A Message from Tommy at Mountain Pool Services

After 43 years servicing pools, I’ve seen it all. While most of us take pride in our craft, there are "professionals" out there giving the industry a bad name. Before you hand over your hard-earned money, watch out for these Red Flags:

• The "Guesswork" Repair: If a technician looks at a complex pump or heater issue and seems to be "guessing" or "trying things out" on your dime, stop them. A true pro knows when to say, "I need to consult the manual or a specialist," rather than charging you to learn on the job.

• The Shifting Quote: Watch out for contractors who give you a low-ball estimate then "discover" five more problems once the equipment is taken apart. While unexpected issues happen, a pattern of "building up" prices is a sign of a dishonest operator.

• The Missing Paperwork: In Nevada, professional contractors should be licensed and insured. If they can’t provide proof—or if they dodge the question—they are a liability to your property.

• The "Ghosting" Specialist: If they are quick to take your money but impossible to reach when the repair fails two days later, they aren't a business—they're a hobbyist with a truck.

• Bad-Mouthing vs. Hard Truths: There is a difference between a pro pointing out a safety hazard and a salesman trashing your current equipment just to sell you something new. If it feels like a high-pressure sales pitch, it probably is.

The Tommy Rule: I’ve stayed in business since the late 90s because I believe in Integrity over Invoicing. If I can’t fix it right, I’ll tell you. If I can fix it, I’ll stand by the price I quoted.

Don’t let a bad contractor turn your backyard oasis into a money pit.