Starting a pool cleaning business is one thing, but running one that’s profitable is another thing entirely. It requires careful planning and a significant investment of time and money. With the right resources available, you’re more than capable of starting a profitable pool cleaning business. Let’s dive into what steps you should take to get the ball rolling.
What Is a Pool Cleaning Business?
A pool cleaning business provides professional pool services to residential and commercial customers, including but not limited to homeowners, hotels, spas, and country clubs. These companies maintain water levels, clean tiles and filters, check the chemical balance, remove debris, check pumps, ensure pool safety, and repair and replace damaged or broken pool equipment.
If you like the idea of creating your own schedule and having greater control over your financial future, this entrepreneurial opportunity may be right for you. You can also have the satisfaction of providing people in your community with the services they need.
How to Start a Profitable Pool Cleaning Business?
Step 1: Plan & Research
Start by researching the pool industry and pool cleaning market in your area. Take the time to create a thorough business plan, which includes:
- Coming up with a business name
- Identifying a target market
- Determining local demand for pool cleaning services
- Setting prices for your services
- Creating a comprehensive marketing strategy
Step 2: Polish Up Your Pool Cleaning-Skills
If you’re going to start a pool cleaning business, you should know how to clean a pool well. Research best practices, consult with other professionals in the industry, and maybe even practice on your own pool before cleaning someone else’s.
Step 3: Register Your Pool Cleaning Business
Like with any business, a pool cleaning business must be registered with the state you plan to operate in before providing any services. It’s also required to pay business taxes. You can register it as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC). Once your business is registered, you can open a business-specific bank account and a credit card. You can also access startup funding and loans.
Step 4: Get the Required Permits & Business License
Once you secure the permits and certifications required by the state in which you plan to operate, you’ll be licensed to operate your business. Make sure you meet all state and federal tax and registration requirements. If your area requires a pool contractor license, you’ll need to obtain that too. You may need one or more of the following:
- Pool contractor license or pool serving license
- Business license
- Service agreement
- Business insurance policy
- Certified pool/spa operator certification
Step 5: Get business insurance
Every pool cleaning business should have an insurance policy to cover the cost of potential damage, losses, or injuries. It’s the best way to protect yourself, your employees, and your assets. We typically recommend general liability insurance, which is the most common policy type for small businesses. Consult your insurance provider if you have questions about this policy type or want to know about other policy options, including:
- Public liability insurance
- Commercial property insurance
- Commercial auto liability insurance
- Workers compensation insurance
Step 6: Build Your Budget
Every business needs a detailed budget to remain financially stable and maximize profits. You should estimate your expenses and income. Don’t be alarmed if you rack up expenses in the early stages of starting your business. That’s normal. You have to spend money before you can make money.
Here are some initial expenses to expect:
- Supplies
- Employees
- Marketing
- Business materials
Your minimum goal should be to offset expenses. You can calculate potential profit by comparing the prices charged by other pool cleaning businesses in your area. The cost of their services will help you determine an affordable but competitive price point.
Step 7: Get the Necessary Pool Cleaning Equipment
You need the right equipment to run a successful pool cleaning business and keep customers satisfied. Here’s some equipment you should invest in from the start.
- Water test strips and test kits
- Pool shock
- Algae brush
- Manual pool vacuum
- Leaf skimmer
- Telescopic pole
- Multi-purpose surface cleaner
- Filter cleaner
- Pool cover
When you become a United Aqua Group (UAG) member, you gain access to the pool cleaning products you need in one convenient place—and at a competitive price. Plus, you earn rewards that can be applied to future purchases. Contact us today to see how you can start saving on all your pool cleaning essentials.
Step 8: Start Marketing for Your Pool Cleaning Business
Effective marketing will help your business grow. Market to the target audience you identified when creating a business plan. Clearly communicate the services you offer, highlighting what benefits set you apart from the competition. If you don’t feel confident handling this task on your own, you can always hire a marketing company to do it for you.
Some marketing materials you need include the following:
- Logo
- Website
- Social media
- Advertising
Step 9: Prepare for Great Customer Service
Delivering exceptional customer service is a great way to build trust with your customers, earning you repeat business. Be intentional about listening to your customers’ needs, providing quality work, communicating promptly, showing up on time, and exceeding expectations. You might be surprised how far these qualities can take you.
Become a UAG Member Today to Start Growing Your Pool Cleaning Business
Are you ready to get your pool cleaning business up and running? UAG has the resources you need to get started and run a successful enterprise. You can get the equipment you need for a better price than distribution while building equity with every purchase. Become a member today.
