You don't know how much you need a good pool service until you get a bad one. Green water, broken pumps, and ghosting are the norm if you hire blind. Here's what actually matters when you're picking someone to take care of your pool.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask for their license number before they even quote you. Every state has a database you can check in two minutes. If they dodge or say they're 'working on it,' walk. Insurance is non-negotiable. They need general liability and workers' comp. Without workers' comp, you're on the hook if one of their guys gets hurt in your backyard. Get a copy of the certificate of insurance, not just a screenshot.
Experience & References Questions
How long have they been in business? Three months of YouTube tutorials doesn't count. Ask for three references from the last year, not their cousin. Call those references and ask one thing: did they show up when they said they would? Reliability beats chemistry every time. Also ask if they've handled your specific pool type — salt, plaster, fiberglass, whatever. A guy who only does chlorine tablets might wreck a salt cell.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Get the full price breakdown per visit and what's included. Some services charge extra for brushing the walls or emptying the skimmer basket. That's nickel-and-diming. Ask how long a standard visit takes. If they say 'about 20 minutes,' they're spraying chemicals and leaving. A proper clean takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on your pool. Don't sign a year-long contract for a discount. Month-to-month is better until you trust them.
Contract Questions
Read the cancellation clause before you sign. Some companies lock you in for 12 months with a huge exit fee. That's a trap. Look for a 30-day out with no penalty. Check what happens if they break your equipment — who pays? The contract should say they cover damages caused by their work. Also confirm they handle chemical levels and filter cleaning, not just skimming. If the contract is vague, they will use that vagueness against you.
Compare local pool services on RatingsNearMe to see which ones actually show up and keep their word.