What Will a Pool Cleaner Actually Cost Me? Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a Pool Cleaner

A pool provides a lot of enjoyment. It’s a place to relax and soak up the sun, and it’s a gathering place for family and friends. But maintaining a pool is a lot of work - it constantly needs to be cleaned and chemically balanced.

A professional pool cleaner can tackle all of the tasks related to maintaining your pool, freeing up your time for more enjoyable activities. Tasks include but are not limited to: clearing debris, vacuuming the pool, monitoring and adjusting chemical levels, scrubbing walls, emptying the skimmer and basket, and making sure all parts and equipment are in good working order.

Pool Cleaner Rates

Prices vary based on the sizeg of your pool, its condition, the frequency of service and local labor rates. Most companies charge anywhere from $60 to $100 per visit for a comprehensive cleaning.

The frequency of cleaning is up to you, although some pool cleaning services have minimum requirements. Most people opt for service weekly or bi-weekly, particularly during peak swimming season, but some people opt for monthly cleanings.

For weekly service, many companies offer discounted rates of $200 to $300 per month. For infrequent visits - say every month or six weeks - expect to pay $150 or more per visit. Rates are much higher when for infrequent visits because more dirt and grime will have built up between cleanings.

Some pool cleaning companies will provide chemicals; others require you to provide them. Budget anywhere from $100 to $500 per year for chemicals, depending on the length of your swimming season. If the pool company does provide chemicals, expect the per-visit price to be higher to absorb the extra cost.

Choosing a Pool Cleaner

Naturally, you want to hire a reputable service at a reasonable price. Here are some tips for finding just that:

• Shop around. Seek quotes from multiple pool cleaners to compare prices before deciding on one. Remove from the running any company that comes in with a quote that seems suspiciously high - or low.
• Never choose a company on price alone without doing some background research. Ask for references and check them. Do some online search to make sure other customers have been pleased with the service. Check the company’s record with the Better Business Bureau.
• Request a checklist of all tasks to be completed during each visit. Never assume that a cleaning service will scrub the walls or empty the skimmer - ask for a commitment in writing. That way you know exactly where your money is going.
• Negotiate. If the price you’re quoted seems to high, try to bargain with the pool cleaner. Never assume he or she will say no. If the cleaner is hesitant and you’re not flexible on budget, offer to pitch in by providing your own chemicals or removing debris from the pool in between cleanings. If you can’t strike a deal, keep looking.

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