How to Start a Pool Maintenance Business

Maintaining swimming pools, spas and hot tubs can be quite time-consuming. Whether you find these lovely luxuries at private homes, hotels and motels, health clubs, schools or day-care facilities, you'll find potential clients when you start a pool maintenance business. Read on to learn how to start a pool maintenance business.

Instructions

1. Develop a thorough knowledge of all pool-cleaning techniques. Know what supplies you'll need in order to do this business efficiently. To start a pool maintenance business requires little capital. All you'll need is a good selection of cleaning poles and nets, hoses, skimmers, test kits and chemicals and a vehicle large enough to carry your equipment and supplies.

2. Check with your local health department to find out if you need certification as a pool maintenance professional in order to clean pools for the public. Requirements vary by state. Of course, you can always maintain pools just for private homeowners. But the larger your target market, the more money you can make.

3. Market yourself in the special niche of pool maintenance professional. Print business cards and flyers advertising your services. List your services such as weekly rounds, maintaining pumps, filters and skimmers and doing regular routine cleaning. Mention pH balance and chemical level tests. Offer your services year-round and pick up the spa and hot-tub end of the business. You can always start part-time in the off season and work up to full time.

4. Establish a friendly relationship with pool builders and pool supply companies. Give them a stack of your business cards and flyers. Ask them to put a good word in for you with their customers. Have good people skills, communication and a positive attitude. Prove that you are highly motivated by staying in touch with pool business associates and reminding them that you are available for work. Once you start getting jobs, be efficient and thorough and you'll start getting referral business.