There are over 10.4 million residential swimming pools out of the total 10.7 million swimming pools in the United States. This number alone suggests the potential of starting a business in this industry. If you are thinking about how to start a swimming pool cleaning business, then this is the perfect time.
We all are well aware that a swimming pool requires regular maintenance for hygiene and health purposes. Starting a swimming pool cleaning business is a great idea as it has higher profit margins. A swimming pool needs proper maintenance to ensure water safety and to prevent any costly repairs later on. It is also necessary as it helps to maintain the aesthetic charm of a home.
Homeowners can not ignore the maintenance as neglecting it can lead to health hazards like algae buildup and bacteria growth and can also affect the pool’s appeal as debris starts to collect over time. If you are thinking about starting a swimming pool cleaning business, this article will walk you through every step of how to start and grow a successful business.
Table of Contents
How to Start a Swimming Pool Cleaning Business – 10 Steps
1. Choose a Business Name
A business is known by its name. Your business name leaves a lasting impression on anyone who hears it and gives them an idea about the service or products you offer. You should try to make it look professional and easy to remember.
A good business name helps you stand out. You can think of names that give the other person a message about reliability and cleanliness. For example, you can name your business something like “Crystal Clear Pools” or “AquaPro Pool Services.”
Before you choose a name, you will have to check if this domain name is already taken or available. This is because to look professional and build credibility, your website and social media handles should have the same name as your business.
By having a consistent online presence, you will be able to help build your brand and attract potential customers.
2. Write a Business Plan
A business plan is required to determine how your swimming pool cleaning business will operate. Your business plan must have the following:
- A clear outline of your goals, means that who are you aiming to serve? Residential customers, commercial clients, or both?
- Define the services that your business will offer, such as pool cleaning, chemical balancing, equipment maintenance, or repairs.
- Write down who your target audience is. Are your customers homeowners, hotels, gyms, or community pools?
- What will be your estimated startup costs, monthly expenses, and expected income in the first year?
- Write down a marketing plan where you describe how you’ll attract clients through local advertising, social media, or partnerships with pool supply stores.
- Competitive analysis of other swimming pool cleaning businesses in your local area and similar niches.
If you have a detailed business plan, this will help you operate smoothly as well as help you get the funding you need.
3. Get Training and Certifications
If you are thinking of how to start a swimming pool cleaning business, then you must know that you need some credibility to be able to convince potential customers that you know your work.
Here you will need to get some certifications like becoming a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or any other related certificates. This will help in building authority. These certificates will teach you the technical skills that are required to maintain pools safely and effectively such as water testing, chemical handling, and troubleshooting pool equipment.
These certifications will also teach you about local health and safety regulations which will ensure your customers that you are practicing according to the industry standards.
4. Open a Business Bank Account
The next thing you should be doing is opening a business bank account. It is a wise option to separate your business account from your account even if you working as a sole proprietor.
This is because a dedicated business bank account will simplify the process of tracking income, and expenses, which will in turn be super helpful when you have to file for taxes. It also helps establish credibility with clients. Just think about yourself!
You are getting work done from someone and in return, they send you an invoice with their personal bank details instead of a dedicated business account. This will look so off and you will be questioning the business’s credibility.
By keeping business finances separate from your finances, you’ll be able to get a clear picture of your company’s financial health. This is extremely important for managing cash flow and planning future investments. This is a crucial step that should be done when you are thinking about how to start a swimming pool cleaning business.
5. Secure Business Funding
To start a swimming pool cleaning business, you need an initial investment to cover basic expenses like buying equipment, securing licenses, and marketing your startup.
Following are some of the funding options that you can choose from to start your business:
- Use personal savings to fund your business. If you have money saved up in your bank account then this is the best option because there is no debt or interest payment. You will have full control over the decisions regarding your business.
- If you don’t have personal savings, you can take out a small business loan. This loan can be taken from a bank, credit union, or online lenders. This will provide you with the initial capital needed to buy equipment and get the business started and will also have flexible loan terms. The only downside is that you must have a good credit score to get this loan. You’ll have to make the monthly repayments with interest.
