When it comes to pool ownership, the difference between a pristine backyard oasis and a costly maintenance nightmare often comes down to consistency and knowledge. Even well-meaning homeowners can make mistakes that slowly eat away at their pool’s surface, equipment, or water quality. To better understand which maintenance issues really cause long-term pool damage—and how homeowners can avoid it—Pool Magazine spoke with Chad Chicoine, Franchise Technical Coach for Pool Scouts, a national pool service brand. Through standardized training and reliable service systems, Pool Scouts is changing how homeowners think about maintaining their pools.
The Top Mistakes That Cause Long-Term Pool Damage
“The first one is water chemistry, hands down,” said Chicoine. “I’ve seen pools that look perfect but are quietly eating away at heaters or plaster because the low pH or low LSI has been out of whack for weeks, if not months.”
The second biggest mistake, according to Chicoine, is neglecting routine care. “Not keeping up with brushing, emptying baskets, or staying on top of filter cleanings—skip that stuff for too long, and you’re going to have circulation issues and probably algae.”
And the third? Procrastinating on small repairs. “I’ve had customers ignore a squeaky pump or a salt cell warning, and next thing you know, they’re shelling out for a full replacement when it could have been avoided.”
These mistakes persist because, at first glance, everything looks fine. “Clear water gives people a false sense of security,” he explained. “But unless you’ve been trained, you’re not going to notice that your stabilizer’s too high or your LSI is out of balance. It sneaks up on folks.”
Even small habits can quietly cause damage over time. “Things like overusing chlorine pucks, not diluting acid before adding it, or leaving the autofill on 24/7 don’t raise red flags right away,” said Chicoine. “But they slowly throw off water balance or wear down equipment. That’s where consistent service makes a real difference. A trained tech can spot these issues early, before they become expensive problems.”
The Problem with Inconsistent or DIY Pool Care
In the age of YouTube tutorials and online pool forums, the do-it-yourself approach has become common—but it’s often misleading. “I totally get the DIY mindset,” said Chicoine. “I’m the kind of person who scours the internet for answers to everything. But test strips don’t tell the whole story, and internet advice doesn’t always apply to your region or your specific equipment. You might fix the symptom, sure, but miss the actual problem. And that’s usually when we get called in to clean up the mess.”
Even with hired help, inconsistency can cause harm. “When the same tech sees the same pool week after week, they start to notice patterns—small things that might slip past someone else,” he said. “If you’re always having to add calcium or salt, that could be a sign of a leak in a pool with an autofill system that’s quietly going unchecked.”
Chicoine noted that not all “professionals” provide consistent care. “I’ve seen pools get worse even with someone on the job because there were no systems in place—just someone reacting week to week, or worse, month to month. That kind of inconsistency adds up fast.”
And as for the flood of online “quick fixes”? Chicoine doesn’t mince words. “I browse forums or Reddit sometimes, and honestly, you have to dig through a lot of bad advice to find the gems,” he said. “You’ll see stuff like ‘shock fixes everything’ or ‘throw a copper pipe in your skimmer.’ If I still had hair, I’d be pulling it out reading that. These kinds of tips give people false confidence, and most of the time, they just make the problem worse.”
How Pool Scouts Ensures Consistency Nationwide
At Pool Scouts, consistency is built into every visit. “We’ve developed a standardized process that every tech follows, regardless of where they’re working,” said Chicoine. “It’s not left up to guesswork. From water testing to how we document service, our tools and systems keep things consistent nationwide.”
That consistency starts with rigorous training. “Our techs go through a mix of online training, hands-on fieldwork, and manufacturer-supported sessions to make sure they’re fully equipped,” he explained. “We also have ongoing coaching and regular check-ins to keep them sharp.”
Chicoine and the technical team personally support franchisees and technicians in the field. “Every franchisee and tech has our direct numbers. We’re former techs ourselves, so we get it. We’re fielding calls from sunup to sundown—whatever it takes to support them.”
Using Technology to Build Trust and Transparency
Technology plays a major role in maintaining quality control and customer confidence. “Every visit is tracked in real time using mobile software,” Chicoine said. “We log chemical readings, service notes, and photos, and customers get a report after every visit. It helps techs stay accountable and keeps customers informed.”
That digital transparency builds trust. “It takes the guesswork out of the equation,” he added. “When customers get a report showing their chemical levels, notes from the tech, and even photos of their pool, they know the job got done. There’s no ‘Did someone actually show up?’ It’s right there in black and white.”
Chicoine said that explaining what’s being done and why is just as important. “We don’t just check boxes and move on—we talk to the customer. If we’re adding something extra or noticing a pattern, we explain it. Once homeowners understand the ‘why,’ it clicks. They realize we’re not just cleaning their pool—we’re protecting their investment.”
The Evolution of Modern Pool Service
Customer expectations have evolved rapidly in recent years, driven by both technology and lifestyle changes. “A clean pool is just the baseline now,” Chicoine said. “Customers want clear, consistent communication right at their fingertips. They want to know who was in their yard, what got done, and why it was done. It’s not just about water clarity anymore—it’s about trust.”
That shift has raised the bar for professionalism across the industry. “There’s always going to be the guy in flip-flops, a chemical-stained shirt, and a beat-up truck,” he said with a laugh. “But more and more, customers expect a clean, branded vehicle and a tech in uniform who looks the part.”
With today’s pools becoming more sophisticated—featuring automation, variable-speed pumps, AOP systems, and salt technology—the need for advanced training has never been greater. “We see it every day,” said Chicoine. “The systems are more complex, and so are the expectations. That’s why we’re working with manufacturers and our own teams to put out better information—not just for our technicians, but for customers too.”
As the pool industry continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: consistency, professionalism, and communication are key to keeping homeowners’ trust—and their pools crystal clear.
Photo Credits: Pool Scouts
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