Customers rely on your pool service company to keep their swimming pools and spas clean, safe, and functioning properly. They also depend on you to use proper pool cleaning equipment each time you service their pool.
With the number of pool cleaning services in the U.S. growing nearly 7% in the past five years, pool service companies must stand out from the competition by providing top-notch customer service for their residential and commercial clients.
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Below, we take a look at the 20 best pool cleaning tools to equip swimming pool maintenance companies. Check professional pool supply companies for deals on the best pool supplies.
Pool Cleaning Equipment
Professional pool cleaning equipment forms the foundation of superior pool care. Specialized cleaning supplies remove algae and discoloration from walls and debris from the water.
Brushes
Brushes come in all shapes and sizes for a variety of jobs, from routine cleaning to heavy-duty acid washes. Brushes with telescoping poles provide a long reach, while smaller, hand-held brushes make thorough work of corners or tiny spaces. Brushes constructed of nylon bristles or poly bristles provide safe, scratchless cleaning, while others have stainless steel or a combination of bristle materials. Use the best pool brush for the right surface material to avoid damaging the pool.
Leaf Rakes
Another essential tool is a leaf rake, which removes leaves and debris from the water. Leaf rakes feature a pool net attached to a telescopic pole, and are used for gaining access to all depths of the pool. Though they’re a common pool cleaning tool, pro pool technicians know how to use them efficiently.
Skimmers and Baskets
A pool’s circulation and filtration system depends on pool skimmers. Surface water flows into built-in wall skimmers and baskets, trapping debris before the water heads to the pool’s pump and filter. Find the best skimmer for the right pool design.
Vacuums/Automatic Pool Cleaners
Professional pool vacuums function as a powerful pool cleaning tool because they suction out debris in the water and sediment from the bottom of the pool. Flexible vacuum heads allow for thorough cleaning. Pool owners may seek guidance from your pool service company on automatic vacuuming between maintenance visits. Automated cleaners include:
Suction cleaners, which hook up to the skimmer or suction line and clean using the pool’s main pump and filter.
Pressure cleaners, which use return water from a booster pump to move around the pool and collect debris in a bag.
Robotic cleaners, which use a built-in motor for movement and suction while filtering the water. Although they are the most expensive, they prolong the life of the swimming pool’s pump and filter.
Pool Parts
Pool cleaning equipment won’t function without parts and supplies like pumps, heaters, pipe, fittings, and clamps. Pool manufacturing companies make PVC pool plumbing and replacement parts.
Pumps
Pool pumps create the flow needed to circulate water and direct it through the filter. Circulation plays a key part in distributing chemicals or other sanitizers throughout the pool. Some states, such as California and Arizona, regulate energy-efficient pool pumps when it comes time for replacement. There are three types of pool pumps:
Single speed pumps perform at one constant speed.
Dual speed pumps run at high or low speeds.
Variable speed pumps, the quietest and most energy-efficient, operate at several speeds.
Heaters
Pool heaters warm pool water, and depending on the climate, allow for year-round swimming. As water circulates through the pool, it passes through the filter and to the heater. Climate typically dictates what type of heater functions best, and the pool’s proportions determine heater size. There are three types of heaters:
Electric heaters, or heat pumps, use outdoor air to warm the pool water, and work efficiently when the air doesn’t drop below 50 degrees.
Gas heaters use natural gas or propane to heat the water. They typically heat water more quickly than electric heaters.
Solar heaters use thermal energy to warm pool water by using a solar collector and other equipment.
Valves
Pool valves enable pool water to circulate through the filter for cleaning before directing it back into the pool. Valve types include diverter valves, isolation valves, and check valves, with variations within those categories to meet customers’ unique pool designs.
Hoses and Hose Cuffs
Vacuum hoses come in varying lengths and hook up to vacuums with hose cuffs. Reinforced- vinyl backwash hoses drain and remove pool water from the filter.
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Water Quality Equipment
Maintain high-quality water with pool filters, chemicals, and disinfectant systems.
Pool Filters
Sand filters purify as the pool’s pressure pushes water through the sand, trapping particles. These are considered the most economical and require periodic backwashing.
Cartridge filters trap debris as water passes through the filter. Filter cartridges require periodic cleaning.
Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters clean the water as it passes over filter grids coated with diatomaceous earth. DE filters require periodic backwashing.
Chemicals and Balancers
Pool water should remain at a pH of 7.2-7.8, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Applying chemicals is a balancing act between effective germ elimination without excessive corroding of pool and equipment. Customers rely on your company’s knowledge of proper levels and distribution of pool cleaners.
Chlorine, a commonly used pool sanitizer, removes contaminants in the water to ensure safe swimming. Follow standard chlorine application amounts, but be aware some jurisdictions may enforce their own health codes. Shock treatment uses a higher than normal amount of chlorine to destroy algae and bacteria.
Bromine is a chlorine alternative, and its stability in warmer temperatures makes it a common disinfectant for spas and hot tubs. It also works in a higher pH range.
Water balancers include chemicals to control pH, alkalinity, and calcium, to ensure water remains properly balanced. Stabilizers work to stabilize chlorine in outdoor pools.
Salt Systems
Salt systems function as a chlorine-generation system. Water passes through a salt cell and undergoes an electrolysis process that converts into chlorine. The system continues to clean as water cycles through the pool. Compared to chlorine, salt systems are less harsh on skin and clothing.
UV Sanitizers
These systems utilize UV light rays to sanitize pool water. The technology works by disrupting the DNA of bacteria, viruses, algae, and other microorganisms. It can also rid the pool of unwanted chlorine byproducts.
