Business Overview

Swimming pools can be a haven on a hot day, a source of pride forhomeowners, and a necessity for apartment and condominium complexes andhotels and motels. But keeping them pristine is not a job for theuninitiated or those with no time, and besides being unsightly, a dirtypool can be costly.

Business owners whose pools don’t meet local healthdepartment standards can be fined or have their watering holes closeddown, which can cost not only money, but also customers. But if youlike working outdoors with the sun on your back and the sound of waterat your feet, then you can banish the pool pH blues with apool-cleaning service.

You’ll make weekly rounds, checking andadjusting chemical levels, maintaining pumps, skimmers, filters andother equipment, and doing routine cleaning. In addition to pools, youcan service spas and hot tubs, too. The advantages to this business arethat you can start part-time if you like with a minimal investment; youget to work outdoors; and pool cleaners have a sort of mystique in oursocial consciousness. You’ll need a good working knowledge ofpool-cleaning techniques and supplies, from pH levels to chlorinetablets and beyond. You’ll also need the physical strength tomanipulate poles and skimmers through the drag created by water all dayand the motivation to work quickly and efficiently.

The Market

Your clients will most likely be homeowners and owners of apartment andcondominium complexes and hotels and motels, but you can also targetschools and health clubs. Establish relationships with pool supplystores and pool builders in your area, leave a batch of your businesscards and ask them to refer you to their customers.

The best way tosell to businesses is to introduce yourself to the manager (ormaintenance manager if it’s a large facility) and leave your businesscard and flier. If you don’t get an immediate offer–which you probablywon’t–check back or call to remind them that you’re available. Forhomeowners, purchase a mailing list of pool owners in your area orcheck with your county tax assessor’s office–it may have a list ofpool owners on file. Then send a brochure or flier–you can offer anintroductory discount or a free pool checkup.