Scottsdale’s desert climate makes a backyard pool more than a luxury—it’s a necessity. But with soaring temperatures, dust storms, monsoons, and intense UV rays, maintaining that sparkling blue oasis requires more than tossing in some chlorine. Weekly pool service is essential in this region, but many pool owners aren’t exactly sure what their technician should be doing each visit. So, what does a good pool tech actually do during weekly service in Scottsdale?
Pool Service in Scottsdale
1. Water Testing and Chemical Balancing
A quality pool tech always begins with testing the water. Scottsdale’s heat can rapidly throw off chemical balance, increasing the risk of algae blooms, skin irritation, and even equipment damage. A good technician uses professional-grade testing kits (not just test strips) to check:
- pH levels
- Chlorine or other sanitizer levels
- Alkalinity
- Cyanuric acid (stabilizer)
- Calcium hardness (especially important in Arizona’s hard water)
Once tested, they’ll adjust the chemicals accordingly, ensuring the water is clean, safe, and chemically balanced for the week ahead.
2. Skimming and Surface Cleaning
Scottsdale’s environment isn’t gentle on pool surfaces. Dust, leaves, bugs, and other debris are constantly blowing into the water, especially during monsoon season. A good pool tech will take the time to skim the surface thoroughly, removing floating debris that could clog filters or lead to algae growth.
3. Brushing Walls and Tile Lines
The desert sun can bake dirt and minerals onto your pool walls and tiles, making them harder to clean over time. Weekly brushing prevents the buildup of:
- Algae
- Scale (common with Arizona’s hard water)
- Dirt and dust deposits
A responsible technician doesn’t skip this part—it’s essential to maintaining clean, stain-free walls and tile lines.
4. Vacuuming the Pool Bottom
Although robotic pool cleaners can help, they aren’t always thorough—especially in corners or on steps. A good tech either uses a manual vacuum or checks your automatic cleaner to ensure no debris has settled on the bottom. Sand, fine dust, and organic debris can quickly collect and affect water clarity and cleanliness.
5. Emptying Skimmer and Pump Baskets
Clogged skimmer or pump baskets can restrict water flow, reducing your system’s efficiency and potentially damaging equipment. Your pool tech should always check and empty these baskets during each visit, especially after windstorms or heavy pool use.
6. Inspecting Equipment for Issues
This is where experience really counts. A knowledgeable pool tech doesn’t just maintain the water—they also keep an eye on the heartbeat of your pool: the equipment.
Each week, they should:
- Listen for unusual pump noises
- Check for visible leaks or cracks
- Inspect filter pressure levels
- Make sure the pump, heater, and chlorinator are functioning properly
Catching a minor issue early can save hundreds or even thousands in repair costs down the line.
7. Cleaning the Pool Filter (When Scheduled)
While filters aren’t cleaned every week, your pool tech should know the last time it was done and schedule cleanings based on your pool’s needs. In Scottsdale, many pools use cartridge filters, which should be cleaned every 4–6 weeks depending on use and surrounding conditions. Sand and DE filters may have different maintenance schedules, having the right pool service is a crucial part of your pool’s maintenance.
8. Checking Water Levels
The dry desert air leads to rapid evaporation. Your tech will check the water level each week and top it off if needed (or advise you to do so). Water levels that are too low can cause your pump to run dry, leading to costly damage.
9. Notifying You of Problems or Recommendations
The best pool service providers keep homeowners informed. Whether it’s a worn-out o-ring, signs of algae, or equipment nearing the end of its lifespan, a quality tech will communicate clearly and provide solutions—not just wait for a failure to happen.
What Sets a Great Pool Tech Apart?
In Scottsdale, anyone can claim to be a pool service provider, but the real pros go the extra mile. They’re reliable, consistent, detail-oriented, and proactive. They don’t just clean the pool—they maintain it, protect your investment, and ensure your pool stays a source of relaxation, not stress.
If you’re hiring a weekly pool service in Scottsdale, use this checklist to evaluate the quality of care your pool is receiving. A truly good tech will hit all these points—and leave your water sparkling, safe, and swim-ready year-round.