A pool service contract is a document that formalizes an agreement between a pool service contractor and a customer. The contract can cover a one-time job or regularly scheduled maintenance, outlining the scope and schedule of the work. Payment terms, including accepted payment methods and late fees, should be specified as well.
Common Pool Service Jobs
- Testing water chemistry and balancing Ph
- Skimming the top of a pool
- Vacuuming the bottom of a pool
- Emptying filters and screens
What Should Be Included?
1. Scope of Work
A pool service contract should specify which services are being performed and what they cost. If the contract binds both parties to a regular maintenance schedule, then it should outline which services will be provided and when. For example, some pools need their walls brushed twice a week while their filters have to be changed once a month, so a contract should specifically state that wall cleanings will occur twice weekly and filter changes will occur monthly.
2. Timeframe
Determine whether the contract will cover a one-time service or a longer period. Either way, include a start and end date for the service. Be specific about what services will be provided and when.
3. Equipment
It’s a good idea to list the types of equipment and the chemicals you’ll use to perform the services listed in the scope of work section. This can help the customer to understand the full cost of the service, which includes the contractor’s purchase and maintenance of expensive equipment and chemicals.
4. Payment
A pool service contract should specify how payment can be received and when payments are due. It should also outline the contractor’s policy for late payments.
5. Liability Clause
A pool service contract should contain a clause that exempts the contractor from responsibility for normal wear and tear on the pool. There should also be some mention of what happens if an unanticipated event, such as a storm or a pandemic, occurs during the period the contract covers. In this case, can the contract be renegotiated or the work schedule amended? Make sure the contract answers these questions explicitly.
6. Termination
A pool service contract should outline the process for either party to terminate the contract prematurely. How much notice should be given? It’s also a good idea to specify how this notice can be given, whether in person or by email. Will there be consequences for terminating the contract before its end date? Cover this in the termination section of the contract.
Common Pool Service Rates
Costs will depend on the size of the pool, how accessible the pool is, the season or weather (which generally determines how frequently the pool gets used), and other factors. Typically, servicing indoor pools costs between $25 and $50 per hour. Service performed on outdoor pools generally costs between $60 and $95 per hour. The average cost of a full service is between $150 and $200.
Below are some common pool services and their average cost:
- Replacing a filter: $1,500 – $2,000
- Repairing a pump motor: $50 – $300
- Replacing a pump motor: $250 – $650
- Repairing drain: $400 – $700
- Draining a pool: $175
How Often Should Pools Be Serviced?
Most pools require regular cleaning; many need to be cleaned weekly so they don’t grow bacteria and algae. Filter baskets fill up with debris, such as plants and insects, and neglecting pool maintenance can allow these to decompose and pollute the pool. Most pool service contractors advise their clients to do weekly pool maintenance.