Tried & True Pool Company: What to Know Before You Call

Tried & True Pool Company serves residential and commercial pools across South Carolina with weekly maintenance, repairs, and seasonal opening and closing services.

Tried & True Pool Company operates as a local service provider for pool owners in South Carolina who need routine cleaning, equipment repair, or seasonal preparation. The company handles weekly maintenance visits, addresses equipment failures, and manages the spring opening and fall closing that most pool owners need each year. Like other pool service companies, they work on a subscription model for regular maintenance or can be called for one-time repairs.

Before contacting them or any pool service, you should know what services you actually need, what your pool's current condition is, and whether you want ongoing maintenance or occasional repairs. This guide explains how pool service companies typically work in South Carolina, what to expect from a service visit, and how to prepare for that first call.

Key Takeaways

• Tried & True Pool Company offers weekly maintenance plans, one-time repairs, and seasonal opening and closing services for residential and commercial pools.
• Most pool service companies in South Carolina charge a monthly fee for weekly visits or an hourly rate for repairs, and you should ask about both options before committing.
• A pool service visit typically includes water testing, chemical balancing, skimming debris, and checking equipment — a process that usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
• Seasonal opening (spring) and closing (fall) are separate services that cost more than a single maintenance visit because they involve draining, equipment inspection, and winterization.
• You can reduce service costs by learning to do basic skimming and filter cleaning yourself between professional visits.

What a Weekly Maintenance Visit Includes

When a pool service company like Tried & True arrives for a routine visit, they perform a standard set of tasks that keep your pool safe and clear. They test the water chemistry — chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness — and add chemicals as needed to keep the water balanced. They skim the surface for leaves and debris, empty the skimmer basket, and brush the walls and floor to prevent algae buildup.

They also check the filter, pump, and other equipment to make sure everything is running normally. If they spot a problem — a leak, a failing pump, a cracked tile — they will tell you about it and give you a separate estimate for repair. A standard maintenance visit takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on your pool's size and condition.

Most companies offer weekly visits on a set schedule, usually the same day each week. Some also offer bi-weekly or monthly plans if you have a smaller pool or lower usage. Ask Tried & True what frequency options they offer and whether you can pause service during winter months if you close your pool.

Seasonal Opening and Closing Services

Spring opening and fall closing are two of the most important pool services, and they cost more than a single maintenance visit because they involve more work. In spring, the service company drains the pool (or partially drains it), cleans the interior surfaces, inspects and restarts the equipment, and refills the pool with fresh water. They then balance the chemistry from scratch, which takes longer than a routine visit.

Fall closing is similar but in reverse: they drain the pool to the proper level, clean it thoroughly, shut down the pump and filter, add winterization chemicals to protect the equipment, and cover the pool. In South Carolina, where winters are mild but freezing can still occur, proper closing protects your equipment from damage and keeps algae from taking over during the off-season.

Both services typically cost between $200 and $400 depending on pool size and condition, and they are usually scheduled once per year. Some pool owners do their own closing and opening to save money, but if you are unsure about the steps or your equipment, hiring a professional is worth the cost to avoid costly mistakes.

Monthly Costs and Payment Options

Pool maintenance costs in South Carolina vary by company, pool size, and service frequency. A weekly maintenance plan typically runs between $100 and $200 per month for a residential pool, though some companies charge more for larger pools or if your water chemistry is difficult to balance. One-time repair calls usually cost between $75 and $150 for a service visit, plus the cost of any parts or additional labor if the repair is complex.

Most pool service companies require a signed service agreement for weekly maintenance and may ask for a deposit or first month's payment upfront. Some offer discounts if you pay for multiple months in advance or if you bundle services — for example, paying for weekly maintenance plus seasonal opening and closing together. Ask Tried & True about their current pricing, what is included in each plan, and whether they offer any discounts for new customers or long-term commitments.

If cost is a concern, you can reduce your bill by handling some tasks yourself. Skimming debris daily, running your filter regularly, and checking water level between visits can extend the time between professional cleanings or allow you to switch to a bi-weekly plan instead of weekly.

