Pool Maintenance Technician — Keeping the Backyard Oasis Sparkling
While pool installers create backyard paradises, it’s the pool maintenance technicians who ensure those paradises stay safe, clean, and inviting year-round. These professionals handle everything from chemical balancing to equipment checks, making sure every swim is a safe, crystal-clear experience.
Pool maintenance technicians are responsible for:
Water Chemistry Management: Testing and adjusting chlorine, pH, and alkalinity to maintain safe water.
Equipment Maintenance: Checking pumps, filters, heaters, and automation systems.
Cleaning & Debris Removal: Skimming, vacuuming, and brushing to keep pools spotless.
Seasonal Prep: Opening pools in spring and winterizing them in colder climates.
Industry Outlook & Career Pathways
Education & Development:
Entry often requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus hands-on training through on-the-job experience.
Specialized certifications include:
Certified Pool Operator (CPO) – essential for chemical handling and equipment knowledge.
Advanced certifications for commercial pools or spa systems (CMS, CSP).
Income Potential:
Level
Approximate Annual Earnings (U.S.)
Entry-Level Technician
~$30,000–$35,000
Experienced Technician
~$45,000–$55,000
Lead/Certified Specialist
$65,000+
Job Outlook:
The pool maintenance sector grows with the number of residential and commercial pools, especially in regions with warm climates.
High turnover in the workforce creates steady opportunities for new technicians.
High-Demand Areas:
Sunbelt states, coastal resorts, and communities with high numbers of private or commercial pools.
Facilities like hotels, gyms, and water parks often require dedicated maintenance staff.
Why This Career is Exciting:
This role blends hands-on outdoor work with technical expertise. Pool maintenance technicians see instant results of their work, can specialize in chemical safety or automation, and may eventually start their own service business in their local community.
Pool Plumbing Contractor — The Flow That Fuels the Backyard Oasis
When most people think of plumbers, they picture someone fixing a leaky faucet or unclogging a drain. But there’s a specialized side of plumbing that keeps backyard oases and resort pools running smoothly: pool plumbing contractors.
These pros design and maintain the hidden systems that make pools and spas work. From the moment a pool is built, they’re laying out underground water lines, connecting pumps and filters, and ensuring proper drainage and water flow. It’s a mix of engineering and craftsmanship that impacts everything from water clarity to safety.
Pool plumbers also handle:
Circulation Systems: Installing skimmers, returns, and suction lines to keep water moving and filtered.
Heater & Gas Line Hookups: Ensuring cozy warm water for those evening swims.
Leak Detection & Repairs: Using specialized tools to locate and fix underground leaks before they wreak havoc.
Seasonal Services: In many regions, plumbers open pools in spring and winterize them before the cold sets in.
Industry Outlook & Career Pathways
Education & Development:
Most pool plumbers start with a general plumbing apprenticeship (4–5 years) and may supplement training with community college or trade school courses. Licensing exams follow, and pool-specific certifications can further boost credentials:
CPO (Certified Pool & Spa Operator) – foundational knowledge in water chemistry and equipment operations
CMS, CST, CSP – advanced tiers covering maintenance, filtration, electrical troubleshooting, and full-service professionalism
Income Potential:
Level
Approximate Annual Earnings (U.S.)
Apprentice
~$39,000
Journeyman
~$60,000–$63,000
Master/Specialist
$95,000+
Job Outlook:
General plumbing is projected to grow 6% from 2023–2033, with about 43,300 new jobs opening annually.
Pool specialists benefit from labor shortages, luxury pool demand, and seasonal spikes.
High-Demand Areas:
Sunbelt states, resort communities, and fast-growing suburban areas.
Commercial and public pools, including gyms, hotels, and recreational centers, often require certified operators.
Many skilled plumbers eventually launch their own pool service companies, especially where residential pool markets are booming.
Why This Career is Exciting:
Pool plumbing blends outdoor work, technical skill, and visible results. You’re not just fixing leaks — you’re building experiences that families and communities enjoy for years. For those who want variety, problem-solving, and the chance to grow their own business, this is a rewarding niche.