- You can use a business credit card which will be solely used for business expenses. It is great for smaller payments like buying chemical and branding materials. Many cards offer a credit back for business spending. There is a limit of spending on credit cards and the interest rates are high if payments are not made on time.
- Then there is an option to take government grants which are often offered by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or local economic programs. There is no obligation for repayments which is the best part and these grants are usually given to start a business in underserved areas. Although there are a lot of requirements to be eligible for this.
- The next option is crowdfunding. Here you can raise money from different individuals at one time. Here is a detailed guide on how crowdfunding works. This type of funding creates a buzz on social media and lets you reach a large customer base even before you start. You can use platforms like Kickstarter, GoFundMe, or Indiegogo to raise money.
- The most common way of raising money is by bringing in partners or investors in your business. These investors are ready to give you capital in exchange for equity or profit in your business. This is a great way for partners or investors might have connections that can set your business on the road to success. The only downside is that you will have to share decision-making and profits with them according to the terms you agreed upon.
- The last method that I will share here is equipment financing. These are special loans given specifically for purchasing tools, vehicles, or other types of equipment needed for starting a business. You will be able to the equipment instantly with small manageable monthly payments but you may be required to make a down payment at the start and the equipment will act as collateral which means that it can be taken back in case payments are not made.
This is where your business plan will help you. Investors or banks usually want to see your detailed plan before deciding to provide you with the necessary funding. Securing funds is a crucial step when exploring how to start a swimming pool cleaning business.
If you don’t want to choose any of the options mentioned above and are worried about how to start a swimming pool cleaning business with no money then there is still something that you can do. You can just offer your services in the start without buying any equipment and renting or borrowing it from others. This way you can save up in the start and then eventually buy your equipment.
6. Register and License Your Business
Every country has its own set of regulations that you need to comply with to run your swimming pool cleaning business. Here are some general steps related to your business that you will need to complete:
Register your business by filing your chosen business name with your state or local government.
Decide about the business structure for your cleaning business. You’ll have to decide if you want to register your business as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation. All of these types have different implications for taxes, liability, and management.
Research the licenses required in your area, as regulations for pool cleaning services vary by state and municipality.
You will need to properly register your business and get the necessary licenses to keep your business compliant and gain the trust of customers. These are all necessary steps that you will need to take if you are thinking about how to start a swimming pool cleaning business.
7. Get Business Insurance
There are mainly three kinds of insurance that you need for your cleaning business. There is liability insurance that will cover potential accidents or damages at a client’s property. The equipment Insurance will help you by safeguarding your investment in expensive pool cleaning tools. If you hire workers, you will need a worker’s compensation insurance to cover workplace injuries or illnesses.
Insurance will give you peace of mind and ensure that your business can stand strong even when it is faced with unexpected challenges, such as property damage claims or equipment theft.
8. Buy Pool Cleaning Equipment
One of the most important steps in learning how to start a swimming pool cleaning business is investing in the right equipment. For a swimming pool cleaning business, your equipment will directly affect the quality of your work and your customer’s satisfaction.
Here is a guide about cleaning equipment that you will need to start your swimming pool cleaning business:
- You will need pool vacuums to remove debris from the pool floor.
- Then you will need nets and skimmers to clean the surface and remove leaves or other floating debris.
- Next is the need to buy water testing kits for measuring and balancing pH, chlorine, and other chemical levels in the swimming pool.
- Brushes are required for scrubbing walls, tiles, and pool floors.
- Then you need chemicals such as chlorine, algaecides, and water clarifiers.
- You will also need a reliable vehicle to transport your equipment and chemicals safely to your job sites.
9. Learn How to Price Your Services
You will need to learn the art of pricing your services when learning how to start a swimming pool cleaning business that stands out in the competitive market. Your pricing strategy should take the following into account:
- You should start by researching the local competition. By knowing their rates, you will be able to set a competitive price that will reflect the value you will be providing. Your prices should be adjusted based on the size of the pool, frequency of service, and any additional tasks like equipment repairs or chemical balancing that you are providing.
