How to start a pool cleaning business

To start a pool cleaning business, you need to purchase pool cleaning equipment and a proper vehicle, get your Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification, and determine your customer base. For more details on each of these steps and others you can take to start a pool cleaning business, use this guide:

• Purchase pool cleaning equipment and a proper vehicle. You are going to need a wide variety of pool/spa cleaning supplies and reliable transport for your business.

The average cost to start a pool cleaning business is $19,267, and the maximum cost for starting a pool cleaning business is $35,923.

These figures take into account all equipment and vehicles that are needed as well as any necessary permits or licenses you might have to obtain.

Here are some of the essential items you need to start your pool cleaning business:

• 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

• New or used truck or van

You can find all of the pool cleaning gear at a pool supply store. Depending on your budget, you might want to purchase a new or used truck or van. Just be sure the vehicle you get can house all of your pool cleaning supplies.

• Get your Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification. This is a certification that shows you are a professional at pool cleaning.

A Certified Pool Operator (CPO) is a certification in pool and spa health, safety, and maintenance, that proves an individual has skills in operating, and servicing public and residential pools and spas. This certification is administered by the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA).

This certification is often a requirement for Pool Service Technicians, depending on the state they work in. The CPO certification is valid for 5 years, upon expiring, certification holders must recertify.

The course given by the PHTA covers many different areas of concern for pool and spa knowledge, including:

• Pool and spa management

• Regulations and guidelines

• Water contamination

• Disinfection

• Water balance

• pool and spa problems

• Chemical testing

• Chemical feed and control

• Water circulation and filtration

• Heating and air circulation

• Spa and therapy operations

• Facility safety and record keeping

• Maintenance systems

• Troubleshooting

• Facility renovations and design

The CPO certification is accredited across the United States, Canada, and 105 countries around the world. To obtain this certification you must pass an open-book exam. Courses and exams can be taken in person or online.

• Determine your customer base. If you are starting a pool business, you should do some research into who your customers will be.

There are many different options for customers, especially if you live in a warm climate where pools are used for a good portion of the year.

• Residential pools

• Pools at apartment complexes and condos

• Commercial pools

• Public pools

• School and university pools

• Gym pools

• Any location with a hot tub or spa

To find residential customers you can go door-to-door in neighborhoods that have a good amount of pools. You should also research your competition in the area, so you know what price points you need to possibly move in on their market. You should seek to have competitive rates at first to attract customers, but remember you still need your business to be operational and profitable.

You should also practice pitching your services. If you have a good sales pitch, you will be able to persuade a lot of potential customers.

Another option in this area is to purchase a pool route from a broker. This gives you access to a predetermined route and built-in customers. It's easy, except you have to pay the broker for their services.

Take these steps and your pool business will get off the ground and thrive.