Congratulations on the new house. The first month with a new pool decides whether it stays clear and easy or turns into a project. Here’s a simple 30-day plan for new pool owners in Roseville and the Sacramento area, from a licensed, CPO-certified local pool contractor.
Before you close: get the pool inspected
In California, a home inspection has to note which drowning-prevention features a pool has and flag it if there are fewer than two, under a state law that took effect in 2018 (SB 442). But most general home inspections take only a limited look at the pool equipment.
A pool-specific inspection checks the surface, the water and every piece of equipment at the pad, and tells you what repairs would cost. That gives you real numbers to negotiate with before you’re committed. Real estate agents can see our inspections for agents.
Week 1: safety first
- Check that every pool gate closes and latches on its own
- Note which safety features you have, such as a fence, safety cover, door alarms, self-closing door latches or a pool alarm
- Look for missing or cracked drain covers in the pool and spa
- Store pool chemicals up high, dry and away from kids and pets
- Find the breaker or shutoff for the pool equipment
Week 1: get to know your equipment
Walk out to the equipment pad and note what you have. Take a photo of each label. Those photos make repairs, quotes and rebates much faster.
- Pump: single-speed or variable speed? If it’s loud or old, see pool pump repair and replacement.
- Filter: cartridge, DE or sand
- Sanitizer: a salt system, or chlorine tablets or liquid
- Heater: gas heater, heat pump or none
- Controls: a simple timer or an automation system
- Pool cleaner: suction, pressure (with a booster pump) or robotic
Weeks 1–2: get the water tested
A pool that sat through escrow often has low chlorine, high stabilizer or the start of algae. Get the water tested for chlorine, pH, alkalinity, stabilizer (CYA), calcium, and salt if it’s a salt pool. If the water is already green or cloudy, read how to fix a green pool or ask about our green-to-clean service.
Weeks 2–4: set up a routine
Sacramento-area summers regularly top 100 degrees, and heat and sun burn through chlorine fast. Most pools here need weekly care: skimming, emptying baskets, brushing, testing and balancing the water, and running the pump long enough each day.
What pool care costs here
With us, chemical-only service starts at $120 per month and full service starts at $155 per month. Full service includes two filter cleans a year and salt cell cleaning on salt pools. Use our price calculator to see your price, or read our pool service cost guide.
Red flags that need a pro
- Green or cloudy water that won’t clear
- A pump that hums, grinds, leaks or trips the breaker
- Water level dropping faster than normal evaporation
- A “check cell” light on your salt system
- Stains or scale on the plaster (an acid wash may help)
- Equipment that’s missing, disconnected or clearly past its life
How we help new pool owners
We can inspect the pool before or right after closing, walk you through your equipment, and start weekly service the same week. You get a photo report after every visit, and as a licensed contractor we can repair or upgrade equipment ourselves. Not sure who to hire? See 12 questions to ask a pool company.
New pool owner FAQs
Should I get a pool inspection before closing?
Yes, if you can. A pool-specific inspection shows the condition of the surface and equipment and what repairs would cost before youu0026#8217;re committed, which you can use in negotiations.
How much does it cost to maintain a pool in the Sacramento area?
With us, chemical-only service starts at $120 per month and full service starts at $155 per month. Your electric bill for the pump and any repairs are separate.
Do I need to drain the pool after buying the house?
Usually not. Most pools can be cleared and balanced without draining. Draining is for specific jobs like an acid wash, and it should be done carefully to protect the pool.
What does California require for pool safety?
When a permit is issued for a new pool or a remodel, the pool must have at least two of seven drowning-prevention features, such as an isolation fence, safety cover or door alarms. Home inspections must also note which features a pool has. Check with your cityu0026#8217;s building department for your situation.
How soon can pool service start after closing?
Same-week service starts are available within 25 miles of Roseville. Call or text 916-534-0561.
Ready for your first visit?
Text a photo of your pool and equipment to 916-534-0561, or call. We’re available Monday through Friday, 9am to 7pm.