Servicing
What does a PoolGuys service include?
The work depends on the pool and what it needs at the time. A regular service can include professional water testing and balancing, cleaning, emptying skimmer and pump baskets, filter maintenance, checking circulation and chlorination, inspecting pool equipment and recording anything that needs further attention.
We do not believe every visit needs an identical checklist. The purpose is to deal with what the pool actually needs while keeping an eye on the complete system.
What is the difference between pool cleaning and pool servicing?
Pool cleaning refers mainly to the physical work of removing leaves, debris and other material from the pool. Pool servicing is broader: it can include cleaning as well as water testing and balancing, filter and basket maintenance, chlorinator settings and checks of the equipment operating the pool.
How often should my pool be serviced?
There is no single frequency that suits every pool. PoolGuys offers weekly, fortnightly and monthly servicing, and the appropriate schedule depends on the pool, equipment, usage, surrounding environment and season.
A heavily used pool or holiday property may need more frequent attention than a lightly used residential pool. The schedule can also be changed during the year rather than remaining fixed regardless of conditions.
Do you offer one-off pool services?
Yes. Regular servicing is not required. We can also help when a pool needs a one-off clean, professional water test, balancing, problem solving or attention after it has been neglected for a period.
Do you service spas as well as pools?
Yes. PoolGuys services both swimming pools and spas. Spas can require particularly close attention to water chemistry because of their smaller water volume, higher temperatures and concentrated use.
Do I need a service contract?
No. PoolGuys does not require regular servicing customers to enter a service contract. We would rather keep customers because the arrangement continues to work for them.
Water testing & chemicals
How do you test pool water?
We use professional-grade photometric testing on site rather than making chemical decisions by guesswork. Depending on the pool and equipment, testing can include chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, stabiliser, phosphates, calcium hardness and salt, together with relevant controller readings where applicable.
Are pool chemicals included in the service price?
No. The service and chemicals are charged separately. If the pool needs chemicals, we supply what is required and add the chemicals used to the invoice.
This means chemical costs reflect what the pool actually needs rather than being built into a package whether they are required or not.
Can you use chemicals I already have?
Yes. If suitable chemicals are already at the property and are appropriate to use, we can use them rather than supplying unnecessary duplicates.
Why do chemical costs change between visits?
A pool does not use exactly the same amount of chemicals every month. Water temperature, rainfall, swimmer load, sunlight, debris, pool size, equipment and the existing water balance can all affect what is required.
That is why we test first and add chemicals according to the results rather than treating every service visit the same way.
Does a saltwater pool still need testing and balancing?
Yes. A salt chlorinator produces chlorine from salt in the water, but the pool still needs appropriate chlorine levels and balanced pH, alkalinity and other water chemistry. Salt level and chlorinator operation also need to be checked.
How long after a service can we swim?
It depends on what has been added to the pool and why. Some routine adjustments require little or no waiting time, while other treatments require the pool to circulate before swimming. If a treatment affects when the pool should be used, we can advise you at the time.
Water problems
Why has my pool turned green?
Green water is commonly associated with algae growth, but the reason it developed can involve sanitiser levels, circulation, filtration, water balance or a combination of factors.
We can test the water, check how the system is operating and work out what needs to be corrected rather than simply adding chemicals without investigating the cause.
Why is my pool cloudy?
Cloudy water can have several causes, including water imbalance, inadequate sanitising, poor filtration, fine suspended material or heavy pool use. The useful first step is to test the water and check the filtration and circulation rather than assuming one particular chemical will solve it.
Can you recover a green or neglected pool?
Yes. We can assess problem water, filtration and equipment and determine what is required to bring the pool back under control. The amount of work and time involved depends on the condition of the pool and the underlying cause.
What should I do after heavy rain?
Heavy rain can change the water level and dilute salt and pool chemicals, while runoff and debris can add extra load to the filtration system. Avoid adding large amounts of chemicals simply because it has rained. Testing the water first gives a better basis for deciding what actually needs adjustment.
Equipment & repairs
What pool equipment can you help with?
PoolGuys works with common pool and spa equipment including pumps, sand and cartridge filters, salt chlorinators, automatic dosing systems, pool cleaners, heaters, heat pumps and pool controllers.
The exact work possible depends on the equipment and fault, so contact us with the problem or model details if you are unsure.
