Working Life

Your work typically involves driving to customers' locations, testing the pH of the swimming pool water, adding chlorine, acid, and other chemicals to correct the pH, replacing light bulbs, as well as repairing light fittings, leaks, cracks, and faulty equipment.

In addition to this, you will have to maintain equipment and chemical stock levels, service and fix faulty pool cleaning equipment, and provide advice to businesses and private pool owners on pool maintenance and safety procedures.

Many swimming pool technicians work for a swimming pool contractor, which may sell and install pools, as well as provide pool maintenance. Other titles for this work include ‘Pool Service Technicians’ and ‘Swimming Pool Maintenance Technicians’.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Qualifications vary for this job, but you need to show that you have the knowledge required, so previous experience and knowledge of water treatment and mechanical or electrical maintenance will be an advantage.

Key Skills Certs:

• Full driving licence CPC
• Health & safety First aid courses
• SafePass 

Course may be provided in local Training Centres or through ETBs Search our FET CourseFinder

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include:  engineering operations, engineering technology, maintenance.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: engineering, engineering technology.

Search for PLC Courses

Proficiency based on Pool Design: SPATA Swimming Pool Allied Trade Association & BISHTA  British & Irish Spa & Hot Tub Association of UK & Ireland

-Gas and oil boilers must be serviced, according to manufacturer’s instructions.

-Electrical trips and earth leakage devices must be inspected annually: Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) 

-Refrigeration systems (Heat pumps) must be checked for leaks each year under the Gas regulations.

If you want to progress in this career, you can move into self-employment and work on contracts, by starting your own swimming pool maintenance and repair company.

Local Enterprise Offices 

Partnership Enterprise Development Offices 

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €65k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience, and sessional shift pattern & conditions.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley/ Lincoln/ Sigmar/ Talent/ Indeed/ Excel

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Sports and leisure assistants; travel agents; air and rail travel assistants; holiday representatives, tour guides; Leisure and theme park attendants; Travel agency managers; proprietors Leisure and travel service occupations n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Although employment levels grew between 2021 and 2022 for this occupation, numbers employed remained below pre-COVID-19 levels. The numbers employed across the various roles in this occupation are too small in the Labour Force Survey for further analysis but the CSO Census data shows that approximately half of those in this occupation worked as air travel assistants or travel agents, with 2022 levels for these roles well below their 2016 levels.

Approximately a third of persons employed in this occupation work part-time, higher than the national average. The extent to which employment in these occupations will recover to their prepandemic levels is uncertain as affordability and attractiveness for air travel services in particular remains vulnerable to increased energy costs, and consumer demand and preferences given the green agenda and cost of living pressures.

• Health and Safety Authority

  • The Metropolitan Building, James Joyce St. Dublin 1
  • 1890 289 389
  • [email protected]
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• Ireland Active

  • Irish Sport HQ, National Sports Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
  • 01-6251192
  • [email protected]
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• Sport Ireland

  • Sport Ireland National Sports Campus, Snugborough Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
  • (01) 8608800
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here