How to Run a Pool Cleaning Company
Pool cleaning companies can generate considerable profit with minimal investment. Pool cleaning companies in regions with chilly autumns and winters often run on a seasonal basis, though many operate year-round cleaning hot tubs and spas and maintaining indoor pools for resorts and hotels. Running a pool cleaning company requires preparation and ethical business standards to ensure your costs stay low and your customers remain satisfied.
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Things You'll Need
- Advertising materials
- Business cards
- Pool cleaning tools
- Ledger or business database software
Instructions
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Hire knowledgeable, trustworthy employees. Many pool cleaners have access to clients' homes and storage facilities of hotels, apartment complexes and condominiums. Run a thorough background check on potential employees and make sure your staff is knowledgeable about chemicals and pool cleaning methods.
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Keep yourself and your employees informed about local health department standards for public swimming pools. Subscribe to pool cleaning mailing lists and industry-specific publications to keep abreast of the latest products and techniques.
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Make sure you and your employees have current CPR certification in case of an emergency while on the job. All of your workers should be able to swim and dive.
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Maintain your tools and equipment. Replace skimmers, poles, hoses and chemical testing kits when necessary. Saving money by using worn out or damaged materials will not help your profits in the end. Properly maintained tools also present a professional image of your company to your customers.
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Find inexpensive and free ways to advertise your business year-round, but focus your marketing efforts in the spring and fall when most customers will be opening and closing their pools. Run advertisements in free local newspapers and magazines. Post professional ads with pictures on your local Craigslist. Ask your county clerk or tax assessor's office if they have a list of pool owners, or purchase a pool owners mailing list so you can send out brochures and coupons to people who may need your service.
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Market your business by networking with pool supply stores and contracting companies that install pools in your area. These people are excellent referral sources to help you grow and maintain your client base.
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Always ask customers for referrals. Many people with swimming pools have friends and relatives nearby who might need you. Keep business cards on hand to give to your customers.
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Keep accurate and complete records of your expenditures and profits. If you are the sole owner, you may be responsible for additional taxes and penalties if you fail to maintain proper records. This is especially important in the pool cleaning business since many of your private customers will pay with cash and personal checks.
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