How to Tell If Your Pool Company Is Ripping You Off
This is a strange post for me to write, because I'm in this industry and I'd rather you trust every pool company out there. Most of the pool guys I know are honest and work hard. But I've also taken over enough accounts from other companies over the years to know that some homeowners are paying full price for a service that isn't actually happening the way they think it is.
Why This Happens in the First Place
Most pool techs run a tight route, often 15 to 25 pools a day. When a company's stretched too thin, the temptation is to shorten visits rather than admit they're overbooked. It's rarely one dramatic decision; it's small shortcuts that add up until a 20-minute service visit quietly becomes a 6-minute one.
The Quiet Ways Corners Get Cut
Chemicals get dosed by habit, not by testing. A rushed tech might glance at the water and guess it "looks fine."
Baskets and filters get looked at less often than they should.
Brushing gets skipped; it's physical work that doesn't show up in a quick visual check.
Visits get shorter without the schedule changing, and nobody tells you it happened.
How to Check Without Making It Weird
Ask for your chemical readings, not just "it's fine." A tech who's actually testing should give you real numbers.
Check your invoice or service log against what you observe.
Glance at the timestamp if you have a doorbell camera.
Test the water yourself once in a while; a cheap test strip kit costs under $15.
Look at the corners, literally; check steps, behind ladders, and the waterline for grime buildup.
Ask what's included, specifically, not generally; get it in writing if you can.
What a Legitimate Full Service Visit Actually Looks Like
Skimming the surface and emptying skimmer and pump baskets
Testing chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and adjusting as needed with actual numbers
Brushing walls, steps, and waterline areas prone to buildup
Vacuuming the floor if debris has settled
A visual check of the equipment pad for leaks, unusual noise, or wear
Realistically, 15 to 30 minutes depending on pool size and condition
What I Do Differently, For What It's Worth
I keep my route small enough that I'm not racing the clock at every stop. I test chemistry with actual reagents every visit, and I'll tell you the numbers if you ask, every time. If something's wrong with your equipment, I'll show you, not just mention it in passing.
Questions Worth Asking Any Pool Company, Including Me
What exactly happens during a standard visit, in order?
How long does a typical visit take for a pool my size?
What's your policy if you find a problem, like a cracked basket or a failing pump?
How often is the filter actually cleaned, and is that included or extra?
Can I get a text or log after each visit?
When It's Time to Switch
You don't need a dramatic reason to change pool services. If you've asked for chemical readings and gotten vague answers, if your pool's had recurring chemistry problems despite paying for consistent service, that's reason enough. Most switches are easy.
FAQ
How can I tell if my pool company is actually testing my water?
Ask them for the actual chemical readings: chlorine, pH, and alkalinity, not just "it looks fine."
How long should a real weekly pool service visit take?
Realistically, 15 to 30 minutes depending on pool size and condition, covering skimming, basket checks, chemical testing, brushing, and equipment check.
What are the easiest spots to check if I suspect corners are being cut?
Look at the steps, behind ladders, and along the waterline for grime buildup, since these get skipped first when a visit's rushed.
Is it rude to ask my pool company detailed questions about what's included?
Not at all. "Weekly service" means different things to different companies; getting specifics in writing protects both of you.
When should I actually switch pool companies?
If you've asked for chemical readings and only gotten vague answers, or your pool has had recurring chemistry problems despite paying for consistent service, that's reason enough.
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