ABOVE GROUND POOLS - Why do service / Maintenance companies refuse to service them

[timwglass]

It seems that no pool cleaning/maintenance/service companies will service above ground pools. Why is that?

Thanks,
Tim

 

[timwglass]

Hello, all! Thanks to all you veterans who so freely share your knowledge on this site. It's been indispensable.

I recently decided to take the leap and go to work for myself. I started a pool cleaning/service company. I know a bit, but there's still a lot I need to learn.

I was wondering if any of you would be willing to share some of your pricing for algae cleaning. A lot of the calls I've been receiving are for algae abatement. The first pool I foolishly signed on to monthly service and only charged a cartridge cleaning fee. But, as I'm sure you're aware, algae is a royal pain and very time consuming. I'm trying to come up with a price that's reasonable for both me and the client. So, I'm curious, when you know the pool is an algae ridden swamp hole, what do you charge a client to fix it. Is it flat fee, hourly, or what?

Your advice in another thread about not draining a plaster pool due to possible cracking, etc. also was very helpful. However, unless I'm confused, the only way to treat TDS/CH/and CYA when they're above acceptable limits is either reverse osmosis or dilution. What is your approach to diluting water without draining? What am I missing here? Is it reasonable to drain about 12" once per week and refill over 4-8 weeks to dilute the water?

Thanks in advance!
Tim

 

[Mdragger88]

There are several companies here in ms that service above ground pools as well as inground. I have a feeling its likely a cherry picking situation due to the fact they are overloaded with clients since covid hit & every body built a pool.
Are you having a particular issue with your pool ? Perhaps we can help you solve it?
You’re definitely in the right place

 

[Big z]

Your best bet is hourley it’s your best bet you get compensated for hard work and they respect you more because your upfront and honest they no the jobs a pan that’s why there calling you

 

[CJadamec]

There are very few " professional " pool people here. Or rather people who make money working on other people's pools. The advice here is pretty much all geared towards the pool owner doing all the work themselves where keeping costs down is first on the list and saving time not as much of a concern.

There's not much confusion on the high CH or CYA levels in the pool dilution or RO really is the only effective means of removing them if high.

If you live in an area with naturally high CH in your water dilution doesn't work well to get rid of CH because you are putting just as much back in with the refill water. That's about the only time RO filtering is recommended.

How you manage the dilution rate is dependent on your availability and the water source you are using to refill the pool. If you run a well dry or give a customer a $400 water bill one month they probably won't have you come back. Its a case by case solution.

 

[Mdragger88]

Hello, all! Thanks to all you veterans who so freely share your knowledge on this site. It's been indispensable.

I recently decided to take the leap and go to work for myself. I started a pool cleaning/service company. I know a bit, but there's still a lot I need to learn.

I was wondering if any of you would be willing to share some of your pricing for algae cleaning. A lot of the calls I've been receiving are for algae abatement. The first pool I foolishly signed on to monthly service and only charged a cartridge cleaning fee. But, as I'm sure you're aware, algae is a royal pain and very time consuming. I'm trying to come up with a price that's reasonable for both me and the client. So, I'm curious, when you know the pool is an algae ridden swamp hole, what do you charge a client to fix it. Is it flat fee, hourly, or what?

Your advice in another thread about not draining a plaster pool due to possible cracking, etc. also was very helpful. However, unless I'm confused, the only way to treat TDS/CH/and CYA when they're above acceptable limits is either reverse osmosis or dilution. What is your approach to diluting water without draining? What am I missing here? Is it reasonable to drain about 12" once per week and refill over 4-8 weeks to dilute the water?

Thanks in advance!
Tim

Ahh - i see what you’re looking for here - Although this forum is geared towards empowering pool owners with the knowledge to maintain their own pools there are a few business professionals here as members. Let me see if i can rustle one up for u that may have some insight....
@Pool_Medic
As far as the draining goes - a water exchange may be a suitable option- scroll down to No Drain Water exchange

Draining - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Pool_Medic]

I won’t work on them because I’m too old to crawl around under the decks they build.

You need to figure out a “fair” hourly rate. In my business service calls are invoiced out at $75 a trip with a truck charge of $50 on any calls over 50 miles return. Included in those charges is one hour of service, after the hour it’s billed at $40. I used to offer pool cleaning at $40 per hour when I had college students working for me.

My business is based on trouble free methods, I have zero puck pools, mine are either salt or they aren’t clients.

Feel free to pm me if you want.