Starting a pool cleaning business is ideal for a would-be entrepreneur as it requires a low investment and low overhead cost and yet is assured of a steady stream of profit for most part of the year. For an entrepreneur who loves the outdoors, having a pool cleaning business allows him to do what he loves and earn at the same time.
As in any kind of business, starting a pool cleaning business requires more than just having the right tools and equipment and a basic know-how of pool cleaning operations. You must lay a good foundation for the business to start up hitch-free and consequently give you a profitable operation.
As you will be working around water, you must know about water safety and be able to swim, especially if you are working alone. You must also be careful about electricity near water, about pool chemicals, and not slipping around the pool. You also should take great care to protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen. All these are important even if you hire people. The bottomline is that whoever does the work of cleaning the pools must be aware of all these and other information on water safety.
First, survey the area where you intend to operate. It is best to start with household pools because these are smaller and the requirements are easier to manage. As you learn the ropes of the pool cleaning business, you may expand to servicing hotel or apartment pools which will require additional manpower, equipment and expertise since these pools have to adhere to stricter local health department standards.
Second, learn everything there is to learn about pool cleaning operations. You must have a working knowledge on how to test the water, determine pool volume, and determine the kind and amount of chemicals needed to maintain the pool.
You must also know how to inspect the pools to check fittings, filters and drains. In the U.S., some states require pool cleaners to be certified, so go and search for pool cleaning training classes in your area where you can get certified. These classes can provide comprehensive information on state and local health guidelines on pool cleaning, standard procedures in cleaning, disinfection, and treatment of pools.
Once you have your certification, you will feel more confident in marketing your pool cleaning business as you have the knowledge and competence to provide the correct service.
Third, obtain all the required licenses to start and operate a pool cleaning business from your local government units. This will give you more credibility as a service-provider to your customers. Customers are usually more inclined to deal with legitimate businesses. Furthermore, licenses allow you to avail of wholesale prices for your pool cleaning supplies.
Fourth, buy the necessary tools and equipment for your pool cleaning business such as telepole extender, pool skimmer, testing kits and chemicals, rakes and brushes, among others. Most of these tools are readily available in local hardware stores. An appropriate vehicle is also necessary to carry all these items.
Fifth, hire workers who are physically fit and can handle long hours under the sun. It is a must that they are trustworthy since they will be left to work in private residences or hotel premises, so get a good background check before hiring them. Remember that your workers’ behavior reflects on your business so make sure they are properly trained and oriented before going on field.
Most importantly, market your business. A lot of promising businesses fail to take off because of poor marketing strategies or no marketing at all. Utilize business cards and fliers and give them out wherever you can. Advertise through the yellow pages, radio or television.
Approach apartment, hotel and recreation center managers and personally sell them your service. Create a website as it is now one of the most effective ways to make your business known. Your website should contain your company profile, service portfolio including prices and contact information.
There are probably many other pool cleaning businesses in your area so differentiate yours by adding an extra special touch to your service. Discuss problems encountered during cleaning with your clients. Suggest a maintenance schedule and initiate a reminder system for your clients who may be too busy to remember their pool cleaning schedule. Set up a special discounted package for regular maintenance of pools.
Solicit feedback from your clients and continually find ways to improve your service. Satisfied customers will guarantee repeat business and their referrals will be your best and most effective marketing tool.
Starting a pool business isn’t really hard to do. Just cover the basics and put in a little investment, your time and effort, and you could be on the way to making good money in the months and years to come.
Are you making money with your own pool cleaning business? Be sure to share your comments, thoughts, ideas below…
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