Opening & Closing Terms and Conditions
PATES Pool & Spa shall be referred to as “PATES” here within.
1. PATES reserves the right to reject any submission/application for services.
2. PATES reserves the right to terminate this contract at any time.
3. Payment:
a. Homeowner authorizes PATES to maintain their credit card information on file to charge as needed for services rendered and products/supplies used while performing those services.
b. Your prepayment is required. If you have not prepaid, we will not schedule the Opening/Closing.
c. If additional supplies are needed beyond the quote above for the Opening/Closing, our technicians will provide a copy of the additional invoice. We will charge your credit card on file for the additional amount once work is complete.
d. Any additional service work required to complete the Opening/Closing will be billed at current labor rates plus materials and is further subject to PATES discretion and availability. If PATES’ schedule does not allow the work to be completed during the Opening/Closing appointment, PATES will schedule a second appointment at their earliest convenience and will charge rates for a separate service call.
e. If you have a balance due upon completion of our work, and your credit card on file is declined, Homeowner shall incur a finance charge at the rate of eighteen (18%) per annum from the service date until paid. PATES shall be entitled to recover attorney fees, costs and expenses incurred to enforce the terms of this contract, including required payments.
f. If you cancel this agreement, we will charge a $50 administrative fee. We will provide a 100% refund of the applicable services if cancelled at least 7 business days prior to the appointment. We will provide a 50% refund of the applicable services if cancelled between 6 business days and 3 business days prior to the appointment. If cancelled after 3 business days, no refund.
4. Communications
a. Homeowner consents to receive electronic communication (via email and SMS messages) to the email address and phone number provided by Homeowner.
i. Message and Data rates may apply.
ii. Reply “STOP” to opt-out.
iii. Reply “HELP” for help.
b. Upon Homeowner’s completion of this Agreement, PATES will acknowledge receipt with an email and/or text to Homeowner. This acknowledgement of receipt does not constitute acceptance of the Agreement by PATES.
c. Upon determining the WEEKS for the opening and/or closing services, PATES will notify Homeowner of these weeks via email and/or text.
d. Approximately two weeks prior to the scheduled appointments, PATES will send a reminder to the Homeowner via email and/or text.
e. The week prior to the appointments, PATES will email you with the date and time window of your appointment.
f. Please add david@patespoolandspa.com and becky@patespoolandspa.com to your contacts to ensure you receive the email.
5. Homeowner preparation
a. The Homeowner is responsible for ensuring the pool water is at the appropriate level. If the water is not at the appropriate level for YOUR pool, PATES will charge you accordingly.
i. Water level for Opening - Midway up the skimmer
ii. Water level for Closing - Proper water level for closing is determined by two factors, 1) the presence of waterline tile and 2) what type of cover you have. Please refer to the flowchart included with your closing preparation email, or you can always contact us with questions.
b. Homeowner is responsible for removing water/leaves/debris from cover prior to PATES arrival. If water/leaves/debris impede our technicians from performing the Opening or Closing, PATES shall either 1) remove the water/leaves/debris at our standard labor rates or 2) reschedule the appointment at our earliest convenience and charge the Homeowner $125 fee.
c. Homeowner is responsible for having ALL of their supplies readily accessible to the PATES crew. PATES is NOT required to ask Homeowner if they have any additional supplies.
d. If Homeowner is not prepared or PATES is unable to perform the services on the scheduled date and time, PATES will reschedule your appointment at our earliest convenience. Failure of Homeowner to be ready will result in an additional charge of $125.00.
6. Adverse weather conditions may cause delay in service and may impact what extra services we can render. After a weather event, all services will be performed as soon as practicable. Inclement weather several days before the originally scheduled appointment may impact the scheduled appointment.
7. Homeowner shall not hold PATES responsible for any damages associated with opening or winterization performed by pool owner or another company. These include but are not limited to the pool structure, pool equipment and underground piping.
8. Homeowner shall not hold PATES responsible for damage to grass, shrubbery, trees, walks, driveways or patios when backwashing, draining, and/or cleaning the filter due to discharge of antifreeze or chemicals from the pool water. This includes run off to neighboring properties.
9. Homeowner shall not hold PATES responsible for damage that may occur on old and/or brittle parts.
10. Homeowner shall not hold PATES responsible for any damage to the pool deck, concrete, coping, handrail/ladder anchors, sports equipment anchors, tile, water features, automatic cover fabric, automatic cover rails, automatic cover mechanisms, dive boards, other pool accessories or other pool features.
11. Homeowner shall not hold PATES responsible for any damage to the pool, its deck or other related parts due to hydrostatic (ground water) pressure.