Water Testers
Pool water must be tested on a regular basis to maintain proper water balance. Achieve accurate testing with professional liquid test kits or digital testers. Tests measure pH, alkalinity, calcium, chlorine, bromine, cyanuric acid, and total dissolved solids, ensuring proper adjustments to keep pool water clean and safe.
Pool Installation
Pool Material
In-ground pools are typically built with one of three types of surfaces:
Vinyl liner pools typically feature steel, aluminum, or plastic walls. This allows for customized pool shapes, but the liner generally needs replacement after 10 years. Tears require patching.
Concrete pools are constructed with gunite or shotcrete. Gunite mixes with water as it leaves the nozzle, while shotcrete comes pre-mixed with water. Plaster, tile, or aggregate material may cover the concrete surface. Depending on materials and other factors, concrete pools typically require resurfacing every 10-15 years.
Fiberglass pools install quickly because they come in a premade fiberglass shell. While they are expensive, they tend to be long-lasting. Shape and size choices may be more limited as they are manufactured in one piece.
Pool Safety and Winterization
Pool Lights
LED pool lights, whether built into the pool walls or on the deck, enable users to swim safely at night and maintain an ambient environment.
Pool Covers
Pool covers provide safety for children and pets. They also keep the pool clean by blocking debris and sunlight. Pool covers ensure energy savings when the pool is closed.
Freeze Guards
These devices, equipped with a sensor to measure outdoor air temperature, turn on pool pumps and heaters to ensure pool water does not freeze and damage pool equipment.
Digital Tools
Pool Automation
Many pool service companies offer cutting-edge automation systems to give modern homeowners and commercial clients an easy, efficient way to maintain their pool equipment. Smart pool and spa devices allow users to schedule and set equipment settings, such as pumps, heaters, lights, salt systems, and water features. Voice-activated features provide added convenience.
Pool Service Software
Improve your company’s efficiency and increase your average ticket with ServiceTitan’s cloud-based pool service software.
Dispatch software features drag-and-drop scheduling so you can stay flexible and ensure techs have the right amount of time to complete a job. SMS texting ensures seamless communication with your entire team.
Scheduling software allows your CSRs to note specific needs so your techs arrive prepared at each job. The software gives customers added satisfaction of viewing a tech bio beforehand, and GPS software lets them know exactly when the tech will arrive.
Pool Service Mobile Tablets
Equip techs with the right pool service tools, such as rugged tablets, to increase sales from the field. Techs can show customers pricing options and immediately send them branded estimates, allowing them to reach technician goals.
Customized data reporting allows you to monitor productivity so you can increase efficiency, track KPIs, and dive into profit.
Business Valuation Calculator
Want to know the true value of your pool service company? The free ServiceTitan Business Valuation Calculator can help you filter key performance metrics to track for growth and profitability, or estimate how much your pool-care business might be worth if you’re considering selling the company.
Flow Rate Calculator
Easily calculate or convert units of measurement for volumetric flow rate using ServiceTitan’s Flow Rate Calculator. This free tool helps pool care specialists quickly determine the speed of water flowing through a pipe and how much space it occupies inside that pipe based on diameter and velocity—without complicated equations and manually converting metrics.
Pipe Volume Calculator
Figure out how much water a piping section can handle and tally how much the water inside those pipes weighs by utilizing the free ServiceTitan Pipe Volume Calculator. Pool specialists can easily convert pipe volume and mass using six different measurement units to save time, reduce waste, improve accuracy, and confirm appropriate pipe size for any pool install or repair jobs.
Invoice Generator
Give your pool techs in the field the ability to create, save, and email or text customized invoices from a mobile device with ServiceTitan’s free Invoice Generator Tool. Eliminate paperwork, streamline invoicing, and give customers a convenient digital invoice they can pay on the spot.
Labor Rate Calculator
See how much each employee truly costs your pool service company and determine how much to bill for labor using the free interactive ServiceTitan Labor Rate Calculator. Plug in key metrics, such as overhead costs and ideal net profit, to tabulate a bottom-line rate that covers business costs and then figure out an optimal billable labor rate to maximize profitability.
ROI Calculator
Feel confident your pool service company can capitalize on all of the features of ServiceTitan’s field management platform and yield a positive return on investment with our complimentary ServiceTitan ROI Calculator. Discover your profit potential by achieving a higher ticket average and increasing daily calls, booked appointments, and closed estimates.
Service Business Grader
Gauge your pool service’s depth with ServiceTitan’s Service Business Grader Tool. In less than a minute, discover how your pool care company’s performance measures up by evaluating average ticket sales, daily calls, booked jobs, and other key metrics.
Mobile App & Tablet
Make it easy for customers to order, buy, and pay for your company’s pool services with a simple tap-click-or-swipe on a mobile tablet. Using ServiceTitan’s Mobile App, techs build tiered estimates out in the field with vibrant photos, manufacturer videos, and detailed product information, so customers can browse and buy at their own pace—just like shopping online.
Give your customers the mobile-driven service they prefer by adding ServiceTitan’s Mobile App to your techs’ arsenal of tools. Other key features include:
Data Access: Give techs access to all information collected by CSRs, such as customer names, addresses, contact information, outstanding estimates, job histories, property details, prior invoices, call recordings, notes, and more, with a few taps on their mobile tablet.
Customization: Upload your own forms and pricebooks, and manage pricing and product updates easily across the entire ServiceTitan cloud-based system.
Job Automation: Automatically trigger certain forms to appear as the job progresses, so techs know which steps to take at every stage—from diagnosis and repair to invoicing and asking for a review.
Mobile Payments: Get paid faster by capturing checks and credit cards via the mobile tablet camera, or add a credit-card swiper. If customers prefer to pay with cash, techs can accept that, too, and automatically document payment in the field.
ServiceTitan Pool Service Software
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive pool & spa service software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000+ contractors across the country.
