Save money with a pool cleaner
Nothing beats an amazing backyard pool. That sparkling oasis of relaxation, backyard BBQ prestige, and occasional cannonball-induced terror. But behind the crystal-clear water lies a truth most homeowners try to ignore: pool maintenance is a full-time job disguised as fun in the sun. Enter the pool cleaner—a magical human (or sometimes robotic) savior who keeps your chlorine levels in check and prevents your pool from turning into a murky swamp straight out of a horror movie. But here’s the catch: hiring a pool cleaner can cost an arm, a leg, and possibly your favorite floaty unicorn.
Lucky for you, I’m here to give you insider tips from decades of scrubbing, skimming, and chemical balancing to help you get the best rate when you hire a pool cleaner. Grab your sunscreen; it’s about to get enlightening.
1. Know What You’re Paying For
Before you even dial a single pool company, take a deep breath and ask yourself: “Do I need a basic cleaning, weekly maintenance, or full-on pool TLC?”
- Basic Cleaning: Skimming leaves, brushing walls, and emptying baskets. Quick and relatively cheap.
- Weekly Maintenance: Chemicals balanced, filter checked, and minor repairs. Moderate cost.
- Full Service: Everything above, plus equipment inspection, algae treatment, and probably a pep talk for your pool. Pricier, but thorough.
Pro tip: If you’re looking to hire a pool cleaner and want the best bang for your buck, be crystal clear about the level of service. Ambiguity is the enemy of discounts.
2. Shop Around Like a Bargain Hunter on Black Friday
I can’t stress this enough: get multiple quotes. Some pool cleaners think the first price they quote is the only price. Others are just waiting to see if you blink. Call three to five companies, and let them know you’re comparing rates. You’d be shocked at the variance.
A little tip from the trenches: mention that you’re considering a “long-term arrangement” or “seasonal package.” Many pool companies will lower their rate if they know they’ve got guaranteed work. Loyalty pays off—even if you’re loyal only to the best deal.
3. Don’t Forget the Seasonality Shuffle
Pools are like teenagers: fun in the summer, a headache in the offseason. Scheduling can affect your rate.
- Off-peak discounts: Hiring a pool cleaner early in the season (before Memorial Day) or late (after Labor Day) can get you lower rates. The pool cleaning industry has slow periods where companies are more willing to negotiate.
- Weekly vs. Biweekly: Weekly maintenance keeps the water pristine but costs more. If you’re willing to hire a pool cleaner every other week, you might save a few hundred bucks a season—just don’t let algae stage a hostile takeover.
Timing, my friend, is money.
4. Bundle Services for Maximum Savings
If you have other backyard tasks, ask your pool cleaner if they offer bundled services. Many companies offer discounts if you combine pool cleaning with:
- Hot tub or spa maintenance
- Deck or patio power washing
- Pool equipment repairs
Think of it as a “two-for-one” spa day, without the cucumber water.
5. DIY Negotiation Tactics
Here’s where my insider knowledge really kicks in. Pool cleaners love their work but hate price haggling almost as much as we hate dirty pools. Play it smart:
- Know your market: Check rates in your area. $80/week in one town might be $120 in another. Knowledge = leverage.
- Ask about packages: Weekly, biweekly, seasonal, or chemical-only services might have flexible pricing.
- Be a steady customer: Professionals love predictability. If you commit to a whole season upfront, you can often shave off 10–20% from the total bill.
- Highlight your readiness: Keep skimmer baskets clear and surfaces reasonably clean. If the cleaner doesn’t have to do extra prep work, that can translate into savings.
Negotiating doesn’t have to be awkward. Just channel your inner poolside politician.
6. Keep an Eye on Hidden Costs
Nothing sinks a budget faster than unexpected fees. Ask about:
- Chemical surcharges
- Equipment repairs or replacements
- Travel fees (some cleaners charge if you live “too far”)
A good pool cleaner will be transparent, but many rely on surprise charges to bump their paycheck. Protect your wallet by asking for a detailed estimate upfront.
7. Consider Robotic Backup
Yes, I said it. Robots aren’t taking over everything yet, but a robotic pool cleaner can handle light maintenance while reducing human labor costs. It won’t negotiate rates for you or offer witty poolside banter, but it will keep the water skimmable between professional visits. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of budget-conscious pool owners.
Combine this with a human professional once a month, and you might just hire a pool cleaner less frequently—and pay significantly less over time.
8. Build a Relationship
I know, I know—sounds cheesy, like a summer romance plot. But pool cleaners are people, too. Friendly homeowners often get:
- Priority scheduling during busy summer months
- Tips on chemical tricks to reduce weekly visits
- Occasional discounting for good behavior (like leaving the pool gate unlocked or treating them to a cold drink in July)
A little charm goes a long way. Your pool might sparkle, but your relationship with your cleaner can save you real cash.
9. Read Reviews Like a Detective
Before you sign anything, check online reviews, social media pages, and local forums. Look for consistency: a pool cleaner with years of happy clients and transparent pricing is often a safer bet than the cheapest option you found on a flyer.
Insider hint: if a company has glowing reviews but refuses to discuss rates upfront, consider it a red flag. Transparency is the sign of a trustworthy pro—and a fair deal.
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away
You have the ultimate power: your pool. If a company’s rates feel excessive, or their contract seems confusing, politely say no. There’s always another cleaner who will value your business. Remember, hiring a pool cleaner should be like hiring a superhero—not paying ransom to a villain.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your pool pristine doesn’t have to make your wallet feel like it’s gone swimming with the sharks. By following these insider tips—shopping around, negotiating intelligently, timing your service, bundling tasks, and being a charming customer—you can hire a pool cleaner at a rate that feels like a win instead of a belly flop.
In short: be smart, be informed, and don’t let algae win. Your backyard oasis deserves both a clear conscience and clear water.
Now go forth, pool owner, and conquer the murky waters of overpriced pool cleaning! Your wallet—and your inner mermaid—will thank you.
About the Author
