Hiring the best swimming pool cleaner involves doing some research, understanding what you need, and asking the right questions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find the best pool cleaning service in your area:
1. Determine Your Needs:
– Do you need a one-time cleaning, regular maintenance, or an opening/closing service for seasonal pools?
– Do you also require equipment checks and maintenance, like pump and filter inspections?
2. Seek Recommendations:
– Ask friends, neighbors, or colleagues who have pools about their cleaning services.
– Online community boards or local Facebook groups can also be good places to seek recommendations.
3. Online Search:
– Search for pool cleaning services in your area using search engines.
– Visit their websites to get an idea of the services they offer, their experience, and if possible, customer reviews.
4. Check Reviews & Testimonials:
– Websites like Yelp, Google My Business, and others offer reviews from past clients.
– Look for companies with good reviews and note any common complaints or praises.
5. Verify Credentials:
– Ensure the pool cleaning service is licensed (if required in your area) and insured.
– Some regions or countries might have specific certifications for pool maintenance. Check if they have these.
6. Get Multiple Quotes:
– Contact at least 3-5 pool cleaning services for quotes.
– Ensure the quotes include details of the services provided, so you can compare them effectively.
7. Ask Questions:
– How long have you been in the pool cleaning business?
– What chemicals do you use, and are they safe for all pool types?
– How often do you recommend cleaning for my type of pool?
– Do you offer other services like equipment maintenance or repairs?
– What happens if there’s an issue or something gets damaged during cleaning?
– Do you provide any guarantees on your service?
8. Equipment & Products:
– Inquire about the type of equipment and cleaning products they use.
– If you prefer eco-friendly products, ask if they offer such options.
9. Availability & Flexibility:
– How flexible is their schedule? Can they accommodate specific days or times you prefer?
– What’s their policy for rescheduling or cancellations?
10. Payment & Contract:
– Understand their payment terms. Do they require payment upfront, or can you pay after the service?
– If you’re looking for regular maintenance, do they offer monthly or seasonal contracts?
– Always get any agreements in writing, especially if it’s a long-term contract.
11. Personal Instinct:
– Sometimes, your gut feeling can be a good indicator. If the company is responsive, transparent, and seems knowledgeable, they’re likely a good choice.
Once you’ve gathered all this information, compare the services, costs, and your impressions of each company. Choose the one that best aligns with your needs, budget, and comfort level.

A swimming pool cleaner refers to either a professional who specializes in cleaning and maintaining swimming pools or a device designed to automate the process of cleaning a pool. Here’s a breakdown of both:
1. Swimming Pool Cleaner (Professional):
A swimming pool cleaner, also sometimes referred to as a pool technician or pool maintenance professional, provides the following services:
– Skimming: Removing leaves, debris, and bugs from the water’s surface.
– Vacuuming: Cleaning the pool floor and walls to remove dirt, algae, and any other debris.

– Brushing: Scrubbing the pool walls and floor to prevent algae buildup.
– Chemical Maintenance: Checking and adjusting the chemical levels in the pool, ensuring a safe and balanced pH, chlorine, and other essential chemical levels.
– Filter Cleaning: Cleaning and backwashing the pool filter to ensure optimal operation.
– Equipment Checks: Inspecting pumps, heaters, and other pool equipment for any signs of malfunction or wear.
– Tile Cleaning: Scrubbing and cleaning the pool tiles to remove calcium deposits and maintain their appearance.
– Winterizing or Opening: Preparing the pool for winter (if in a region with cold seasons) or reopening it for the summer season.
2. Swimming Pool Cleaner (Device):
There are automated devices designed to help with pool cleaning. They come in various types:
– Suction-Side Cleaners: These are connected to the pool’s skimmer or dedicated suction line. They move around the pool in a random pattern, picking up debris as they go.
– Pressure-Side Cleaners: These use the pressure side of your pool’s pump to move the cleaner around. They often have their filter bag to collect debris, reducing strain on the pool’s filter.
– Robotic Pool Cleaners: These are self-contained units that you place in the pool when you want to clean. They have built-in filters and motors, and they navigate the pool systematically, ensuring every area is cleaned.
– Manual Pool Vacuum: This is a device you’d use yourself, manually pushing it across the pool’s floor and walls to remove debris.
Each type of pool cleaner (device) has its pros and cons, so the best one for you depends on your pool type, the amount of debris your pool generally collects, and your budget.
Whether you’re thinking of hiring a professional pool cleaner or purchasing an automated device, the goal is the same: to maintain a clean, healthy, and enjoyable swimming environment.

