When people look for someone to provide them with pool cleaning in Murrieta, most of them don’t think to ask about whether or not that company is licensed. How do we know this? Because we rarely get asked if our company is licensed. (We are.)
If a company only provides pool cleaning services, they don’t have to be licensed, but any company that also offers pool repair services definitely needs to be. This is because the law in California states that any company or individual that does projects costing $500 or more (including labor and materials) needs to be licensed. If someone is doing pool equipment repairs, they are certainly completing projects for more than $500, and therefore need to obtain a D-35 license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). It’s the law.
Why You Might Want Your Pool Cleaning Company in Murrieta to Be Licensed
Now, we’ve established that a company that only does pool cleaning doesn’t need to be licensed, but there are a few good reasons why you might want them to be licensed.
To obtain a contractor’s license in California, you have to go through a pretty intensive process. Part of that process involves being fingerprinted and background checked. Since the person cleaning your pool will be coming onto your property—sometimes when you’re not home—you want to know that they at least have a clean record. Now, it’s not impossible to get a contractor’s license in California with a criminal background, but it is difficult. Someone with a record will be evaluated more stringently. The CSLB will evaluate the nature and severity of the crime, how much time has passed since it was committed, and whether or not any rehabilitation was completed before issuing them a license.
In addition, a pool company that has a D-35 – Pool and Spa Maintenance license will have demonstrated to the CLSB that they are proficient in fixing and installing pool equipment, as well as knowledgeable on pool plumbing and electrical. If your pool or spa ever needs repairs or equipment upgrades, a licensed pool company should be able to help.
Finally, a licensed pool cleaning company will carry a Contractor’s Bond of at least $25,000. If a licensed pool company ever does shoddy or incomplete work, the pool owner can come after the company’s bond and be reimbursed for their losses.
A Pool Cleaning Company That’s Not Only Licensed, but Also Insured
In addition to hiring a company that is licensed, you may also want to hire one that carries liability insurance. This covers the company in case they cause damage to your property. Currently, at Aqua System Pool & Spa, we carry a $2 million liability policy.
If you work with a company that doesn’t have liability insurance, you will likely be on the hook for the cost to repair any damages, or you will have to get your own homeowners insurance policy to pay for them, which will almost certainly cause your insurance premiums to go up.
You can check if a pool cleaning company is licensed by visiting the CSLB’s website. Don’t just take a company’s word for it. Unfortunately, not everyone out there is honest.
If you would like an estimate on pool cleaning in Murrieta, Temecula, or any of the surrounding cities, fill out our web form and we will get right back to you.
