How to Open a Pool Service Business

Cleaning pools can be a profitable seasonal or year-round business.

A pool service is a seasonal business that can become a full-time income for the motivated individual who enjoys working outside. Many residences and businesses have pools that require cleaning and maintenance. A pool service provides cleaning through scrubbing and skimming, maintaining the water's chemical balance and keeping pumps and filters running smoothly. Pool services are most often needed when the weather has left debris in the pool and in the beginning and at the end of the pool season when they needed to be shut down.

Things You'll Need

• Poles
• Skimmers
• Hoses
• Chemicals
• Scrub brush
• Business cards
• Fliers
• Car signage

Instructions

1. Learn your business. A person who starts a pool service must learn how to maintain and clean pools before opening for business. Getting a job with another pool service or getting maintenance guides from pool suppliers and then practicing on the pools of family and friends will help you learn your craft.

2. Find out if you need certification. Because of the possibility of disease transmission and other health issues, some states require that those who tend to public or health-club pools and hot tubs be certified by the state. If you are tending only to residential pools, however, you most likely will not need certification.

3. Obtain your equipment and supplies. After you have worked cleaning pools, you will develop a preference for certain tools and supplies. You will need a skimmer and pole (extension or varying lengths), hoses, chemicals (these may be provided by clients if you have a preference), a testing kit, scrub brush attachment for poles, as well as a trailer, truck or space in your car to carry the equipment.

4. Create a contract. Many sample contracts for different types of services are available online and at office supply stores. Modify one to your needs as a pool service, being sure to detail how much you charge, when payment is due, what you will do and what you can't do.

5. Get an invoice book. Even if your client has paid, you should leave a notice that you were there and provided your services each time you go to a client's home or business.

6. Promote your business. Place ads in local classifieds, on local websites and in the phonebook. Be sure to list your business on website search engines, even if you don't have a website. Often you can add your business and contact information in a search engine's business section. Pass out business cards to people you know and people you meet. Place business cards and fliers on community bulletin boards.

7. Advertise your business on your vehicle. Get a magnetic sign or have your business name and contact information painted on your vehicle. When you are parked in a client's driveway, people passing by will see what you do and notice who you are doing it for.

References

• Entrepreneur Magazine: Pool Cleaning Service
• My Small Biz: Starting a Pool Cleaning Business