Weekly vs Monthly Pool Service: Which Is Right for You?
"Can't I just get service twice a month to save money?" I hear this question all the time. The short answer: you can, but you probably shouldn't. Here's why service frequency matters more than you might think.
The Case for Weekly Service
In Texas heat, pools need attention. Here's what happens in a typical week without service:
- Day 1-2: Chemistry starts drifting from evaporation and swimmer load
- Day 3-4: Chlorine depleted by UV, algae starts growing in warm spots
- Day 5-6: pH climbing, chlorine less effective, green spots appearing
- Day 7: Visible algae, cloudy water, chemistry significantly off
Weekly service catches problems before they escalate. It's preventive care.
Weekly Service Benefits:
- Consistent water chemistry
- Early problem detection
- Equipment runs optimally
- Pool always swim-ready
- Prevents expensive algae treatments
- Catches equipment issues early
The Problem with Monthly/Biweekly Service
Two weeks is a long time in Texas summer. What typically happens:
Common Biweekly Service Problems:
- Algae blooms between visits requiring extra treatment
- Chemical swings damage equipment over time
- Staining from unbalanced water
- More "emergency" calls for green pool cleanup
- Equipment problems not caught until major failure
- Pool often not swim-ready
Real Cost Comparison
Let's compare the true annual cost:
| Expense | Weekly Service | Biweekly Service |
|---|---|---|
| Base service cost | $150/mo x 12 = $1,800 | $100/mo x 12 = $1,200 |
| Green pool cleanups (avg) | $0 | 2-3x @ $250 = $625 |
| Extra chemicals you buy | $0 (included) | $300-500/year |
| Equipment repairs (avg) | Caught early: $150 | Found late: $400 |
| Annual Total | ~$1,950 | ~$2,525+ |
Biweekly service often costs MORE than weekly when you factor in problems. And you still have a pool that's not always swimmable.
When Biweekly MIGHT Work
Biweekly service can work in limited situations:
- Pool is rarely used
- You're knowledgeable and check/adjust chemistry between visits
- Winter months only (October-March)
- You have a saltwater pool with good automation
Even then, I recommend weekly service during summer (May-September) when Texas heat is hardest on pools.
My Recommendation
For DFW pools, weekly service year-round is the most cost-effective approach. It keeps your pool swim-ready, prevents expensive problems, and actually costs less in the long run than trying to save money with less frequent service.
Get Weekly Service with Chemicals Included
My weekly service includes all chemicals—no surprise costs. One simple monthly price for a pool that's always ready to enjoy.