Dont Hire Us...
Until You Read This

    When a new client reaches out to us about replacing their current pool tech, it’s usually due to inconsistent service or because their previous guy retired. But sometimes, it’s because of an ongoing issue—one that has persisted through multiple pool techs. And when that happens, it tells me one thing: they may have a problem they don't fully understand. A common example? Algae. 

    Take this recent call I received: A potential client told me she fired her pool guy as soon as she noticed algae in her pool. When the next guy didn’t resolve it after his first visit, she replaced him too. By the time she was on her third tech, she decided to take a water sample to a local pool store for testing. The store employee told her that her alkalinity was too low, pH was too high, and stabilizer was too low. So what did she do next? She called me.

Now, here’s where things got interesting.

 She gave me the test results: Alkalinity 70, pH 7.9, and Stabilizer 30. From my perspective, those numbers weren’t drastically out of range. Then, I noticed she had a salt system. With salt systems, it’s actually better to keep alkalinity closer to 80 rather than the usual 100. That meant she only needed a minor adjustment. The pH was slightly high but nothing out of the ordinary—salt systems naturally raise pH, so it requires regular balancing. And as for the stabilizer? A level of 30 is within the acceptable range.

    What did all this tell me? Her pool tech likely knew exactly what he was doing. He was keeping alkalinity and stabilizer on the lower end to help control pH levels and maximize chlorine efficiency. To confirm, I tested the water and found copper, enough to indicate that an algaecide had been recently added. That was a crucial clue—algaecides can take up to two weeks to fully eliminate visible algae.

    Instead of taking the job, I gave her a simple suggestion: Talk to her pool tech. Ask him why the levels were set the way they were and what his plan was for handling the algae.

I never heard back. And that probably means one thing—she realized her tech knew what he was doing all along.

The takeaway? Before replacing your pool guy, ask questions. Understand the problem. Verify the facts. Otherwise, you might just find yourself stuck in the same cycle—without a real solution.

That said, if you’d like us to take a look at your pool, submit your information below. Just be prepared for the possibility that we might tell you your current pool tech is doing a great job. (Though, of course, we’re hoping he isn’t. )