How To Start Your Own Pool Business: A Step-By-Step Guide

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Some people find comfort when they spend their time working from an office. Others prefer to be outside providing solutions to issues giving communities sleepless nights. And some love to have a balanced office and out-of-office life. If you love spending your time outside fixing problems, then you have come to the right place. Today we will tell you how you can start a pool cleaning business and exercise your passion for being outside while benefiting communities around you.

Why start a pool cleaning business?

Pool cleaners are in demand

It is estimated there are more than 11 million swimming pools in the U.S. alone, which need regular servicing. That obviously means there is room in the market for your cleaning business. Think of those swimming pools in fancy hotels, fitness centers, local gyms, and more.

Low start-up costs

With little time invested in your education, a budget for a few things, you can start serving your local community effortlessly. Note that pool cleaning is not a learn-as-you-go business. You need to be fully educated to be successful in this industry.

Certified Pool/Spa Operator Certification Program is one of the respected programs that can prepare you for the real market. Keep in mind that the more you invest in your education and professional growth, the easier it will be to excel and grow your income. Here are a few pool software list that might be helpful.

Reading books at this time is also a brilliant idea. Here are some helpful books you can read:

Consistent, recurring income

Once you prove you are the right cleaner, your customers will always call you for regular maintenance. So make sure from the start to demonstrate a high level of professionalism. You can use a recurring invoice tool like Probill to automate billing your customers.

What a pool cleaning business involves

As a pool cleaner, you will be visiting homes, hotels, gyms, and more on a regular basis to offer various services. These services include maintaining pumps and filters, cleaning, and adjusting the water’s chemical balance.

Having good knowledge of cleaning tools to use when getting started is a big plus in this industry as that can help set your business apart from others. It is equally crucial to adhere to all legal requirements for pool cleaners in place. Note that some states can have additional measures. So make sure to consider that too.

What you will need to get your pool cleaning business started

Business plan: Come up with a detailed plan that defines what you will offer, how you will finance your business, who your clients are, and so on.
Marketing plan: How will your prospects know about your business? How are you going to convey the message?
Business structure: Your business needs a name and a structure such as an LLC.
Certifications: Get all the mandatory certifications. If not sure what certifications you need, inquire.
Business license: Find out what business license you need and get one.
The ability to swim: As a pool cleaner, it is crucial you know how to swim. For example, if you fall into a pool, you need to be able to save yourself.
Tools: You need the right tools to offer the best services. For example, you need a hat, a water bottle, sunscreen, cleaning products, test kits, and skimmers to provide the best services.
Business cards, brochures, or flyers.

Pros and cons of starting a pool cleaning business

Pros

Need little investment to get started
You can start part-time
The work contributes to your physical wellness
You dress casually
You can work outdoors

Cons

Exposure to pool cleaning chemicals some which can harm your health
Daily, long-term sun exposure can be dangerous
Sometimes you may have to look for alternate work during off-seasons. For example, in areas experiencing cold winters, pool cleaning is a periodic business.

Marketing your pool cleaning business

Once your business is up and running, it is time to start thinking about how you are going to market it. We recommend you start with the basic strategies like printing business cards or flyers. As your business continues to grow, think about how you can network with local business owners. Feel free also to visit pool owners and tell them about your business.

It is also ok to approach construction companies building pools and align yourself with them so that you can offer ongoing maintenance once the project is complete. Finally, don’t forget to build a website. Today it is not possible for your pool cleaning business to survive without a stunning and responsive website. If you find there are marketing methods working for you well, invest in them well.

FAQ:

Who is the target market?

There is a huge market for pool cleaners. You can clean and maintain individual pools or commercial pools. Cleaning and maintaining commercial pools pay better because you can charge more, and most need to be serviced often.

How does a pool cleaning business make money?

As a pool cleaner, you will make money by charging for making repairs and cleanings the pools.

How much can you charge customers?

There are many factors that will determine how much you will charge. These factors include the frequency of servicing, what is done during servicing, and so on.

How much can a pool cleaning business make?

Most pool cleaners charge about $50 to $60 per hour cleaning pools. If working full time, that amount to $2,000 to $2,400 per week.

How can you make your business more profitable?

If only cleaning pools, offer to perform minors and major repairs and increase your rate to let’s say $180 per hour. You can as well sell products to other pool cleaners and pool owners to want to maintain pools themselves.

What will you name your business?

Choose a name that talks more about your business. Make sure to verify another brand does not use that name as can get yourself in trouble. You can learn more here about how to name your business.

Automate Recurring Billing