Tips on hiring a professional pool servicing engineer

It’s essential to have your pool maintained and cleaned professionally. Maintaining the correct water balance is vital for the health of bathers and the pool. Getting the water balance correct can be a tricky process so we recommend that you use an experienced professional - they are experts at keeping pool water safe, comfortable and corrosion free and will save you time and money in the long term. A poorly maintained pool will deteriorate quite quickly, so do make servicing a top priority. Here is a checklist to help you find a trustworthy pool service engineer and get the right service programme for your pool and spa:

Choosing the right service engineer

Choose a reputable professional pool servicing company (ideally a member of SPATA), one that can provide you with the same engineer for all visits (their holidays permitting!). This is important because the engineer will really get to know your pool and spa. Do your due diligence before hiring - check how long the company has been in business and the engineers’ qualifications. Look at online reviews and you could even ask to speak to an existing client to get personal feedback.

Servicing programme list

Get a detailed proposal of the work the service engineer will undertake on each visit – here is a guideline of the things that could be part of your service programme:

• Inspect pool water for clarity, colour and contaminants
• Test and adjust the sanitiser level
• Test and adjust pH
• Check the water level and adjust as required
• Test and adjust alkalinity
• Test and adjust oxidiser and stabiliser levels
• Test the water temperature
• Empty skimmer and pump basket
• Remove leaves and debris from the pool
• Brush pool walls and floor, and vacuum the pool
• Check filter pressure and backwash if required
• Chemically clean the filter
• Check and adjust the pump
• Add a preventative dose of algaecide if required
• Test and adjust calcium hardness
• Test for total dissolved solids and adjust as required
• Test and adjust for metals
• Test cyanuric acid levels
• Inspect tiles, grout, sealant, and other exposed elements of the pool
• Conduct Langelier Saturation Index evaluation and adjust as necessary
• Winterise (closing) outdoor pools in September
• Winter service – contrary to popular belief it is not a good idea to close the pool and not service it during that time; the water still needs to be cared for even when the pool is not being used
• Open outdoor pools in spring

To find out more about London Swimming Pool Company's Servicing and Maintenance Programmes, visit our servicing page here.