Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing our website, submitting a service request, or making a payment, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Murdock Pool Service.

If you are entering into this agreement on behalf of a company or other legal entity, you represent that you have the authority to bind such entity to these Terms.

2. Services Description

Murdock Pool Service provides professional pool maintenance, cleaning, repair, and related services to residential and commercial properties in San Diego County, California.

Our Services Include:

• Monthly pool maintenance
• Pool cleaning and chemical balancing
• Equipment inspection and repair
• Filter cleaning and maintenance
• Green pool recovery
• Hot tub and spa service
• Salt system maintenance
• Drain and acid wash services

Initial Service Assessment

Our initial service includes a comprehensive pool assessment, complete cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment inspection. Following your first visit, we will provide a personalized service recommendation and monthly pricing quote based on your pool's specific needs.

3. Payment Terms

Initial Service Payment

• The initial service fee is due at the time of booking
• Payment is processed securely through Stripe
• Accepted payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
• Payment must be received before service is scheduled

Ongoing Service Payments

• Monthly service pricing will be provided after initial assessment
• Payments are due on the first day of each service month
• Late payments may result in service suspension
• A convenience fee may apply for certain payment methods

Additional Services

Services not included in your regular maintenance plan (such as repairs, equipment replacement, or special treatments) require separate authorization and payment. We will provide a detailed estimate before performing any additional work.

Price Changes

We reserve the right to adjust pricing with 30 days' written notice. Price changes will not affect services already paid for.

4. Service Scheduling

Appointment Scheduling

• Initial service appointments are scheduled within 3-5 business days of payment
• Regular service days are assigned based on route optimization and customer preference
• We will notify you 24 hours before your scheduled service
• Service windows are typically 4-hour blocks (morning or afternoon)

Rescheduling

• Requests to reschedule must be made at least 24 hours in advance
• Weather-related rescheduling will be communicated promptly
• Repeated last-minute cancellations may result in service termination

Access Requirements

You must provide clear access to your pool area during scheduled service times. This includes:

• Unlocked gates or access codes
• Restraining pets during service
• Clear pathways to pool equipment
• Notice of any access restrictions or changes

5. Cancellation and Refund Policy

Initial Service

• Cancellations made more than 48 hours before scheduled service: Full refund
• Cancellations made 24-48 hours before service: 50% refund
• Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service: No refund
• No-shows without notice: No refund and may be charged a cancellation fee

Ongoing Services

• Service cancellation requires 30 days' written notice
• Partial month refunds are prorated based on services rendered
• No refunds for services already performed

Service Guarantee

If you are not satisfied with our service, please contact us within 48 hours. We will return to address any issues at no additional charge. Refunds are provided at our discretion based on the nature of the complaint.

6. Customer Responsibilities

As a customer, you agree to:

• Provide accurate information about your pool and property
• Maintain proper water levels between service visits
• Notify us of any pool equipment malfunctions or issues
• Keep pool area accessible and safe for service technicians
• Inform us of any hazardous conditions or special considerations
• Comply with all local pool safety regulations
• Make timely payments for services rendered

7. Limitation of Liability

Service Limitations

While we strive to provide excellent service, Murdock Pool Service is not liable for:

• Pre-existing equipment defects or failures
• Damage resulting from customer neglect or misuse
• Issues caused by acts of God, extreme weather, or natural disasters
• Damage to pool surfaces, tiles, or fixtures that were already damaged or in poor condition
• Water quality issues resulting from external contamination

Maximum Liability

Our total liability for any claims arising from our services shall not exceed the amount paid by you for services in the three months preceding the claim.

Insurance

Murdock Pool Service maintains general liability insurance. Certificate of insurance available upon request.

8. Service Warranty

We stand behind the quality of our work:

• Service Guarantee: If issues arise within 7 days of service that are directly related to our work, we will return at no charge to address them
• Parts and Repairs: Replacement parts and repairs carry the manufacturer's warranty plus our 30-day workmanship guarantee
• Chemical Balance: We guarantee proper chemical balance at the time of service. Changes due to usage, weather, or contamination are not covered

This warranty does not cover damage resulting from customer actions, third-party interference, or circumstances beyond our control.

9. Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Murdock Pool Service and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may not:

• Reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from our content without written permission
• Use our trademarks, service marks, or trade names without authorization
• Frame or mirror any portion of our website
• Use automated systems to access our website for unauthorized purposes

10. Termination

By Customer

You may terminate services at any time with 30 days' written notice. You are responsible for payment of all services rendered through the termination date.

By Murdock Pool Service

We reserve the right to terminate service if:

• Payment is not received within 30 days of due date
• You breach these Terms
• Access to property is repeatedly denied or restricted
• Unsafe or hostile working conditions exist
• Service is no longer feasible or practical

We will provide written notice of termination except in cases of serious breach or safety concerns.

11. Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution

If you have a complaint or dispute, please contact us first to seek an informal resolution. We are committed to resolving issues fairly and promptly.

Mediation

If we cannot resolve a dispute informally, both parties agree to attempt mediation before pursuing legal action. Mediation costs will be shared equally.

Arbitration

Any disputes that cannot be resolved through mediation shall be settled by binding arbitration in San Diego County, California, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

Class Action Waiver

You agree that disputes will be resolved on an individual basis and waive any right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.

12. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in San Diego County, California, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

13. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.

For material changes that affect your rights, we will provide notice via email or prominent website notification. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms or our services, please contact us: