Ideal Monthly Pool Maintenance Contract

Started by AlexM1 • 4 replies • 3064 views

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AlexM1 (Oklahoma)
Posts: 287

Posted:

We want to hire a pool contractor that does the "normal" things, i.e. X days a week(probably 4 days a week) they come to check the chemicals,clean out the drain baskets, backwash when needed, clean the bottom of the pool and jacuZzi,etc.

I would like, however, to make up (write up) an ideal contract for this work to include all of the things that need to be done by the contractor. Not sure if this is to be included but perhaps even the straightening of the poolside chairs, etc as part of their duties

At any rate, does anyone have an ideal pool maintenance contract that they are presently using and are totally satisfied with it? I have gone on google but cannot find anything.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Your doing this in reverse. You do NOT write what they will do, THEY write it. You just interview a fe contractors and pick the best 3 bids. Then the board can decide from those which one to choose. Unless your a pool care expert and do this for a living you can only ASSUME what duties are necessary. There are chemicals schedules, testing, emergency visits, repairs, defining cleaning areas, and other factors.

We paid about $200 or so a month for labor. We also had to supply the chemicals and equipment at an additional cost. So you need to define the needs and account for additional needs that change throughout the summer. If someone "poops" in the pool will there be an extra charge for them to come back and shock it? Keep in mind the pool has to be closed for a period of time during this process. So be prepared for complaints and issues...

Former HOA President

GlenL (Ohio)
Posts: 5,491

Posted:

I don't know that this is the best Alex and keep in mind our pool is only open during the summer but this should get you started. The place to start is with your city/county to see what they require, then you will have the absolute minimum standards required to operate the pool. You will also need to make sure your pool conforms to the Federal Guidelines for pool drains the Virginia Graeme Baker Act.

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MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Good information Glenn. Had forgotten about that. Our county has too little inspectors and too many pools to monitor. They get around to inspecting our pool every few years now. Mostly they go out to pools people report as troublesome. However, contacting them may help in finding out the requirements to get a good start in interviewing. Plus they may have some reccommendations. Going to a pool supply store may also help with finding a pool cleaning contractor as they leave cards with those places.

It's also good to have a few residents to be educated in pool maintenance in case of emergency. We have a pool place that offers pool training for people to learn about pool maintenance right around summer time. Some charge for this and others may offer it for free. It's really helpful. Doesn't mean you should hire one of the residents to do it, but have someone to contact for emergemcy shock treatments or repairs.

I had to learn the hard way of pool maintenance as I had to follow up on our pool person constantly. NOT that they were doing a bad job. They just came an hour a day and didn't always catch all issues. One point we were forced to install a timer on the pool hose so if they left and forgot the water running it would automatically shut off. Plus that helped with controlling the kids from messing with it and leaving it on all night. That is something to look into for some preventative issues so your water bill won't sky rocket. It helped cut our water bill by almost half. We also included in our contract the pool person was to clean up the pool area including restrooms.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to have either a pool committee or a resident volunteer to keep an eye on the pool area in general. That way they can help keep up with the area when the pool person can't and provide some stability for the area. Plus it's fun to lay out by the pool and keep an eye on the area...LOL...

Former HOA President

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239

Posted:

Alex,

You're not serving your community if you don't assess your pool needs and then approach pool service vendors about giving you the desired services. Don't let companies tell you what they won't do when you have needs that transcend following minimum pool health code standards. Straightened deck chairs in the morning. Tell them it must be part of the services they provide. Just be up front with contractors with service needs before signing your deal. Don't sign a contract and then request extra services.

Let your county pool inspector tell you what is needed to bring your pool up to standards. It's their job. Don't guess on their behalf and worry yourself. Trust me, they'll tell you.

Tell them what you need and don't pay for anything less.

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