Vacation pool service
 

I maintain my pool on my own. We are planning a long trip this year and I think I will have to hire somebody to maintain the pool for a few weeks. There is a number of pool cleaning companies in my area but what perplexes me is how can I be sure that they don't do a half-a$$ job. Especially, if they know that nobody is home for a few weeks. How do you solve this problem?

You might be better off not telling them about the vacation at all. Just extremely busy with work that you won't have time to maintain it ;)

Good point :)

And tell them you just want a trial run of their service, for X weeks. Long enough for them to come do the work a week or two before you leave, and another week or two after you return.

Have you considered a pool cover? You can cover it up and schedule a thorough cleaning and water treatment when you return.