How to Start a Swimming Pool Cleaning and Repair Business
From condominiums and apartments to motels and hotels, property managers know that pools are a great selling point. However, most don't have the time or energy to learn how to clean or repair their pools. A pool cleaner and repairman can capitalize on this and pull in a decent living throughout the summer months, or longer if situated in a warm climate.
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Things You'll Need
- Pool technician certification
- Liability insurance
- Pool supplies
- Basic tools
Instructions
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1
Write up a basic business plan. In it, detail commercial and residential properties that house pools. For residential homes, you may be able to find this information from your county's tax assessor. Then detail anticipated costs: cleaning equipment, tools, commercial vehicle and lettering, fliers, business cards, uniforms, employees and training.
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Contact your county clerk to obtain your business license and purchase liability insurance.
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Take a job working as a pool cleaner and repairman, if you lack experience. While a certification course can get you up to speed on pool maintenance, hands-on experience is best for troubleshooting repairs.
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Become a Certified Pool Spa Operator. Find an accredited course through the National Swimming Pool Foundation where you will learn basic pool knowledge and techniques, including chemistry, testing, treatment methods, filtration, disinfection, maintenance, equipment, government regulations and record-keeping techniques. Your state may require that you hold a certification before starting your business.
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Procure a commercial vehicle, uniform, vacuum, hose, basic tools, test kits, chemicals, skimmers, wall and floor brush, telepole extender, filter savers and a tile brush. On your vehicle, detail your business information and the fact that you are a certified pool operator, licensed and insured. Meet with a local pool supply store manager about setting up a line of credit or getting a discount on supplies.
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Create a price list, fliers and service contracts. Offer discounts to customers who purchase 3-month packages of weekly or biweekly service. Mail your business fliers to pool owners and property managers around town. Contact gyms, real estate agents, motels, hotels, schools and public pools. Be persistent. Every few weeks, follow up.
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Hire a 24-hour answering service for your swimming pool cleaning and repair business.
Buy a merchant account, which will allow you to accept credit cards through a swipe machine or over the phone. Look for a provider that will offer you accounting tools for tracking sales, customer data and supplies.
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Tips & Warnings
Learn your tax obligation as soon as possible to avoid penalties.
Supplement your income in the off season by doing yard work for your pool customers.
As your business grows, you may need to take on employees. Send them through training and purchase worker's compensation insurance on their behalf.
