What to Look for When Hiring a Pool Service Company in Los Angeles

Is hiring a pool service company really worth it, or just another monthly expense?

In Los Angeles, prioritizing your pool’s health isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about protecting your family, safeguarding your property value, and ensuring year-round safety. With so many options available, discerning who to trust with the regular care and long-term investment in your pool can seem overwhelming. Yet choosing the wrong provider can result in more than just cloudy water; it may lead to expensive repairs, damaged plaster finishes, tile staining,  structural concerns, and even health risks. This straightforward, expert-backed 5-step guide will help you confidently select a qualified, trustworthy pool service company committed to your peace of mind, clean water, and equipment longevity.

Step 1: Know Your Pool Size and Type

Every pool is unique. The dimensions and design elements (automated covers, spas, waterfalls) determine how much time, what chemicals, and what specialized skills are required during service. This is even more important when managing Southern California-specific challenges, such as rainwater management and vault drainage, to prevent damage or algae growth.

• Why it matters: Larger pools naturally require more time, chemicals, and care, while advanced features or modern automation demand a higher level of expertise. Proactive cleaning and diligent attention help avoid costly problems down the road, especially with Los Angeles’ varied climate.
• Ask your service provider: What experience do you have managing pools with my features and auto covers, for example? How do you handle vault drainage and rainwater overflow?
  
  

Step 2: Evaluate Your Equipment’s Condition

Outdated or poorly maintained equipment can make water balancing and filtration far more difficult, and this becomes a significant factor for the service company when trying to do its job efficiently.

Modern, well-maintained filtration and plumbing systems are the backbone of water clarity and safety. Outdated or neglected equipment increases service costs, water quality concerns, and the risk of structural problems. For pools with automatic covers, be sure to inquire about regular inspections, debris removal, and early detection of hinge or fabric wear issues to avoid expensive repairs. If your system is older, talk to your provider about upgrading to energy-efficient, automated controls and sanitation systems that meet today’s durability and safety standards.

Bottom line: Prioritizing equipment upkeep, whether through repairs, updates, or proactive checks, streamlines routine visits and supports your pool’s long-term investment.

Step 3: Insist on Certification, Insurance, and Compliance

In Los Angeles County, anyone conducting pool maintenance must be certified as a Swimming Pool Service Technician or Apprentice, with comprehensive knowledge of water chemistry, filtration, safety, and local health standards. Demand proof of:

What to Check For:

• Current Contractor’s License (C-61/D-35 for California)
• General Liability Insurance
• Health Department compliance
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) credential, and bonus certifications such as pool cover or automation expertise
• Industry affiliations and Associations, a reputable company keeps close ties with the industry's network and stays up to date on education, code updates, and new equipment innovations.

A certified provider reduces health and liability risks, ensures code-compliant operation, and delivers peace of mind for every family and guest.

Step 4: Look Beyond Online Reviews, Ask for References, and See Their Work.

Digital testimonials are helpful, but nothing replaces personal references and first-hand observation. Request to visit an active jobsite or arrange a discussion with recent clients. Evaluate candidates by communication responsiveness, consistency of work, and willingness to educate you, not just on cleaning, but also on recognizing warning signs and safe operation.

• Ask to visit a jobsite or observe a service day
• Request 2–3 recent client references

Look for consistency, communication style, and quality of work beyond just pool cleanliness.

Pro Tip: Too many pool owners are misled by online reviews that are purchased as a marketing tool.

Step 5: Demand a Thorough, Transparent Written Contract

Any reputable company will provide a contract detailing:

• Specific services cost and frequency (cleaning, vault drainage, rainwater management, automatic pool cover checks)
• Chemical charges, exclusions, and equipment care protocols
• Safety and regulatory compliance disclosures
• Warranties and emergency procedures
• Clear policies for liability and recommendations for bringing non-compliant pools up to code

 Many pools in Los Angeles are not fully compliant with current safety standards. Ensure your provider is transparent about risks and proactive about necessary upgrades.

Weekly or Monthly Pool Service: What Should Be Included?

Use this detailed checklist to verify your professional service covers all bases:

• Test and balance pool water (including for rain-induced dilution)
• Add necessary chemicals (with water chemistry logs)
• Skimmer and pump basket cleaning
• Inspection for leaks or equipment failure
• Confirmation of proper equipment operation and automation performance
• Backwash or cartridge filter inspection
• Brushing walls/steps, vacuuming floors, skimming surface debris (pay attention after storms)
• Automatic cover vault draining and cleaning
• Early detection of wear or mechanical issues

ProTip:  Modern companies should use digital apps to document every visit, share water readings with full-color “before and after” photos, and keep you informed of scheduled maintenance or any issues in real time.

2025 Pool Service Price Guide

(Based on a typical 20,000-gallon, 30-minute full-service Los Angeles pool)

Price variables include pool size, time required to complete all service tasks, equipment age, cleaning frequency, and local foliage/debris.  In addition, most companies bill separately for chemicals and filter cleaning, as well as for repairs or special requests.

Service Company Types at a Glance

Here’s a simple breakdown of your options:

Common Homeowner Questions

How often do I need service?
Regular, weekly care is best, especially during summer or high-use periods. In cooler months or for lightly used pools, biweekly may suffice. Still, constant monitoring of water chemistry and removal of debris from the water surface and skimmer baskets are necessary for the filtration system to operate correctly.

Can I do it myself?
Routine vacuuming and skimming are possible, but professional water chemistry testing, vault drainage, structural safety checks, and automated equipment diagnostics should be handled by certified technicians for safety and warranty compliance.

What’s NOT included in pool service?
Usually not included:

• Chemicals and water enhancers or conditioners (Calcium, Alkalinity, water conditioners etc.)
• Major repairs or equipment replacements
• Deep filter cleans or plumbing upgrades
• Leak detection and structural fixes
• Safety latch/cover compliance upgrades

Hiring the right pool service shouldn’t feel like a leap of faith.
With these industry-backed steps, you’ll be prepared to ask the right questions, receive the protection you deserve, and extend the life and enjoyment of your pool investment.

Ready to protect your backyard oasis?  Download the J Designs Pool Service Interview Checklist.

Since 2008,  at J Designs,  we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners protect their investment and enjoy crystal-clear water with less stress.