Question about pool cleaning business

[TN94z]

I have noticed around my area that there is no real pool cleaning service or anything like that, with the exception of the pool stores. I do not even know if they offer cleaning services.

My question is, does this type of business make much profit? Is there any special type of training required? What all services would need to be offered to really bring attention to the business? My wife and I are thinking of trying to do something on the side for side money. She works on the weekends only and I am off weekends and get off in the early afternoon. I figure we could double team a customer's pool, get it done in half the time, and get more jobs done in one day....since we aren't splitting the money, it is all going in the same pot.

 

[KenKasza]

I would look at everything you do to your pool:
Build a maintenance plan, checklist
- 3 month clean cartridge filters
- monthly back flush of sand filter
- brush pool weekly
- empty scuppers
- water testing per TFP standards
- add chemicals
- Pool owner should also follow TPF standards or you will fight each other
- test lights, valves, and other equipment you may not be familiar with

Will you fix some or all broken equipment, or hire someone else to fix issues and you tack on a percentage as the middle man?

Billing??? Taxes??? LLC???

Biggest issue I see would be insurance. You damage their equipment. You get hurt on their property. They accuse you of something you did not do.
It's all fun and games until someones feelings get hurt.

 

[Newdude]

How rural are you ? Google says your population was in the 6k range in 2010. Are pools common ? Are they close to one another or miles apart ? Are the owners well off and would rather pay someone or do they DIY every last thing they can ?

Cleaning often goes hand in hand with maintaining the chemistry. Remove the chemistry and you'll lose a chunk of business while still using the same gas between jobs.

Once a week chemistry is problematic without a swg if you do attempt that part of it.

 

[Hal3]

Keep in mind that the pool stores are buying their chemicals and any equipment parts or replacement pool equipment wholesale and charging the customers retail. Unless you can negotiate wholesale pricing for your business it will be hard to compete. Some pool equipment manufacturers require a licenced installer for the customer to get the full factory warranty. I'm not sure how you would qualify for that. That said, I think that some people do it successfully.

 

[Hal3]

I asked ChatGPT:

Competing as an independent pool maintenance company against retail pool supply store-owned businesses presents both advantages and disadvantages. Here's an overview:

### Advantages

#### 1. **Personalized Service**
- **Customer Relationships**: Independent companies often provide more personalized and attentive service, building strong customer relationships and loyalty.
- **Flexibility**: More flexibility to customize services to meet specific customer needs and preferences.

#### 2. **Focus and Specialization**
- **Expertise**: Specialize solely in maintenance and repairs, potentially offering higher quality and expertise in these areas.
- **Attention to Detail**: Ability to focus more on the details of maintenance without the distractions of running a retail operation.

#### 3. **Lower Overheads**
- **Cost Management**: Potentially lower operational costs as there is no need to manage retail space, inventory, and related expenses.
- **Competitive Pricing**: Ability to offer competitive pricing due to lower overhead costs.

#### 4. **Brand Independence**
- **Unique Branding**: Opportunity to build a unique brand identity that stands out from large retail chains.
- **Local Presence**: Often seen as part of the local community, which can attract customers who prefer to support local businesses.

### Disadvantages

#### 1. **Limited Resources**
- **Purchasing Power**: Retail stores often have better purchasing power, allowing them to buy chemicals and equipment at lower prices, which can be passed on to customers.
- **Advertising Budget**: Larger advertising budgets and more extensive marketing campaigns of retail stores can overshadow independent businesses.

#### 2. **Comprehensive Services**
- **One-Stop Shop**: Retail stores can offer a one-stop-shop experience, including both products and maintenance services, which is convenient for customers.
- **Inventory Access**: Immediate access to a wide range of parts and chemicals that can speed up service times and reduce delays for customers.

#### 3. **Brand Recognition**
- **Established Brand**: Retail stores often have well-established brands and reputations that can attract customers more easily.
- **Trust and Reliability**: Customers might perceive larger, well-known retail chains as more reliable and trustworthy.

#### 4. **Technological and Operational Support**
- **Infrastructure**: Retail chains often have advanced infrastructure and technology for scheduling, customer service, and logistics, providing a more seamless experience.
- **Training and Support**: Access to extensive training programs and support for their technicians and staff.

### Strategies for Independent Companies
To compete effectively, independent pool maintenance companies can focus on the following strategies:
- **High-Quality Service**: Emphasize superior service quality and customer satisfaction.
- **Niche Specialization**: Offer specialized services or cater to niche markets that larger companies might overlook.
- **Local Marketing**: Leverage local marketing and community involvement to build a strong local presence.
- **Customer Feedback**: Actively seek and act on customer feedback to continually improve services.
- **Partnerships**: Form partnerships with local suppliers to negotiate better rates and improve service offerings.

By leveraging their unique strengths and addressing the challenges, independent pool maintenance companies can carve out a successful niche in the market.

 

[Mikes61]

I’m friends with several “poolguys” When we all go camping, they arrive before I do and stay another couple days after I leave to get back to work. They all have the nicest motorhomes and toys.

Apparently the industry standard is $1000 profit per customer, per year. They all have 100ish customers so they’re making $100,000 a year profit. Not bad for a pool guy, huh?

One of the guys owns a pool cleaning company and has several guys working for him. He’s got stupid money and just manages his guys and doesn’t have to clean pools anymore.

 

[Jimrahbe]

94z,

I rode around with a pool guy for a day last year, and it was entertaining, shocking, tiring, and boring all at the same time...

The basic problem that they all have is that you can only change so much, if you want customers.. This means to actually make any money, you need a lot of customers, and of course this means that you can't spend more than a few minutes at each customer.. You will spend more time driving than you will working. It is not at all like taking care of your own pool...

Thanks,

Jim R.