12. Opening
a. The Opening service includes:
i. Remove all winter plugs
ii. Inspect and assemble filtration equipment
iii. Start circulation and backwash filters (if applicable)
iv. Test fire heater (heater will not be left running unless Homeowner explicitly requests in writing for it to be left on and specifies the desired temperature)
v. Test GFCI breakers to pool light if accessible
vi. Install ladders, handrails, and directional eyes
vii. Re-assemble in-floor cleaning system (if applicable)
viii. Inspect pump, filter, heater, chlorinator, skimmers, liner, light cover, valves and fittings
ix. PATES will NOT fill chlorinators, mineral or Frog systems unless explicitly requested by Homeowner in writing
x. Treat water with start-up chemicals for pools up to 25,000 gallons. Chemicals included up to: 1qt sequestrants, 1qt algaecide, 2lbs shock
b. PATES shall charge for additional chemicals needed for your pool based on the professional judgement of the PATES’ technicians.
c. All chemicals and accessories used for the Opening/Closing must be purchased from PATES. Any damaged or missing opening supplies or winter accessories will be replaced at our discretion and billed accordingly.
d. The Opening does not guarantee the clarity of your water. PATES will apply initial chemical treatment.
i. The Homeowner is responsible for follow up treatments. PATES can make return visits to chemically treat the water for an additional charge upon request. These visits will be scheduled at PATES earliest convenience.
e. At Opening, if a vacuuming is included in Homeowner contract, PATES will vacuum or blind vacuum and/or scoop leaves for UP TO one hour.
i. PATES does NOT guarantee the condition or clarity of your water after an hour of vacuuming, blind vacuuming or scooping has elapsed.
ii. If Homeowner requires further assistance with the clarity of your water, please contact PATES for recommendations on proper treatment procedures for green or cloudy pools.
f. The Opening of a spa/hot tub includes rinsing off the walls/floor. It does NOT include pressure or acid washing of the walls/floor. If the Homeowner desires additional cleaning, Pates can return for an additional charge.
13. Winterization (Closing)
a. Services includes:
i. Blow out plumbing lines and plug lines at pool
ii. Winterize lines with swimming pool antifreeze.
iii. Remove cartridges or backwash filters and roll up backwash hoses
iv. Blow out and winterize heaters and circulation equipment
v. If applicable, blow out and winterize in-floor cleaning systems/water features.
vi. Shut off gas to heaters and trip GFCI breakers to pool light if accessible
vii. Remove ladders and handrails IF they interfere with the pool cover or IF explicitly requested in writing by the Homeowner
viii. Remove pool cleaners for winter storage
ix. PATES will remove plugs, eyeball fittings, cartridge filters, skimmer baskets and other items for a proper closing. Homeowner is responsible for safely storing those items for the winter.
x. PATES will NOT remove salt cells unless explicitly requested in writing by the Homeowner.
xi. PATES will NOT remove handrails, sports equipment that do not interfere with winter covers unless explicitly requested in writing by the Homeowner.
xii. Treat water with chemicals for pools up to 25,000 gallons. Chemicals included up to: 1qt sequestrants, 1qt algaecide, 2lbs shock and 5 gallons antifreeze. PATES will charge for additional chemicals, antifreeze and other accessories needed based on the professional judgement of the PATES’ technicians.
b. If Homeowner has contracted for vacuuming at Closing, PATES will vacuum for up to one hour even if debris remains in the pool after that hour.
i. The Homeowner is responsible for removing excess leaves/debris prior to Closing.
ii. If the Homeowner desires to have excess leaves/debris removed, prior notice is required. PATES removing excess leaves/debris will be charged in addition to closing services.
iii. Whether vacuum services are scheduled or not, Homeowner acknowledges leaves/debris left in the pool over the winter will negatively impact the condition of the water at opening.
c. Homeowner is responsible for balancing the pool water properly BEFORE Closing.
i. PATES WILL close the pool in the condition in which we find it.
ii. Neither a final vacuum nor water chemistry balancing is included in the standard pool closing price.
iii. Homeowner acknowledges that water not properly balanced prior to closing will negatively impact the condition of the water at Opening and may negatively impact the pool structure.
d. Throughout the winter, the Homeowner is responsible for removing excess water from automatic covers and winter covers, as well as monitoring the pool water level.
i. PATES is not responsible for covers falling into the pool or any damage that may cause.
ii. If water loss is suspected, notify PATES immediately.
e. At Closing, main drain lines or suction manifolds that don’t properly seal may require plumbing or extra antifreeze which will be charged at standard rates.
f. At Closing, Homeowner is responsible for having cover and all of their Closing accessories available upon the technicians’ arrival. If winter plugs, floating chlorinators, blow-out tubes (gizmos) are not readily available, PATES will supply these materials at standard retail price.
g. Homeowner agrees to provide access to a working water spigot and electricity during the Opening/Closing appointments. Failure to provide access to water and electricity may result in your appointment being rescheduled at an additional fee of $125.00.
14. Winter check in (This service is separate from Closing services)
a. Service includes two visits
i. First visit - late fall to early winter
1. Clean/blow leaves and debris off pool covers
2. Check water level and water quality
3. Check that you have a functioning cover pump
4. Test for ammonia
5. Add Winter Pill
ii. Second visit – mid to late winter
1. Check on water level and water quality
2. Check that you have a functioning cover pump
b. Service does NOT include,
i. Removal of snow/ice from pool covers and/or walkways
ii. Treatment for ammonia
iii. Treatment to balance chemicals
iv. Replacing/Repairing malfunctioning cover pumps
c. If ammonia, molds, fungus, stains or other water imbalances are detected during winter check in service, PATES will notify Homeowner and provide a recommended treatment protocol and associated cost for treatment. Only if Homeowner agrees to those costs, will PATES proceed with the treatment.
d. If during the winter check in service it is determined the cover pump is not functioning, PATES will notify Homeowner and provide the cost to replace. Only if Homeowner agrees with this cost will PATES replace the cover pump.