How to Start a Pool Cleaning Business.

If you are looking for a great new business, you might want to consider a pool cleaning business. There is a constant demand for this service, and since not many people have the time or inclination to do it themselves, they don't mind hiring someone to maintain their pool for them on a regular basis.

Just like any business start ups, you cannot expect to make money right away. Furthermore, you should have starting capital, and be ready to initially put any earnings back into the business.

To give you a clear step-by-step idea on how to go about setting up the pool cleaning business, here are some simple steps you can easily adopt as your business plan.

Step 1

If you don't know how to swim and dive, you need to learn this right away. You should also start to get into shape so that you have the energy, strength, and stamina for this physically demanding business, regardless of whether you plan to hire a worker or two.

For one, if your workers don't show up, you will have to pinch-hit for them. Also, you need to check their work. After all, you can't just check the pool by just standing over it, you will need to get to the "bottom of things", so to speak.

Step 2

Learn the business. One easy way to start is by calling those already in the business. Get their flyers and pricing. This will be killing 2 birds with one stone because you are not only getting the market price, you are also delving into how others are conducting their business, and what specific services they are offering.

Hire someone who knows the business through referrals from family members, friends, or acquaintances. You could also put an ad in the paper. Talk to as many applicants as you can and feed on their knowledge. Pretty soon, you start to pick up small tricks of the trade, suppliers' names, service agreements, contracts, among others.

Step 3

In this part of the plan, you have 2 choices. You can either start from zero; buying everything you need; setting up the administrative side - contracts, agreements, pricing, and marketing plan; or you can buy out someone in the business. Check out the ads for a Pool Service Businesses For Sale. (See References)

The problem with assuming another's pool cleaning business is that you also have to shoulder the problems of that business. In other words, it's not a clean slate.

To start fresh, begin by canvassing supplies and equipment. You don't have to go all out with the trendiest equipment. You can start with the basics, and slowly work your way up. Learn about pool water chemistry to understand the basics of how to keep a pool safe and clean. (See Resources)

Simultaneously, start working on some legal service forms like a Pool Maintenance Agreement Form that you can have your client sign for a weekly or monthly service. You should also prepare a Liability Form which will free you from any legal problems about cleaning supplies your client insists you use. Have some internal forms like a Checklist, a Cleaning Visit Form that attests that your employee actually did the job, and which should be signed after every visit.

Step 4

This would be the marketing part of your business where you go out and advertise your services. You can start with local neighborhood posting, distribution of leaflets, radio ads, and the like. If you want, have a discounted rate promotion to entice pool owners to try your services.

Finally, if you do a great job with just one client, you could request for referrals, and use even just one client as a springboard for closing more deals. You should also consider signing up with a professional pool cleaning business like the American Spa and Pool Pros or ASAPP (See Reference), and get to be accredited in the business.

References and Resources:

www.bizben.com/business.../pool-service-cleaning-business-sale.php

www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/ehs/chem.htm - pool water chemistry

www.asapponline.com