If you live in a warm climate, chances are there are plenty of pools just waiting to be cleaned. Starting a pool cleaning service is a great way to earn some extra income—and it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated to get started. Here’s what you need to know to get your business up and running.
To start a pool cleaning service, you’ll need to purchase some basic supplies, including a skimmer, brush, vacuum, and hose. You’ll also need to have a solid understanding of how to clean a pool. The skimmer is used to remove leaves and debris from the surface of the water. The brush is used to scrub the walls and floor of the pool. The vacuum is used for deep cleaning. And finally, the hose is used to rinse off the walls and floor of the pool after you’ve finished scrubbing them.
Assuming you already have a vehicle large enough to transport your supplies, your start-up costs should be fairly low. You’ll need to factor in the cost of gas as well as any advertising or marketing expenses you incur. Once you have your supplies and your start-up costs figured out, it’s time to start marketing your business.
The best way to market your pool cleaning service is by word-of-mouth. Start by reaching out to your family and friends and see if they know anyone with a pool that could use your help. Once you get your first few customers, ask them for referrals. Chances are, if they’re happy with your work, they’ll be more than happy to recommend you to their friends and neighbors. Another great way to market your business is by posting flyers in local businesses or community centers. You can also create a website or social media page for your business and promote it online.
Decide what services you will offer.
Most pool cleaning services offer a basic package that includes skimming the surface of the pool, vacuuming the floors, and cleaning the tile. You may also want to offer additional services such as filter cleaning, chemical balancing, and water testing.
Purchase the necessary equipment.
You will need a skimmer, a pool brush, a vacuum hose and vacuum head, and a leaf net. You may also want to invest in a power washer for tougher jobs. Make sure you purchase high-quality equipment so it lasts longer and does a better job—your customers will notice the difference.
Promote your business.
There are several low-cost ways to promote your pool cleaning service. Start by creating some fliers and post them in local businesses and community centers. You can also promote your business on social media and in online directories. Be sure to include your contact information and pricing on all of your marketing materials.
Set your pricing.
Your pricing will depend on the services you offer and the size of the pools you clean. A good rule of thumb is to charge between $0.50-$1 per square foot of pool surface area for basic cleaning services, plus an additional $0.50-$1 per square foot for any extras like filter cleaning or chemical balancing. For example, if you offer basic cleaning services for an average-sized pool (20×40 feet), your price would be $200-$400 per month.
Starting a pool cleaning service is a great way to earn some extra income—and it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated to get started. With just a little bit of research and preparation, you can have your business up and running in no time at all!