Brand New Pool - Service

[thursto11]

Hi All,

Just finished building our pool. The pool builder and service company are both recommending that we hire them for the first few months to manage the chemicals and levels in the pool. Stating that as the plaster and other things cure it can cause levels to go all over.

Does anyone have any experience with the validity of this? Should I hire them for the summer to manage it? I'm not afraid of doing the chemicals myself but don't want to ruin anything or have it be extra difficult with a new pool.

Plaster Gunnite Pool SPA, 19.2K Gallons in Central Texas.

 

[ajw22]

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[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Welcome to TFP!

You're lucky you found us before you allowed them to "take care" of your pool. With the Test Kits Compared and your friends at TFP, you'll be able to enjoy a clean and well-balanced pool. The test kits from tftestkits.net provide the best value.

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[Gotta Pool]

Hi All,

Just finished building our pool. The pool builder and service company are both recommending that we hire them for the first few months to manage the chemicals and levels in the pool. Stating that as the plaster and other things cure it can cause levels to go all over.

Does anyone have any experience with the validity of this? Should I hire them for the summer to manage it? I'm not afraid of doing the chemicals myself but don't want to ruin anything or have it be extra difficult with a new pool.

Plaster Gunnite Pool SPA, 19.2K Gallons in Central Texas.

Yeah, I'm torn on this one. First, everybody has given you excellent advice, but there is one gotcha to consider. I'd look back through all of the paperwork with a fine-toothed comb concerning warranty. Based on what you find in the fine print and the legalese and the conversations you are having with your tradesmen, it might be cost-effective to not end up being the middleman and hire them. Thereby you will force them into the position of honoring the warranty should something go wrong. They can't accuse you of screwing something up because it was their sole responsibility. If they warranty keeping things just right (or else) during the startup and curing of the pool, it might be cheap insurance, if something goes wrong. The more you have in writing, the safer you are.

PS
If they have already admitted that chemical values may go all over the place, how often do they intend to visit to correct things?

 

[thursto11]

Yeah, I'm torn on this one. First, everybody has given you excellent advice, but there is one gotcha to consider. I'd look back through all of the paperwork with a fine-toothed comb concerning warranty. Based on what you find in the fine print and the legalese and the conversations you are having with your tradesmen, it might be cost-effective to not end up being the middleman and hire them. Thereby you will force them into the position of honoring the warranty should something go wrong. They can't accuse you of screwing something up because it was their sole responsibility. If they warranty keeping things just right (or else) during the startup and curing of the pool, it might be cheap insurance, if something goes wrong. The more you have in writing, the safer you are.

PS
If they have already admitted that chemical values may go all over the place, how often do they intend to visit to correct things?

This was my concern as well. I will look into the warranty documents. I also wasn't sure if it was just a scare tactic by the service company to manage the levels. Or if for the first year it really is harder to manage while the plaster is curing.

They check chemicals once per week and brush the walls. $90/visit.

 

[ajw22]

Warranties depend on the integrity of the Pool company and not what is written on the papers.

Rarely are the damages worth hiring a lawyer and taking them to court over.

I would go about your life and not let your actions be dictated by what the warranty document says.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

$90/visit

 

[Deb04]

They check chemicals once per week and brush the walls. $90/visit.

WOW!! $1080 for just through the end of August. That's more than double what I pay in chemicals for the whole season (April-Sept.) Does that $90 include chemicals? If you do need this "service" to maintain warranty, ask them if you can meet the required terms if you bring in a sample once a week.

If you decide to do it this year for the warranty, test daily so you can call them if things go sideways. It will also give you lots of practice so you hit the ground running next year.