(LifeWire) - Overview of this Business
If you want to start a pool cleaning small business, you'll find plenty of opportunities -- meticulous pool maintenance is critical for homeowners, gyms, and apartments and motels.
Operating a pool cleaning service is one of those small business ideas where you might have business year round or you might be able to take time off in the off season. Those who live in warmer climes will be able to boost their income due to the large number of private pools needing cleaning year-round, while in colder regions, pool cleaners can earn money by helping owners shut down and reopen their pools as the seasons change. Based on four weekly visits, experienced pool cleaners can expect to earn between $75 and $165 per customer per month.
Pool cleaners adjust the water's chemical balance and keep pumps and filters running. They scrub and skim when necessary. Their services are often needed after weather disturbances that can shower a pool with leaves and debris. The goal for most pool services is to establish weekly repeat business, because an individual startup will have a tough time attracting new customers.
Pool cleaning is not a learn-as-you-go enterprise. Pool cleaners should know their stuff, either through apprenticing or tagging along with a respected practitioner. Due to health codes, some states require certification for those attending to public and health-club pools, Jacuzzis and spas. In Florida, for instance, candidates must take an open-book test to become certified.
Pros of a Pool Cleaning Small Business
- Fresh air, water and nice homes are part of the pool cleaner's territory.
- Some of the manual pool cleaning tasks can help keep you fit.
- Because the work is usually done outside, pool cleaning hours can be planned around a regular workday.
- A casual dress code is acceptable; it's a physical job, after all. But you'll want to look like a professional pool cleaner, regardless.
- Constant sun and prolonged exposure to some pool chemicals can be health hazards.
- Like many small business ideas, it can be tough to build a pool cleaning clientele at first.
- Pool cleaning business may be tougher to find in colder regions, but you may also offer snowblowing or plowing during the winter. Additionally, many homes have year-round spas, even in colder regions.
What You Need to Get Started in a Pool Cleaning Small Business
- Good physical health. Efficient pool-cleaning requires energy.
- Business cards and flyers to pass out to pool-supply stores and contractors in your area. These sources will likely help you land your first customers. You can approach motels, apartments and spas as well.
- About $2,000 for basic pool cleaning equipment and chemicals. On this note, a knowledge of environmentally friendly products, including chlorine alternatives, can be a plus these days and help you set your pool cleaning small business apart from others.
- Reliable transportation to tote all of your pool cleaning gear
- Certification. Check with your area's health department.
- Insurance
- Ability to swim. This cannot be overemphasized for those with ideas of starting this type of small business.
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Pool Cleaning Services Small Businesses: Real-Life Examples
BrenCon, a family business in Phoenix, charges $75 a month for weekly basic pool service, according to its website.
Another entrepreneur, Terry Tamminen, started his pool cleaning business in Malibu, Calif., cleaning the pools of Madonna, Johnny Carson and Dustin Hoffman in the 1990s while preaching the ecological gospel. He persuaded Walt Disney Company President Frank Wells, a customer, to finance an ocean-preservation movement called Santa Monica BayKeeper. That caught the attention of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who as governor tapped Tamminen to be head of the California Environmental Protection Agency.
Hoffman, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times, later told Tamminen. "Glad to see you finally cleaning up the big pool."
Tamminen now travels the world as an energy consultant and still offers his ideas and advice to Schwarzenegger.
