How to Hire and Train a Residential Pool Service Technician

Running a pool service business on your own can be rewarding—but also exhausting. If you’ve built up a strong client base and feel like you're maxed out, it might be time to bring someone on board. Hiring your first residential pool technician can give you back your time, help your business grow, and maybe even set you up to retire comfortably down the road.

Here’s how to do it the smart way.

Step 1: Know What You're Looking For

Start by creating a list of the qualities and skills your ideal technician should have. Here’s what to look for:

• Punctual and reliable – Pools don’t clean themselves, and customers like routine.

• Good with people – Technicians represent your business face-to-face.

• Physically fit – Pool work is hands-on and requires moving equipment and handling chemicals.

• Willing to learn – Even if someone doesn’t have experience, a good attitude goes a long way.

💡 Real-life tip: Some of the best techs come from hands-on jobs like landscaping, pest control, or general labor. They’re already used to working outdoors and sticking to a schedule.

Step 2: Where to Find Good Candidates

You don’t need a huge hiring budget. Try these:

• Facebook local groups (especially “Anthem Jobs” or “North Phoenix Services”)

• Craigslist or Indeed (post under “General Labor”)

• Word of mouth – Ask customers or local pool stores if they know anyone looking for work.

Step 3: Interview with Purpose

Keep it simple. Ask questions like:

• “Have you ever worked outdoors in the summer?”

• “How do you handle working alone?”

• “What would you do if a customer wasn’t happy with the service?”

You want to see how they think and solve problems—not just what they’ve done in the past.

Step 4: Training Day-by-Day

Week 1: Ride-Along

Let them follow you and take notes.

• Show them your route.

• Teach basic equipment checks, skimming, brushing, and chemical testing.

• Let them ask lots of questions.

Week 2: Shadow + Hands-On

• Let them take the lead while you supervise.

• Correct mistakes gently and explain why each step matters.

Week 3: Solo Practice

• Give them a few easy pools to clean on their own (while you follow up).

• Start building trust.

🧪 Pro tip: Create a checklist for every pool so they don’t miss steps. This helps keep quality consistent—even when you’re not there.

Step 5: Tools and Pay

Equipment:

Make sure they have:

• Pool pole, net, brush

• Water test kit

• Branded shirt or hat (builds trust with customers)

Pay:

Start hourly ($16–$20 depending on skill), then shift to per-pool pay as they get faster and more reliable. Add bonuses for keeping customers happy.

Step 6: Keep Them Around

Techs stay when:

• They feel appreciated

• They have a clear path to earn more

• They feel like part of something bigger

Give small rewards, shout-outs, or even let them help grow the business. Loyalty goes both ways.

Why It Matters

Hiring a tech the right way can change your life. You can:

• Take a vacation (finally!)

• Say yes to new customers

• Spend less time working in your business and more time working on it

Even better, training someone well now means they might one day run the route for you, letting you retire without selling everything.