How to Prepare for Your First Service Visit

Before Tried & True or any pool service arrives, make sure your pool is accessible. Clear the deck of toys, furniture, and other obstacles so the technician can move around safely and reach the equipment. If you have a gate or fence, make sure it is unlocked or provide the code so they can enter without delay.

Have your pool's basic information ready: the size (in gallons, if you know it), the type of filter you have (sand, cartridge, or DE), and any recent problems you have noticed — cloudy water, equipment noise, leaks, or algae. Write these down so you do not forget them during the call. If you have a pool manual or warranty paperwork, keep it accessible in case the technician needs to reference it.

Ask the technician to walk you through what they are doing and why. Understanding your pool's chemistry and equipment helps you spot problems between visits and makes you a better customer — you will know what questions to ask and when something is genuinely wrong versus a normal fluctuation.

When to Call for Repairs Versus Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance keeps your pool running smoothly, but some problems require a separate repair call. If your water turns green or cloudy despite regular service, if your pump makes unusual noise, if you see water leaking from the equipment or the pool structure, or if your filter pressure is unusually high, contact your service company right away. These are signs that something needs attention beyond a standard maintenance visit.

Equipment failures — a broken pump, a cracked filter, a malfunctioning heater — will cost more to repair than routine maintenance, sometimes several hundred dollars. However, catching problems early through regular maintenance visits usually means smaller repairs instead of full replacements. This is one reason weekly service is worth the cost: technicians spot issues before they become expensive.

If you are unsure whether something needs a repair call, contact Tried & True and describe the problem. They can usually tell you over the phone whether it is urgent or can wait until your next scheduled visit.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign Up

When you contact Tried & True or any pool service company, have a list of questions ready. Ask what is included in their weekly maintenance plan, what the monthly cost is, whether there is a contract or if you can cancel anytime, and how they handle emergency repairs outside regular service hours. Ask whether they offer seasonal opening and closing, what those services cost, and whether they are bundled with maintenance or charged separately.

Find out how they handle chemical costs — some companies include chemicals in the monthly fee, while others charge for chemicals separately. Ask what happens if you need to skip a week or pause service, and whether there are any cancellation fees. Ask for references from other customers in your area, and check online reviews to see what other pool owners say about their experience.

Finally, ask whether they offer any discounts or promotions for new customers, and whether they can provide a written estimate before you commit. A reputable company will answer all these questions clearly and give you time to think before you sign anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I really need pool maintenance?

Weekly maintenance is standard for most residential pools in South Carolina, especially if you use your pool regularly or live in a warm climate where algae grows quickly. If you have a smaller pool, lower usage, or are willing to do some maintenance yourself, bi-weekly service may work. Ask your service company what they recommend based on your pool's size and your usage patterns.

Can I do my own pool maintenance instead of hiring a service?

Yes, many pool owners handle their own maintenance to save money. You will need to learn water testing, chemical balancing, skimming, and filter cleaning. However, equipment repairs and seasonal opening and closing are more complex and usually require professional help. Many pool owners do basic maintenance themselves and hire a service company for repairs and seasonal work.

What should I do if I notice a leak?

Contact your pool service company right away — do not wait for your next scheduled visit. A leak can waste water, damage your equipment, and make your pool unsafe. The technician can usually identify where the leak is and recommend a repair. Small leaks in plumbing lines or equipment can sometimes be fixed quickly; structural leaks in the pool itself may require more extensive work.

Do I need to close my pool in winter?

In South Carolina, winter closing is recommended to protect your equipment and prevent algae growth during the off-season. Even though South Carolina winters are mild, freezing can still occur and damage pipes and equipment. If you plan to use your pool year-round, you can keep it open, but you will need to maintain it throughout winter, which costs more than closing and reopening in spring.

What if I am not happy with the service?

Most pool service companies allow you to cancel without penalty if you are unhappy with the work. Contact the company and explain the problem — poor water quality, missed visits, rude technicians, or unexpected charges. Give them a chance to fix the issue. If they do not respond or improve, you can switch to another company. Always get the cancellation policy in writing before you sign up.