After Pools by Bradley helps you build the pool of your dreams, it’s extremely important to protect your investment by properly taking care of your pool. You can to do this on your own, or hire a pool servicing company. Choosing a pool servicing company to take care of and maintain your pool seems like it would be an easy decision. Daily, we see numerous advertisements or flyers in our mailboxes for a variety of different pool service companies and they all send the same message: hiring a professional pool company is important and their company is the best. However, this advertising can be very misleading as some companies claim to be the best for weekly service and repairs when they are not actually licensed to do so. Many companies only hold a CPO certificate but not a contractors license (which is required to fix or repair pools in Florida) leaving homeowners at risk for hiring unlicensed workers to take care of and service their pools.
Here is what you need to know before choosing a pool service and maintenance company:
Certificate vs License
Certificate: Currently Florida law allows a company that holds an occupational tax certificate to to clean and chemically treat a residential pool. A state license is not required. These companies holding this certificate cannot legally fix or replace plumbing and equipment, nor repair, remodel or build. All they are allowed to do is clean and adjust chemicals; however, a lot of them don’t follow this rule. This means that homeowners who hire unlicensed pool companies that do anything outside of cleaning and chemicals become responsible for workers comp, liability insurance and any fines for completing unlicensed work and fixing or replacing damaged equipment. Manufacturer warranties also become void on equipment installed by an unlicensed contractor.
License: Companies that have a license issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) or a locally issued license that is registered with the CILB are allowed to build, renovate, service or repair pools/spas in Florida. A licensed pool company (RPC or CPC) is legally allowed to not only clean and chemically treat pools, but also repair/replace equipment, remodel, build and repair both residential and commercial pools. The company/individual will also be verified on the Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) website. Homeowners that hire licensed pool companies have the reassurance that the employees have passed a background check, the company carries liability insurance, and that the manufacturer’s warranties on any new equipment will be valid.
Obtaining a License
Becoming a licensed service pool contractor in the state of Florida comes with many requirements. According to the Florida Swimming Pool Association, the license applicant must:
1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Hold a Bachelor’s degree (in the appropriate field) and 1 year of proven experience OR 4 years of active field experience (may substitute up to 3 years of college credits for experience)
3. Demonstrate financial responsibility and stability
4. Submit to fingerprinting for a background check
5. Present proof of public liability and property damage insurance and workers’ compensation or exemption
6. Taken and passed the examination
Additionally, a license will only be granted if ALL the qualifications are met, not just if the exam is passed.
As you can see, choosing the right pool company is more than just choosing a company with years of experience or a vast knowledge of pool chemicals. Hiring a licensed pool service company ensures that your pool is taken care of properly and, most importantly, legally protecting you from liabilities, fines and voiding of manufacturers’ warranties.
Choosing a Licensed Pool Service Company
Everyone here at Pools by Bradley lives and breathes our mission of designing and building your ultimate outdoor pool atmosphere. We intend to inspire you to improve the recreational time you spend with your family and friends in your new outdoor environment. BUT – we especially want you to protect your investment! When researching and choosing pool service companies to properly take care of your pool, make sure your hire a LICENSED professional pool service company. One that holds the highest level of license in Florida for Pool Contractors – a statewide Commercial Pool Contractors License (look for a #CPC number on their website or advertisements).
Our motto is “take care of the customer and everything else will take care of itself”. When you choose Pools by Bradley to help you build your dream pool, you can rest assured that you’re choosing the very best. As a local family owned and operated company founded in 1996, we have received numerous design awards and honors. Pools by Bradley is rated as one of the top 50 pool builders in the U.S., plus recognized as the “Best Pool Company” in Orlando by Orlando Magazine several years in a row! We offer custom built pools and spas with additions ranging from water features and lighting effects to rain curtains and water slides…the sky’s the limit! Contact us online or call us today at 407-323-7496 to see how we can help you build the pool of your dreams!
