How to Start a Pool Cleaning Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
Starting a Pool Cleaning Business: The Complete Guide
If you like working outside, being your own boss, and want an in-demand service biz to launch, a pool cleaning company could be perfect for you. With over 10 million home pools and hundreds of thousands of public pools in the U.S., there’s plenty of opportunity here. This no-nonsense guide has everything you need to start a successful pool cleaning business.
Check Out the Market
Before diving into your new pool biz, you gotta understand your local market. Do some research to find out:
- How many pools are around — for homes and public use.
- What existing cleaners charge for their services.
- Extra services you could offer besides cleaning — equipment repair, chemical testing, etc.
- Permitting or licensing rules in your state and town.
- Industry regulations and codes you’ll need to follow.
This market research will help you spot opportunities, set competitive rates, and legally run your business from the start.
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Build a Business Plan
Every new biz needs a business plan — it’s the blueprint for how you’ll operate, manage money, market, and grow. Important things to include in your pool cleaning plan:
- Company description and goals. Outline your brand and vision.
- Market analysis. Show you know your customers through research.
- Services and rates. List exactly what you’ll provide and charge.
- Equipment costs. Cleaners, poles, brushes, chemicals, transportation, uniforms, etc.
- Startup and operating costs. Licenses, insurance, marketing, accounting, etc.
- Sales and revenue goals. Forecast your expected customers and income.
- Marketing plan. How you’ll promote your biz to gain customers.
- Growth plan. Opportunities for expanding your offerings over time.
Your biz plan is your roadmap and helps convey your goals to potential partners.
Get the Right Cleaning Equipment
You’ll need some specialized gear for pool cleaning. Essential equipment:
- Telescopic poles to reach the entire pool.
- Quality brushes and brooms for scrubbing.
- Leaf skimmers and rakes to remove debris.
- Vacuum heads to suck up dirt.
- Water testing kits to check chemical levels.
- Commercial grade cleaning chemicals.
- Mesh bags to catch debris.
- A truck or van to haul your gear.
- Uniforms with your logo for branding.
- Insurance for protection on clients’ property.
Quality equipment is key for efficient, high-level cleaning. Buy commercial grade supplies made to withstand heavy use.
Set Your Services and Prices
Decide the cleaning packages and services you’ll offer customers. Typical options include:
- Basic cleaning — skimming, brushing, vacuuming, testing chemicals.
- Deep cleaning — scrubbing tiles, floors, filters.
- Chemical maintenance — balancing pH, adding chlorine.
- Filter maintenance — rinsing or replacing.
- Equipment maintenance — repairing pumps, motors, etc.
- Opening/closing — removing/installing covers, starting up/shutting down.
Set prices based on time and labor for each service. Charge hourly or set package rates. Offer weekly, biweekly, and monthly cleaning. Give discounts for multiple cleanings or pre-paid packages.
Spread the Word
Promote your new biz through:
- Local newspaper and community ads.
- A website showcasing your services.
- Search engine optimization to improve web rankings.
- Social media pages to attract local customers.
- Coupons and specials to get new clients.
- Referral programs to reward existing customers.
- Joining the Chamber of Commerce.
- Partnering with pool supply stores.
- Attending home shows to meet pool owners.
- Mailing postcards to homes with pools.
Satisfied customers and word-of-mouth referrals will be your best marketing. Provide 5-star service and the referrals will come streaming in.
Handle Billing and Bookkeeping
To manage money, you’ll need to:
- Set up a business checking account.
- Create invoicing to bill customers.
- Accept cash, checks, credit cards, bank transfers.
- Use accounting software to track income, payroll, taxes, etc.
- Take advantage of tax write-offs.
- Develop a cash flow system to track payments due.
- Save all receipts for expenses.
With solid bookkeeping from the start, you can smoothly manage finances as you grow.
Expand Your Offerings
Once your pool cleaning biz is running, you can expand your revenue:
- Offer pool renovations — tile, plaster, resurfacing etc.
- Provide weekly maintenance plans.
- Sell pool chemicals and supplies.
- Expand your service area by adding trucks and crews.
- Offer premium cleaning packages.
- Train employees to take on more clients.
- Install pool automation like salt chlorine generators.
The opportunities are endless. Provide awesome service and customers will want more — allowing you to expand offerings.
Launching a pool cleaning company takes some upfront work, but running this scalable small biz can be really rewarding. With solid planning and execution, you can be on your way to big profits cleaning up in the pool service industry.
Need a Pool Cleaning Business Plan?
Create a custom business plan with financial projections and market research in minutes with ProAI’s business plan generator.
Pool Cleaning Financial Forecasts
Startup Expenses
Monthly Operating Expenses
Revenue Forecast
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start a pool cleaning business?
You can get started for around $2,000 — $5,000. Major expenses are a vehicle, insurance, basic equipment, licensing and marketing materials. Start small and grow the business over time.
Do I need experience to start a pool cleaning company?
No prior experience is needed! As long as you are willing to learn on the job, have a good work ethic, and take care of your customers, you can be successful. Proper training is essential.
What are the most important things to focus on first?
Start by thoroughly researching your local market and writing a detailed business plan. Line up proper equipment, set competitive prices, obtain business licenses, and insure yourself fully. Market constantly when starting out to build up your customer base.
How do I get clients when the company is new?
Tell everyone you know that you are starting a pool cleaning business. Pass out business cards and flyers constantly. Run promotions and offer discounts for referrals. Provide exceptional service so customers refer you to their friends. It takes time, but the client list will grow.
Will I need to hire employees quickly?
Most pool cleaners start out as solo operators and subcontract out additional jobs until they build up enough regular business to justify hiring employees. Focus on delivering great service and expanding your own client list first before taking on the cost of employees.
What are the keys to success in this business?
The keys are providing a consistent, high quality service, being reliable and professional, properly maintaining chemical levels, keeping customers happy, and effectively marketing your services. Building a base of repeat customers is critical. Word-of-mouth referrals will fuel growth.
What are the pros and cons of pool cleaning as a business?
Pros are flexible schedule, high demand, being your own boss, recurring revenue from regular cleanings, limited overhead costs, and ability to easily expand. Cons are seasonality, physically demanding work, handling chemicals, extensive driving, and slow winter months.
Is this a good low-cost franchise opportunity?
Pool cleaning is better suited for starting an independent small business. Low overhead and no advanced qualifications required make this an ideal bootstrap entrepreneurial opportunity if you have a strong work ethic.
