cyanuric acid (stabilizer)
Based on the results, they will:
- Add chlorine or salt
- Adjust pH up or down
- Add other balancing agents like soda ash or muriatic acid
6. Filter & Equipment Check
A good technician always checks:
- Filter pressure and backwash if needed
- Pump and motor function
- Heater, chlorinator, and salt cell (if applicable)
- Timer settings and automation systems
Any visible issues will be noted and may be flagged for a future repair.
7. Final Rinse and Report
The final steps may include:
- Rinsing any pool decks or mess
- Replacing pool covers (if used)
- Leaving a service report (digital or printed), including:
- Date and time
- Services completed
- Chemical readings
- Notes or recommendations
How Long Does It Take?
- Standard Visit: 30–60 minutes
- Green Pool Recovery: 1–2+ hours
- Full Equipment Inspection: Varies, depending on setup
What You May Be Billed For
- Routine cleaning and balancing (flat rate)
- Chemical usage (sometimes billed separately)
- Extra service: green pool recovery, repairs, etc.
Make sure you understand your plan: basic, standard, or premium.
Final Thoughts
Professional pool cleaning is more than just scooping out leaves—it’s a complete system check, chemical balancing, and health check for your pool. A good technician keeps your pool not only clean but also safe and long-lasting.
