Selecting a Pool Management Company: A Key Decision for Property Managers

Choosing the right pool management company to oversee your community swimming pool is one of the most important decisions a property manager can make. A great pool management company will keep your residents happy, but if the pool is constantly dirty, full of leaves and bugs, or if lifeguards are frequently late, the property manager will be fielding resident complaints. Negative reviews can significantly impact your community by deterring potential residents. A few poor reviews—especially with photos of a neglected pool—can do serious damage to your community’s reputation.

Start with a Phone Call

The first step in selecting a pool management company is to give them a call. In today’s fast-paced world, it might be tempting to request a proposal online, as many pool management companies offer this option. They allow you to fill out basic information about your community, such as pool opening and closing dates, hours, and lifeguard needs. While submitting an online proposal request is convenient, it’s worthwhile to make a phone call to get a feel for the company.

Ask Three Key Questions

When requesting a proposal, prepare to ask three important questions:

• "Where are you located?"
• "Do you manage any pools near my community?"
• "How do you handle the lifeguard shortage?"

Check Online Reviews

Check the pool management company’s online reviews, but remember that unhappy customers are more likely to leave reviews. Even if there are a few bad reviews, the company might still have many satisfied clients. Reviews provide a general sense of performance.

Consider Employee Feedback

Another indicator of quality is feedback from current and former employees, such as pool managers and lifeguards. Positive reviews from employees often reflect a well-managed company.

Proximity to Your Community

Consider how close the pool management company is to your community. Ask if they have an office nearby, and find out how far the area pool supervisor is from your community. Ideally, supervisors should manage between 10 to 20 pools to provide adequate attention.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pool management company is critical for maintaining a well-run community pool and keeping residents satisfied. By following these steps, you’ll be better prepared to select a company that meets your needs.