- You should also consider travel expenses if you serve a wide area.
Here are some common pricing models that you can consider for your business:
- Charge a fixed rate per visit for one-time services such as seasonal or as-needed cleaning.
- For clients that want you to clean the swimming pools every month, you can enter into monthly contracts where you offer ongoing maintenance at a discounted rate to retain customers in the long run.
- Then there is an annual package option. You can provide a complete package that includes regular cleanings, chemical balancing, and seasonal preparations.
Doing this will ensure that you have a profitable business that will continue to attract clients.
10. Market Your Business and Attract Customers
Marketing is the backbone of any business. Here’s how you can promote your swimming pool cleaning business:
Start by creating a professional website. It should be a user-friendly site that includes your services, pricing, customer testimonials, and a clear call-to-action for booking or inquiries. You should also add high-quality images of clean pools to show your work and attract clients.
Use local advertising methods which include distributing flyers in neighborhoods with pools, leaving business cards at pool supply stores, and partnering with local contractors who can recommend your services to others.
Use social media platforms to build an online presence on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You should join local Facebook groups, create a profile on Yelp, and register your business on Google My Business to make it easy for customers to find and contact you.
These marketing steps are great for building a successful business and you’ll find this step almost everywhere when you type “how to start a swimming pool cleaning business” in any browser.
Land Your First Client and Set Your Business Apart
To land your first client, you can start by offering a promotion for your first customers, such as a discounted initial service.
When you land a client, focus on providing exceptional service and ask for a review or referral to build your client base and credibility with time. The best marketing strategy when thinking about how to start a swimming pool cleaning business is to identify what makes you stand out in a crowded market.
For example, You can specialize in unique services that other pool cleaning companies in your area aren’t offering. For example, you could focus on eco-friendly pool cleaning methods, offer seasonal services like pool opening or closing, or cater specifically to luxury pools that need advanced equipment for their maintenance.
You should highlight these specialized services in your marketing to become the go-to provider for clients who are looking for that extra attention. By picking up a niche, you will be able to differentiate your business and attract a loyal customer base who will want to get their services done by a trusted expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to start a pool cleaning business?
To start a pool cleaning business, you will need an initial investment between $1,315–2,150. It is an affordable business idea to start something of your own for the first time.
Do I need a certification to clean pools?
It is highly recommended to get a certificate before starting a pool cleaning business. You can easily become a Certified Pool Operator. It will add credibility to your business. It gives a picture that you have the necessary knowledge about pool chemistry, safety, and maintenance practices.
What are common mistakes new pool cleaning businesses make?
New businesses often make the mistake of setting the wrong prices, getting inadequate insurance coverage, and a lack of effective marketing. These mistakes usually limit the chances of making more money and affect the growth of the business.
How much money do I need to start a pool cleaning business?
A pool cleaning business can earn easily between $30,000 to $100,000 annually depending on the success of the business. According to Springboard, a pool company business owner can easily make between $80,000 -$100,000 a year. This all depends on the number of clients and services completed by your business. Additional services and regular contracts can increase your overall income.
How to start a swimming pool cleaning business with no money?
If you are worried about how to start a swimming pool cleaning business with no money then there is no need to panic. Start by focusing on providing services rather than purchasing equipment by yourself.
You can borrow or rent basic tools in the start, and market your services through free platforms like social media and local community boards. Slowly focus on building trust with clients, reinvest earnings, and then you can expand gradually.
Conclusion
When you are looking for steps regarding how to start a swimming pool cleaning business, you want to ensure that you follow all the recommended steps to start a successful business.
From deciding about your business name to marketing it, everything is important. Just focus on taking small consistent steps and growing your business with time. You should be consistent in your efforts. Starting a business is not easy and you must have the general knowledge about how to start a business before investing your money.