FAQ
Pool Service and Soft Washing Questions, Answered
The questions Palm Beach County homeowners ask us most, answered directly. If yours is not here, call and ask — we would rather explain it than have you guess.
Soft washing and exterior cleaning
What is the difference between soft washing and pressure washing?
Soft washing cleans with a specialized solution at very low pressure, while pressure washing relies on high-force water to blast material off a surface. Soft washing treats the algae, mildew, and organic growth at the root so the surface stays clean longer, and it avoids the damage high pressure causes on tile and shingle roofs, painted stucco, screen enclosures, wood, and older pavers. High pressure still has a place — bare concrete driveways and heavily soiled hardscape often benefit from it — so the right answer depends on the surface, not on a preference for one method.
Will soft washing harm my landscaping, screens, or pets?
The work is planned around protecting them. Plants are pre-wetted and rinsed after, applications are controlled rather than sprayed indiscriminately, and rinse water is directed away from beds where practical. We ask that pets stay indoors while we are working and until treated surfaces are rinsed and dry. If you have sensitive plantings, a koi pond, a vegetable garden, or a specific concern, tell us before the visit and we will adjust the approach or skip that area.
How often should a South Florida home be soft washed?
Most Palm Beach County homes benefit from exterior cleaning once a year, and shaded or north-facing surfaces often need it more frequently. Humidity, summer rain, and tree cover let algae and mildew re-establish quickly, so properties under heavy canopy or near water usually show growth again sooner than open, sunny lots.
Pool cleaning and maintenance
How much does weekly pool maintenance cost in Boca Raton?
Price depends on the pool, so we quote after seeing it rather than publishing a flat rate. The factors that move it are pool size and volume, surface finish, whether it is screened or open to heavy tree litter, the equipment on the pad, whether it is salt or chlorine, heater use, and the current condition of the water. A neglected pool that needs recovery first is priced separately from ongoing weekly service. Call (561) 299-4486 or request an estimate and we will look at the pool and give you a firm number with no obligation.
How often does a pool in Palm Beach County need to be serviced?
Weekly service is the right interval for nearly every pool in this climate. Water stays warm most of the year, storms add organic debris and dilute chemistry, and sanitizer burns off fast under strong sun, so intervals longer than a week tend to end in cloudy water or an algae bloom that costs more to correct than the visits saved.
Can a green pool be recovered, or does it have to be drained?
Most green pools can be recovered chemically without draining, and that is almost always the better route. Draining a pool in South Florida carries real risk — high groundwater can lift or crack a shell, and plaster that dries out can be permanently damaged. Recovery normally means removing debris, correcting balance, treating the water, and running heavy filtration with repeated cleaning over several days. Pools with severe staining or a failing surface are the exception, and we will tell you plainly if that is what we are seeing.
Do I need to be home during service?
No. We only need reliable access to the pool area and the equipment. If there is a gate code, a locked side gate, or a dog in the yard, let us know in advance so the visit goes smoothly. You will get a summary of the visit either way.
Products, safety, and property care
Are your cleaning chemicals safe for pets and plants?
We choose products and dilutions with pets and landscaping in mind, and we handle the application so exposure is controlled. Practically, that means pre-wetting and rinsing plants, keeping applications off areas that do not need treatment, and asking that pets and children stay inside until treated surfaces are rinsed and dry. Any cleaning product can cause a problem if it is used carelessly, so the safety comes from the process as much as the product. We can review the specific products we plan to use on your property if you would like to see them first.
How do you protect my property while you work?
We check gates, screens, light fixtures, outlets, and delicate finishes before starting, keep equipment off planted areas, and control where rinse water runs. Anything we find already damaged gets pointed out to you rather than discovered after the fact.
HOAs, scheduling, and getting started
Is your service approved by HOAs?
We work within HOA rules rather than claiming any formal endorsement. Many Palm Beach County communities set requirements for work hours, vehicle parking, access routes, noise, and paperwork such as a certificate of insurance. Send us your association's requirements and we will follow them and provide whatever documentation the board or management company needs. We do not describe ourselves as HOA-approved unless a specific community has formally approved us as a vendor.
Do you require a long-term contract?
Service is arranged on a recurring schedule and the terms are explained before you start. Ask us directly about cancellation terms when you get your estimate and we will put it in writing, so there is no surprise later.
How quickly can you start?
It depends on your city and the current route for that day. Because we work only in Palm Beach County, new properties usually slot into an existing route quickly. Call with your address and we will tell you the realistic first service day.
Do you handle both the pool and the exterior of the property?
Yes, and many clients combine them. Keeping the deck, screen enclosure, and roof clean directly reduces what washes into the pool, so scheduling exterior cleaning alongside weekly pool service usually means less chemical demand and clearer water.