7 Signs You Need Professional Pool Service

DIY pool maintenance works great—until it doesn't. After 10+ years servicing pools in DFW, I've seen hundreds of homeowners who waited too long to call for help. Here are the warning signs that it's time to bring in a professional.

1. Your Pool Keeps Turning Green

An occasional algae bloom happens. But if your pool turns green every few weeks despite your best efforts, something's wrong. Common culprits:

• Inadequate circulation (pump not running long enough)
• Hidden chemistry imbalance
• Failing equipment you haven't noticed
• Phosphates or other algae food sources

A professional can diagnose the root cause instead of just treating symptoms.

2. You Can't Get the Chemistry Right

Water chemistry is surprisingly complex. If you're constantly battling:

• pH that won't stay stable
• Chlorine that disappears immediately
• Cloudy water that won't clear
• Scaling or staining

...you might be chasing the wrong problem. A CPO-certified technician understands the chemistry relationships that confuse most homeowners.

3. You're Spending More on Chemicals Than Service Would Cost

I regularly meet homeowners spending $150-200/month on chemicals trying to fix problems—more than professional weekly service would cost. If you're making frequent trips to the pool store and buying "miracle" products, it's time to reconsider.

4. Your Equipment Is Making Strange Noises

Pool equipment should hum quietly. These sounds mean trouble:

• Grinding: Bearings failing in pump motor
• Screaming/screeching: Cavitation from air leak or blockage
• Clicking: Electrical issues or relay problems
• Gurgling: Air in the system

Catching equipment problems early saves hundreds in repairs. Ignoring them can turn a $150 repair into a $1,500 replacement.

5. You Don't Have Time Anymore

Life changes. New job, new baby, health issues, travel—suddenly the 2-4 hours per week of pool care doesn't fit. That's okay. A neglected pool deteriorates quickly and costs more to restore than regular service would have.

6. Your Eyes and Skin Are Irritated

Contrary to popular belief, that "chlorine smell" and eye irritation isn't from too much chlorine—it's from not enough. When chlorine combines with contaminants, it forms chloramines that irritate swimmers.

If swimmers complain about red eyes, itchy skin, or strong smell, your water chemistry needs professional attention.

7. You've Had Equipment Failure

After a pump dies, filter fails, or heater quits, many homeowners realize: "I didn't notice the warning signs." Regular professional eyes on your equipment catch small issues before they become expensive emergencies.

The Real Cost of Waiting

Here's what I commonly see from pools that "went too long":

• Green pool cleanup: $200-500
• Stain removal: $300-800
• Pump replacement (that could have been a $150 repair): $800-1,500
• Resurfacing from chemical damage: $5,000-15,000

Weekly service typically costs $125-175/month. The math usually favors prevention.