Skilled Trades

Swimming Pool or Spa Technician

SOC 49-9099.01 · ESCO 9129 · OSCA 899937

REA INV ART SOC ENT CON This role See your match →

Role snapshot

Overview

Maintains and repairs swimming pools and spas by balancing water chemistry, servicing pumps and filters, and diagnosing faults in heating and sanitation systems. This includes routine cleaning, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring adherence to safety and health regulations.

Ensures the safety, cleanliness, and operational efficiency of aquatic facilities, providing a healthy and enjoyable environment for users and protecting valuable equipment investments.

On the job

  • Test and adjust water chemistry levels using various chemicals and equipment
  • Clean and inspect pool and spa filters, pumps, heaters, and other mechanical systems
  • Diagnose and repair electrical, plumbing, and mechanical faults in aquatic equipment
  • Perform routine vacuuming, brushing, and skimming of pools and spas
  • Educate clients on proper pool maintenance and safety practices
Swimming Pool or Spa Technician at work

Tools & technology

Water test kitsChemical feeders and dispensersPool vacuums and brushesHand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers)Power tools (drills, saws)Pressure gauges and flow meters

Average salary

$55K
MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD
$40K Bottom 10%
$70K Top 10%

Job outlook

Stable

Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.

Education & training

Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by vocational training, apprenticeships, or industry-specific certifications.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Senior Pool Technician
Pool Service Manager

CURRENT ROLE

Swimming Pool or Spa Technician

Skilled Trades

ADJACENT MOVES

Water Treatment Plant Operator
Pool Service Assistant
General Maintenance Worker
Apprentice Plumber

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

R

realistic · RCI

People who enjoy hands-on work, solving practical problems, and following established procedures to ensure systems function correctly tend to thrive in this role.

Personality characteristics

Conscientious

Meticulous in following safety protocols and maintaining water quality standards.

Practical

Prefers hands-on tasks and physical work to solve tangible problems.

Analytical

Enjoys diagnosing issues with equipment and understanding how systems work.

Calm under pressure

Handles unexpected equipment failures or chemical imbalances without undue stress.

Customer-focused

Communicates effectively with clients and addresses their concerns professionally.

Best for

  • Individuals who enjoy physical, hands-on work and problem-solving.
  • Those who are meticulous, reliable, and committed to safety standards.
  • People who thrive in a semi-structured environment with a mix of routine tasks and unexpected challenges.

Watch out for

  • The job involves regular travel between sites and working outdoors in various weather conditions.
  • Occasional weekend or emergency work may be required, especially during peak seasons.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Swimming Pool or Spa Technician — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm
Mon
Route planning and supply check
Routine pool service (chemistry, cleaning)
Equipment inspection and preventative maintenance
Tue
Troubleshooting and pump repair at client site
Filter cleaning and backwashing multiple pools
Wed
Emergency call out for green pool treatment
Water quality testing and chemical adjustment
Client consultation and service report generation
Thu
Installation of new spa heater
Scheduled commercial pool maintenance
Fri
End-of-week route completion and final checks
Vehicle maintenance and inventory restocking
Team meeting and safety briefing
Deep work Meeting External Social Admin

FREE ASSESSMENT

Does Swimming Pool or Spa Technician fit you?

Measure your personality and interests, then see how this career ranks against 1,300+ others — for you personally.

Take the free assessment →