What do I look for in a pool service and repair company?
 
Number one is customer service! Lately I've had several clients with real needs call me and say "Thank you for answering the phone, I've called 6 companies and no one calls me back."  Why is this so common in our industry?  Do Dallas area pool companies know that the country is in a recession?  I'm not sure they do, I honestly believe that some lived high on the hog building pools and servicing them not realizing that when house prices dipped, people would stop building pools.  But guess what existing pools must be serviced, and with all the choices out there service is number one.  If someone leaves you on hold, doesn't answer on a Saturday, or just throws out a number over the phone with no questions asked, do you really want that company servicing your pool...NO!
 
Look for a consistent schedule - this industry has plenty of people as I like to say "just working for beer money" you don't want that guy, he'll show up when he feels like it then when he decides your pool is out of his way or he's bored he'll just stop coming, I've  heard it many times.  A pool company should be able to say this is your day, this is your approximate time, it may change occasionally but until we notify you we will be there every week at the set time and you will get a note showing we were there.
 
Marked vehicles - Your pool company should have a magnet on the truck at the very least, identifying to your neighbors who is walking into your backyard.
 
Background checks - One of the most common things I hear from pool owners looking for a new service is that their last company started out good but then they hired "this guy" and he didn't know what he was doing.  All companies have to hire as they grow but there is a proper way to ensure training and consistency. Your pool company should also be documenting everything they do to your pool at every visit.
 
Preventative maintenance is key - So you have a pool tech who knows nothing about repairs...fine he is just there to clean your pool technically.  However, every pool tech should at least know how to recognize needed repairs and report them back to the office for client approval.  
 
Should support do-it-yourself pool owners - While we love our full service clients some of my favorite clients are not full service clients at all.  It's your pool and trust me you want a pool company who honors the fact that it is YOUR pool.  If you are a do-it-yourself kind of family or individual you still may need a repair company that you can count on when you need help.  We have plenty of clients who just give us a call for a filter cleaning, plumbing leak, lighting change, vacation cleanings, anything they need help with. 
 
Bottom line - We're simply in the customer service business.  As a personal choice in our service we don't ask anyone to sign a contract, we earn that persons business every month.  There are plenty of pool owners in the Dallas market and plenty of pool service companies.  Find a relationship that works for you and then be loyal to that company as long as they are treating the way you want to be treated.  Also have respect for their business and the fact that they have to make a living as well as provide a beneficial service.  Trust me you and your pool appreciate consistency when it comes to pool maintenance!
 
Save money - Well cared for pools cost less over time.  One bad clean up job from letting a pool turn into a swamp can cost hundreds of dollars, while typical, consistent pool service month to month leaves a pool owner free to do worry about other things.
 
Can you mow a lawn? - In our Dallas market just about everyone has a lawn service.  Yet many people attempt to clean and maintain their own pools.  Some of you do a great job with your pools, but think about this.  For $25 to $45 per week you can have your lawn mowed.  That's $125 to $225 per month, the lawn guy uses about 1/4 cup of gas and a lawn mower that will last him thousands of lawns while spending sometimes less that 10 minutes at your house.  For approximately $35 to $37 per week your pool company is doing major physical labor, using very expensive tools, adding expensive chemicals, and keeping an eye on and maintaining one of the biggest investments you will ever make in your home.  An experienced pool tech also has more pool cleanings under his belt in one week than the typical pool owner will have in a year.  Hum...yet for a cost less than lawn care in most cases.  Also we only charge for 4 weeks every month even if you receive 5 visits, quite a value really!  Just food for thought.   
 
 
Texas Oasis Pool Service & Repair
9720 Coit Rd. Ste 220146
Plano, TX 75025
214-532-7971
Fax: 214-407-8044
www.texasoasispoolservice.com