HOW TO FIND YOUR POOL GUY Any self-respecting pool guy will tell you that a good pool service company is dedicated to eliminating the hassle of maintaining a private swimming pool. Fact is most people see it simply as a large basin filled with water—which is true, by the way, but that's not all there is to it. A swimming pool has several other components not visible from the deck. So no doubt it takes a very good pool service company to maintain the functionality and sanitation of your swimming pool. Looking for a good pool service company? How do you find a good pool service company? Same way you find auto junkyards. The Internet is a good place to start looking for swimming pool service companies. It's the digital age, and most businesses put up websites where they could brag about their services without spending a couple hundred dollars a week for an ad space on the Interstate. Several pool service companies have joined the bandwagon. We found some very good pool service companies all over the US—from Brandon, Tampa Bay Area, Pinellas, Orange County, Las Vegas, Virginia—just browsing the Internet. If you live outside the US, we're sure you will find a pool service company in your area, too. If you have no access to the Internet from home, and don't feel like going to an Internet cafe, you can check the Yellow Pages. Before the Internet, the Yellow Pages was the place to look for pool service companies, and that practice hasn't waned up to now. Some pool service companies still register on the Yellow Pages. So it isn't exactly a waste of time to try and scan the Yellow Pages next time you need someone to skim dead leaves from your pool. Another reliable source is word of mouth. Stroll the neighborhood, and solicit recommendations for a good pool service company. This way you get free testimonials on which company does the best cleaning, which charges the most, which one is worthy of doing long-term business with, etc. Why is it so important? Pool service companies are for those who could afford to pay for the services and also don't have the time to clean and maintain their own swimming pools. These days pool companies offer a lot more than cleaning and repairs, including installation of new equipment, vacation visits, water testing, filter cleaning, general safety inspection, and of course general cleaning and equipment repairs. If you own a pool but tend to be away from home for long periods of time, a good pool service is all you need to clean and maintain your pool. In this case owning a private pool is a lot like having a dog: you wouldn't leave it alone without someone to look after it while you're away, would you? Price suggestions Pool company fees are either cheap or expensive depending on the type of service. Different companies of course charge different rates, but expect a weekly maintenance to cost around $90 to $120 every month. This service includes tile brushing, skimming, filter cleaning, vacuuming, basket cleaning, and netting, give or take a few. We found one pool company in the Tampa Bay area that charges $96 for weekly maintenance and another in Las Vegas for $109 a month. But pool companies also offer once-a-month cleaning packages. These cost around $15 to $20, just about. Cost of specialty cleaning varies depending on how much work is expected from the service. Chemical services are another matter. But expect to pay a good pool service company around $40 to $60 per month. One way or another you will need a pool service company to take care of your swimming pool. Whether it's for weekly maintenance or general cleaning, a clean and safe swimming pool is one that is looked after by a professional. And for that, pool service companies are here to stay.