Do you repair pool equipment?
Yes. We can investigate common equipment faults and determine whether repair or replacement is the more sensible option. We do not assume a faulty unit automatically needs to be replaced.
Can you supply and install replacement equipment?
Yes. Where replacement or an upgrade is appropriate, PoolGuys can supply and install pool equipment suited to the pool and existing system.
How do I know if my pump, filter or chlorinator has a problem?
Changes worth investigating include unusual noise, leaks, loss of pump prime, weak circulation, unusual filter pressure, error messages, a chlorinator that is no longer maintaining chlorine or repeated water problems despite normal maintenance.
These symptoms can have several causes, so diagnosing the system is usually more useful than replacing the first component that appears to be involved.
Will you tell me before replacing equipment?
Yes. If further work or replacement is required, we explain what we have found and the available options so the customer can make the decision.
Appointments & property access
Do I need to be home during a pool service?
Usually not. If safe access to the pool and equipment area has been arranged, servicing can normally be carried out while you are away from the property.
Can you service a property while the owner is away?
Yes. We regularly work at homes, holiday properties and managed properties where the owner is not present. We follow the agreed access arrangements and communicate with the nominated contact when something needs attention.
What happens if you find another problem during servicing?
We let you know what we have found. A routine service is useful for spotting changes in water, circulation and equipment, but repairs or additional work are treated separately rather than simply being carried out without explanation.
Do you record the work carried out?
Yes. Our service process records water-test results and the work carried out during the visit, along with items that require further attention where relevant.
Homes, rentals & commercial properties
Do you service holiday rental pools?
Yes. We service holiday accommodation and can work with owners or property managers around agreed access and changing periods of guest use. Holiday pools may need closer attention during busy occupancy periods than a lightly used residential pool.
Do you work with real estate agencies?
Yes. PoolGuys services agency-managed rental properties and can use the property manager as the nominated contact for servicing, equipment issues and work that requires approval.
Do you service strata and commercial pools?
Yes, for suitable properties within our service area. Commercial and shared pools can have different usage, reporting and servicing requirements from residential pools, so we assess the property before deciding on an appropriate service arrangement.
Does PoolGuys take responsibility for commercial pool compliance?
No. We can provide professional servicing, water testing, maintenance records and equipment support, but the legal and regulatory responsibilities of a commercial or public pool remain with the pool operator. Some facilities require additional monitoring, records or specialist compliance work outside a routine PoolGuys service.
Winter & seasonal care
Does my pool still need servicing in winter?
Usually, yes, although it may need less attention. Cooler water generally reduces chlorine demand and pool use, but water balance, filtration, debris and equipment still need to be monitored.
Can I reduce servicing during winter?
Often. If the pool remains stable and receives less use, a lower service frequency may be appropriate. We prefer to adjust the schedule to the individual pool rather than automatically providing the same level of service throughout the year.
Should I turn the pump off for winter?
Generally the pool still needs circulation and filtration, although run times can often be reduced as water temperature and chlorine demand fall. The appropriate settings depend on the pool, equipment and conditions.
Should I reduce my chlorinator in winter?
Often, but it should be based on water testing rather than the calendar alone. Cooler water usually means lower chlorine demand, so chlorinator or dosing-system output may need adjustment.
Service areas
Where does PoolGuys service?
Our regular South Coast routes cover Kiama, Gerringong, Berry and surrounding localities. We also provide servicing across selected parts of the Southern Highlands.
See our full service area for the current locality list.
What if my suburb is not listed?
Contact us with the property address. Availability can depend on the location and how it fits within our existing routes, particularly for rural and outlying properties.
Getting started
I have just moved into a house with a pool. Can you help?
Yes. A one-off service is a useful starting point if you are unfamiliar with the pool. We can test the water, look at the equipment and identify anything that appears to need attention. You can then decide whether you want ongoing servicing or prefer to manage most of the pool yourself.
I do some maintenance myself. Can PoolGuys still help?
Yes. You do not have to hand over every part of the pool care. Some customers use PoolGuys regularly; others manage routine tasks themselves and book professional help periodically for testing, cleaning, equipment problems or seasonal work.
How do I get a quote or book a service?
Call PoolGuys on 1300 253 300 or use our contact form. Tell us where the property is and what you need help with. If you are not sure what the problem is, simply describe what you are seeing.