What does weekly pool service include?
Full-service weekly pool service includes skimming, brushing the walls and waterline, vacuuming, emptying skimmer and pump baskets, checking filter pressure, and testing and balancing chlorine, pH, alkalinity, stabilizer and salt. Standard chemicals are included in the monthly rate on most residential plans.
The phrase covers different things at different companies, which is why quotes are hard to compare. The two common versions are chemical-only service and full service.
| Task | Chemical-only | Full service |
|---|---|---|
| Test and balance water | Yes | Yes |
| Add chemicals | Yes | Yes |
| Skim and brush | No | Yes |
| Vacuum | No | Yes |
| Empty baskets | No | Yes |
| Filter pressure check and backwash | Sometimes | Yes |
What is normally not included
- Filter tear-down and deep clean (usually two to three times a year)
- Equipment repair, motors, seals and heaters
- Green pool recovery after a long lapse in service
- Stain treatment and acid washing
- Screen enclosure and deck cleaning
Ask any company for their visit checklist in writing and whether chemicals are included or billed. A low monthly number with chemicals billed separately often ends up higher than an all-in rate.