New pool business

ThePoolGuyMI

In The Industry
Aug 10, 2022
4
Michigan
I started my own pool business June 10th of this year, I do basically everything needed for spas and pools from installation remodeling sales weekly maintenance and repairs. Business hasn't been bad but I've been trying to think of new revenue ideas so I can keep building. I've been looking into natural pools and have also been thinking about pool rentals. This is where you would rent an above ground frame and liner pool for a set amount of time anything over one week you would then have to sign a service contract to where I came out and clean the pool to make sure everything was still good with it. Any suggestions tips or wisdom from other pool guys would be greatly appreciated.
 
Hey PGM and Welcome !!!

Above ground pool rentals would rarely work because the area needs to be level to 1 inch and almost every yard, patio or driveway is specifically sloped away from the house more than that.
 
It’s only been 2 months, if u do good work at a reasonable rate- especially on maintenance contracts, the word of mouth will spread & you’ll be swimming in clients before long - pun intended lol 😂
Maintenance contracts are the bread & butter.
Installs, liner changes or equipment replacements are one off events. If u do well they will probably call u when something breaks but that’s random. You want some steady stuff to fill your calendar with then fill in the gaps with the random stuff.
I am sure the colder months are a bit lean in your field especially in the frozen north but maybe focusing on spas during that time might help get u through. Get them in the door now so u have some things to do after the pool closing rush.
Have u thought about offering spa decontamination/purging with Ahhsome & then a rebalance? Upon installing the spa & then Like on a schedule, 2 or 4 times a year, similar to yearly pm agreements for hvac customers. This gets u ongoing income with a window of opportunity for repairs other maintenance issues that u notice or are needed while u are there. I know in my area getting someone out to work on your hot tub is like pulling teeth!
Also try getting on the call sheets for home warranty companies as many have a list they call & some don’t care who is used but they offer a list of possibilities to their clients
& with local pool/spa stores - they sometimes refer out when they are too busy or have services that they just don’t do.
Honestly, most pool builders/installers vamoose asap once paid so a friendly follow up call to previous clients “just checking in” would probably go a long way to getting repeat business.
I personally don’t have “spa pm agreement” kinda $$ but lots of people do & don’t care to maintain their expensive belongings but are willing to pay someone else to.
As business picks up you will be able to cherry-pick clients- like the ones with swg’s.
 
I would get in good with a few realtors who can give your name to their clients who are moving into houses with pools. You could offer one-time "pool school" type services, or get a leg up on a contract with them.

You could even sweeten the deal by being the pool guy for a few realtors for free or a reduced fee.
 
I would get in good with a few realtors who can give your name to their clients who are moving into houses with pools. You could offer one-time "pool school" type services, or get a leg up on a contract with them.

You could even sweeten the deal by being the pool guy for a few realtors for free or a reduced fee.


That is a good idea. Right now houses move so fast it is not an issue, but if (when) the market calms down, having somebody they can use to keep the pool "show ready" is something a relator would want.
 
Vacation services maybe a tier of your offerings. Sometimes people don’t need a full on contract but they will want someone to manage their pool while they go away. Most people leave for a few weekends or a couple of weekends each year.

I think the temporary pool thing is a nice idea but that will be a ton of work for you and may not be scalable.
 
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I think the temporary pool thing is a nice idea but that will be a ton of work for you and may not be scalable.
& alot of risk! There’s different rules in different places, fencing etc. & then the people who want to sue u because something happened & it’s your pool. Plus Insurance complications - who’s carrying the coverage. Nope 👎🏻
Vacationers or snow birds is definitely a good idea .
 
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We also spend a lot of time in Hilton head. One thing I saw a lot on next door ( besides people calling each other stupid ) was people looking for a reliable pool company.
Maybe watch social media and get your name out there.

I have seriously debated starting a business down there.
 
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