Benefits of starting a pool cleaning company

As a pool cleaning business owner, you typically travel to customers’ homes or businesses to clean their pools and check the chemical balance. You might also offer cleaning services for hot tubs and spas.

Pool cleaners earn around approximately $20 an hour. Additional benefits of starting a pool cleaning service may include:

• Time outdoors: Unless you specialize in indoor pools at hotels and apartment complexes, most of your work may take place outdoors. Even if you have a headquarters or storefront, you typically spend limited time behind a desk.
• Low start-up budget: Starting a pool cleaning service usually requires a small upfront investment to cover basic expenses, such as transportation, pool-cleaning supplies and permits.
• Physical activity: Cleaning pools is a physical task that might support your health, fitness and well-being goals.
• Casual clothing: Working outside enables you to wear cool, comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement.

How to start a pool cleaning business

Specific processes for starting a pool cleaning business may vary based on location, particularly regarding permits, certifications and licenses. Here are some steps you can take when you’re ready to start your pool cleaning business.

1. Craft your business plan

Write a pool cleaning business plan outlining your mission statement, target market, income revenue projections, business structure and marketing plan. This document can serve as a roadmap as you build the company. If you seek funding, expect to share the plan with potential investors, partners and shareholders.

Related: How to Write a Business Description for a Business Plan

2. Research your target market

Define the target market for your pool cleaning service. Start by researching local competitors. Their service areas, offerings and pricing can help you learn about your target customers. You can also survey local neighborhoods to find areas with the highest residential and commercial pool ownership.

Thorough market research can make it easier to develop a unique selling proposition that sets your business apart from competitors. It may also support accurate financial projections and help you understand customer expectations for cost, frequency and scope of work.

3. Determine your business structure

A business structure establishes your company as a legal entity, potentially reducing your personal liability. The option you choose may also impact how you file taxes.

Two common business structures for a pool cleaning company may include a limited liability company (LLC) and a corporation.

4. Sign up for a bank account and business credit card

Separating your personal and business finances can make organizing and tracking your company’s savings and expenses easier. Open a business bank account to streamline accounting and tax filing. Then, apply for a business credit card to help build your company’s credit history.

5. Earn your certification

Some states require pool cleaners to obtain training or certification, often through the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA). A pool-cleaning certification can also lend credibility to your new business.

Companies that provide pools to community members, such as apartment complexes or community centers, may choose a certified pool cleaning service to help ensure residents’ and visitors’ safety.

6. Get the necessary pool servicing and small-business licenses and permits

The licenses and permits needed to operate a pool cleaning service depend on local and state requirements. You may need a general business license or the following:

• Signage permit
• County permit
• Federal license
• Sales tax license
• Air and water pollution control permit

The services you provide can also impact licensing requirements. For example, you might need a special license to clean public swimming pools, perform repairs or work on equipment such as pumps and heaters. Common licenses typically include:

• Pool contractor license
• Pool contractor license for pool servicing
• Residential appliance installer/contractor license

Your local government can help you determine what you need to operate legally.

7. Draft your service agreement

You might require customers to sign a service agreement before you clean their pool. This contract clearly explains your services, establishes a timeline and details the payment terms and conditions.

Consider having an attorney review your service agreement. They can help you include language that reduces your liability and protects your business.

8. Protect your pool cleaning company with business insurance

Business insurance helps protect your business from unexpected financial losses. As a pool cleaner, you might need:

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance
• Commercial property insurance for a physical storefront
• Workers’ compensation insurance for employees

You can also purchase a business bundle with multiple insurance types. Check your state’s laws to find specific requirements.

How to hire employees

As your pool cleaning business expands, you might hire employees to manage the increase in jobs. These steps can help you through the hiring process.

1. Determine what services you need

Before writing a job description, identify the areas you need help. If you’re unable to keep up with cleaning jobs, consider hiring cleaners. They can help you take on more jobs and branch out to new neighborhoods.

When you’re ready to expand your service offerings, consider hiring employees who are experienced in pool repair and maintenance.

Administrative support workers can also ease your workload. You may need an accountant to manage invoices and taxes or a marketing professional to oversee your social media and advertising strategy.

2. Establish your hiring budget

Analyze your financial statements and anticipated labor demands. Then, determine how much you can spend on hiring and employee wages. If you plan to hire full-time employees, factor in wages for 40 hours per week and employee benefits, such as health insurance and paid time off.

Initially, you might only have the budget or workload for part-time employees. Consider hiring seasonal workers to cover short-term spikes in demand. Outsourcing is another cost-effective option, particularly for marketing and bookkeeping. You can always hire more employees as demand grows.

3. Build your job description and post it on job listing sites

For each open position, write a job description, including essential duties, expected work hours and compensation. Specify the licenses or experience candidates need, especially for positions involving pool repair or electric-system maintenance.

Include your employee value proposition, explaining why an applicant might enjoy working for your company. Post the job description on job boards and your social media profiles.

4. Interview candidates

Read through applications and resumes, and select applicants with suitable skills, experience or certifications. Schedule in-person interviews to determine if their skills align with your company’s needs. It can also be helpful to check personal and professional references.

Once you select a candidate, make an offer and negotiate contract terms.

Start-up costs for pool cleaning companies

Before starting a pool cleaning business, determine how much money to set aside. Start-up costs can vary considerably based on your situation. For example, your expenses may be lower if you own a large vehicle to transport tools and supplies.

You can expect expenses such as:

• A large vehicle to transport equipment between jobs
• Insurance, permits and licenses
• Water-testing kits
• Pool-cleaning tools, such as chemicals, skimmers, brushes and leaf rakes
• Marketing and advertising fees
• Company-branded work clothes

Ways to market your pool cleaning business

Most new pool cleaning companies attract clients through marketing. Consider these strategies:

• Build a pool cleaning website. Set up a business website that includes information about your services. Offer multiple contact methods, such as a phone number, an email address and a contact form. Your website can also provide information about your experience, certifications and equipment.
• Post on social media. Set up social media profiles for your business and post regularly. To attract attention and engage the audience, focus on educating and entertaining content. You can also post before-and-after photos of pools to highlight your skills and expertise. Tagging your city can help increase visibility among local users.
• Encourage customers to leave reviews or provide referrals. After you clean a customer’s pool, ask them to leave an online review. You can even offer a discount on future cleanings for customers who refer other clients.
• Market your company in late winter and spring. If you live in an area with a short pool season, ramp up your promotions during winter or early spring. This is usually when pool owners actively search for a pool cleaning service. If you specialize in commercial pool cleaning or live in a hot climate, plan for year-round marketing.

Frequently asked questions about starting a pool cleaning service

How much money can you make cleaning pools?

A professional pool cleaning costs between $75 and $100 per hour. If you spend 40 hours cleaning pools per week, you could make between $3,000 and $4,000 per week. Your income may be impacted by downtime between jobs, seasonal demand, taxes, material costs, overhead costs and gas.

What do pool cleaners do?

The services a pool cleaner provides vary depending on the client’s needs. You might complete tasks such as:

• Balancing water chemicals
• Vacuuming the pool
• Scrubbing the tiles before filling it
• Brushing the pool’s sides
• Skimming debris
• Emptying the skimmer baskets
• Cleaning the pool filter