Why Should I Hire a Pool Service Professional?

A trained eye can spot problems months before they happen

Do you know what to look for when finding a pool service company to maintain your pool? If you aren’t sure, you’re not alone.

A pool is often one of the most expensive parts of your home, and it deserves a team dedicated to giving it top-tier care. Though there are endless options of “professionals” willing to service your pool, there are a few things you should look for before signing any contracts.

Who qualifies as a professional?

The first thing you need to look for is a team with with a Certified Service Technician. This means that the technician has undergone training and passed a test certifying that they understand the industry standards for pool repairs. Having a Certified Maintenance Specialist check your pool weekly prevent problems before they happen.

The next thing to know is what these certifications mean. The organization that tests and certifies pool professionals is The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP). APSP is an international organization made to educate professionals on the most up-to-date practices. That means that a professional certified with the APSP has been trained and tested by this organization and their skills are up to their intentional standards.

Why look for an APSP certified pool technician?

You are provided an extra layer of validation when you hire a APSP certified pool company. Their top priority is contributing to the health, safety, and welfare of the public when maintaining recreation spaces. APSP members must stay educated on all laws and legal regulations to be insured and continue working on their contracts.

APSP maintains a code of ethics, ensuring that every member provides the same high level of services. Some other titles that the APSP certified agency for Certified Maintenance Specialists, Certified Service Technicians, Certified Service Professionals, Certified Building Professionals, and Certified Pool Operators for professional pools. They have different criteria for each certification to cover every part of a pool’s building and maintenance process.

Why is it worth hiring a professional?

While your pool may seem simple when running well, it has complex equipment and plumbing that keep everything flowing. Knowing the ins and outs of this machinery is crucial to your pool’s longevity.

Though you can DIY your pool’s maintenance, a trained professional understands not just your pool’s “hows,” but the”whys.” Certain parts, like filter heads and accessories, can wear down over time. Other parts made of plastic or plaster can also develop cracks. Unlike water or liners, these parts don’t have to be serviced at regular intervals. Knowing the right timing can mean the difference between a simple fix and an emergency service call.

Even if your pool is running “well enough,” it is always worth having your pool’s service team fine-tune it to keep it running at its peak.

What should be serviced by a professional?

While you can DIY pool maintenance, some parts are better done by the pros. Let’s take a look at some of the specific aspects of your pool that are best served by professionals.

Pumps

Your pump keeps the water in your pool moving, and stagnant water could breed problems for your pool. If you’ve ever seen the water in a pool get murky or even green with algae, you would not want to dive into that pool. Water requires movement in order to keep clean. A properly operating and efficient variable speed pump does much to keep your pool clean and greatly lowers your energy costs.

Movement is not enough to keep your pool sparkling. You also need to have clean and functional filters. Dirty filters slow the water flow and increase the amount of energy required to move the water through the increasingly clogged filters.

Filters

There are different types of filters for pools. All of them require proper service to make certain they’re working properly. There are cartridge filters, which can be hosed off when dirty. There are sand filters and Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters that require backwashing — a treatment that involves flushing the filter by running water in the reverse direction to eliminate all the dirt and contaminants that the filter has collected since its last service. Sand filters need to be replaced every 5-7 years. After backwashing, DE filters can be recharged by adding more DE powder.

All types of filters need service to make sure they continue to keep your pool water in pristine condition. Clean water also helps preserve the finish of your pool lining. Whether the surface finish of your pool is Gunite (cement), or vinyl, cleaner well-balanced water will ensure the life of your pool.

General Inspections

A maintenance professional will look over your pool for potential problems before they arise. He or she will also test the water in your pool for the correct pH balance and cleanliness. Remember, there are invisible things that accumulate in pool water that need to be treated before causing any harm or damage. A pool professional will be able to identify discoloration and minor damage to your pool and advise you on a course of action to fix any issues before they grow into more serious problems. Skimmers, drains, coping, tiles, and decking as well as all pool equipment and automation instruments are checked as part of the weekly visit. When you hire a professionally trained and certified company, you can rely on them for your pool’s proper maintenance.

Pool Openings and Closings

Here in the Northeast, we have swim seasons and then colder months when outdoor pools are closed and protected from the weather. But as the mercury rises you uncover your pool to reveal its shimmering surface. As human beings our bodies are 70% water and most of us love to be able to view water and its ever-changing appearance. Once you’ve opened your pool for the season — even if it’s not time to jump in the water— you can enjoy sitting poolside or looking out your windows and appreciating the aesthetics of your pool.

Pool Covers

Winter covers need to be stored properly so they can be used year after year. APSP Certified Professional pool service companies will offer pool cover storage for you, so you are free from having to find the space to keep it safe until next autumn. Improper care by storing a damp pool cover can lead to mold and mildew damage. Conversely, a properly stored pool cover will last for years.

Now, Relax and Enjoy

Now that you’re clear about keeping your pool clean and running flawlessly, consider which company is best for your home. You deserve a company that has been in business for at least 15-20 years, with a reputation and history of great service, and requires all of its pool technicians to become certified with APSP.

The swimming pool and spa industry’s APSP Certified Professionals verify their skills, knowledge, and training by passing APSP’s courses and exams. By maintaining these certifications a company demonstrates its commitment to continuing professional education in industry developments, and operating according to best practices.

When you engage those types of professionals to service your swimming pool, you can then sit back and enjoy your finest home accessory.

If you would like to find out how you can hire B&B to open your pool and service it, click on our link to schedule a service appointment.