Do I Need A New Pool Service Company?

by Mary
(Wisconsin)

We use a weekly pool service. Pool is in FL. In the last year, we have had green/black algae blooms at least 3 times that I know of (we are not there often).

Is this normal or is our service company not cleaning the pool properly?

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Thanks for the question Mary

Green and black algae occur when proper pool chemistry is not happening with a pool. A well balanced pool will be crystal clear and enjoyable to swim in. You know that, because you have a pool,.

I would really need to know the chemical readings for the pool.

Chlorine, CYA (cyanuric acid/stabilizer), pH, Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and Metals (iron and copper).

This way I can really get into detail on what your pool company is or is not doing. I think I know what your situation is. You live in Wisconsin, but have a home with a pool in Florida. You're only there in the Winter, and maybe go there sometimes in the Summer to see family or friends.

I had a pool route in Arizona and took care of many pools for Winter visitors from WI, MI, WA, and even here in Oregon.

Green pool water and black algae is normal when you don't know what you're doing. Is your pool company charging you for the chemicals to clear up the pool? If they are, I would seriously consider making some changes, and quickly.

Not only is your pool taking a hit from all of the extra chemicals and super-chlorinating, but you're taking a hit as well. Clearing up a green pool can get expensive, and even more expensive if you don't know how to do it.

And it shouldn't be like this because your pool company should be taking care of the pool in the first place.

Think of it this way:

I'll go to your pool when I feel like it, but still charge you the same monthly rate, and for the chemicals that I may or may not be using.

Then it turns green. I'll charge you to clear it up, both for labor and chemicals. You'll never know if I'm there or not because you're 1000 miles away. I get your money and only do 1/2 the work. You'll never know... Yes, I've seen this hundreds of times.

Do you have someone that you know, a friend, that's close to your house in FL? You can ask them to keep a pool log for you. When the pool service shows up, they first need to go to your friend and sign the log proving they were there.

Any pool service needs to be monitored each week to be sure they're doing the job, and doing it right, regardless if anyone is living in the house or not. It's your pool and your money.

Hope this helps and have a great (rest of the) Summer.

Robert