A swimming pool cleaner, particularly in the context of a professional or technician, can assist with a wide range of tasks to ensure the pool remains clean, safe, and functional. Here are the main jobs they can help with:
1. Skimming: Using a net to remove leaves, insects, and other floating debris from the pool’s surface.
2. Vacuuming: Utilizing a pool vacuum to clean the pool floor and walls, removing dirt, sediment, and debris.
3. Brushing: Scrubbing the walls, floor, and steps of the pool to remove algae, prevent its growth, and dislodge other build-ups.
4. Chemical Balance: Testing and adjusting the pool’s water chemistry, ensuring that the pH, chlorine, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and other essential chemical levels are in the right range.
5. Chemical Application: Adding necessary chemicals like chlorine, algaecides, or shock treatments to sanitize the water and prevent algae growth.
6. Filter Maintenance: Cleaning, backwashing, or replacing filter cartridges or sand in the pool’s filtration system to ensure optimal filtration.
7. Equipment Inspection: Checking pumps, heaters, chlorinators, and other pool equipment to ensure they are functioning correctly and diagnosing any issues.
8. Equipment Cleaning: Cleaning out strainer baskets, skimmer baskets, and pool cleaner bags.
9. Tile Cleaning: Cleaning the waterline tiles to remove calcium deposits, scum lines, and other build-ups.
10. Drain & Clean: For pools that have been neglected or have severe algae problems, draining the pool, cleaning it, and then refilling it might be necessary.
11. Winterizing: Preparing the pool for the winter months by lowering water levels, adding winter chemicals, and covering the pool. This is common in areas where pools are not used year-round.
12. Opening Services: At the start of the swimming season, removing pool covers, reassembling equipment, filling the pool, and balancing chemicals to make the pool ready for use.
13. Minor Repairs: Depending on their expertise, they might help with minor repairs like fixing leaks, replacing broken tiles, or repairing pool equipment.
14. Educating Pool Owners: Providing advice and guidance on maintaining the pool, when to add chemicals, and how to operate and look after pool equipment.
15. Leak Detection: Some pool cleaners may offer services to find and rectify leaks in the pool.
Having a professional handle these tasks ensures that the pool remains in good condition, extends the life of pool equipment, and provides a safe and enjoyable environment for swimmers.

The cost of a swimming pool cleaner in Australia varies based on several factors, including the size of the pool, its condition, the frequency of cleaning, the specific services required, and your geographical location within the country. As of my last training data in September 2021, here’s a general breakdown:
1. Regular Maintenance Service:
– A regular maintenance visit, which typically includes skimming, vacuuming, brushing, and chemical balancing, might cost anywhere from $60 to $150 per visit, depending on the complexity and size of the pool.
– Many pool owners opt for monthly or fortnightly services, with some even choosing weekly services during the peak summer months.
2. One-Off Cleaning Service:
– If your pool has been neglected for a while and needs a more comprehensive cleaning service, including tackling algae outbreaks or significant debris, you might be looking at $200 to $400 or more, again depending on the pool’s condition.
3. Additional Costs:
– Costs for chemicals are sometimes included in the service price, but they can also be additional. Depending on the pool’s needs, chemical costs can range from $20 to $50 per visit or more.
– If repairs or replacements for equipment are required, this will be an additional charge.
4. Specialized Services:
– Services such as opening and closing the pool for the season, major equipment repairs, or leak detection will have separate charges based on the specific service’s complexity.
5. Automated Pool Cleaners (Devices):
– If you’re considering purchasing an automated pool cleaning device, prices vary based on the type and brand. Suction-side cleaners can start from around $100 to $500. Pressure-side cleaners might range from $300 to $900, and robotic pool cleaners can range from $500 to $2,500 or more.
It’s important to remember that prices can fluctuate based on inflation, increased labor costs, and other economic factors. Always request quotes from multiple service providers to ensure you’re getting competitive pricing. Ensure any quote you receive specifies whether it includes chemicals and any other potential extra costs, so there are no surprises.

When hiring a local swimming pool cleaner, you want to ensure you’re getting a knowledgeable, reliable, and cost-effective service. Here are some essential questions to ask to make an informed decision:
1. Experience and Background:
– How long have you been in the pool cleaning business?
– Do you have any certifications or training in pool maintenance?
2. Services Offered:
– What does your standard pool cleaning service include?
– Do you offer specialized services, such as opening/closing for the season, equipment repair, or leak detection?
3. Pricing and Costs:
– How do you charge for your services (e.g., flat rate, hourly)?
– Is the cost of chemicals included in your service fee?
– Do you offer any package deals or discounts for regular maintenance?
4. Chemicals and Products:
– What type of chemicals do you use? Are they eco-friendly or low in irritants?
– If I have a saltwater pool or another specific type, are you experienced with its care?
5. Equipment and Technology:
– Do you use your own equipment, or will you be using mine?
– Are you up-to-date with the latest pool cleaning technology?
6. Schedule and Flexibility:
– How often do you recommend cleaning for my type of pool and usage?
– What is your availability? Can you accommodate specific days or times?
7. Insurance and Liability:
– Are you insured in case of damages or injuries while on my property?
– What is your policy if something gets damaged during the cleaning process?
8. Client References and Reviews:
– Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients?
– Are there online reviews or ratings I can check?
9. Contract and Terms:
– Do you require a contract for regular maintenance? If so, can I review it beforehand?
– What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
10. Communication and Reporting:
– How will you inform me about any issues or recommendations for my pool?
– Do you provide a service report after each visit?
11. Health and Safety:
– How do you ensure the pool’s chemical balance is safe for swimmers?
– Do you follow any specific health and safety guidelines while working?
12. Special Requirements:
– If you have specific needs, like a pool cover, heating system, or any unique features, ask how they handle those or if they have experience with them.
By asking these questions, you’ll get a comprehensive understanding of what to expect from the pool cleaner, ensuring that you’re making the best choice for your pool’s maintenance and care.