The warm months are usually when people like to spend some time by the poolside. People visit the swimming pool just to cool off and have fun while some people go there for a light cardio exercise. Nevertheless, with the way people throng to the swimming pool, it’s obvious that keeping the pools clean and operational can be a major business idea for entrepreneurs. And of course, swimming pool cleaning business is a booming industry in the US raking in billions of dollars annually.
If you are thinking of starting a swimming pool cleaning business, now is just the perfect time to start. And here in this post, we have provided you with all the tips you need to start off on a good foot.
Table of Contents
Tips for starting a swimming pool cleaning business
Let’s learn about “How To Start A Pool Cleaning Business” in detail:
#1: Plan Your Swimming Pool Cleaning Business
There is nothing as important to the success of any business as starting off with a good plan. So before you start your swimming pool cleaning business, here are some questions you need to know the right answers to.
Why should you start a swimming pool cleaning business?
More than ever, this is just the perfect time any serious entrepreneur should consider starting a swimming pool cleaning business. Some of the advantages buried in the business are:
- Opportunity to work outdoors
- It doesn’t require a large investment to start
- You can start as a part-time
- It can help keep you in shape since it is completely physical
- You don’t need any special or professional dressing to conduct your business
How much do you need to start a swimming pool cleaning business?
Fortunately, this business doesn’t require much investment. But it is important you know the estimated amount you will need before you dive into the business. Starting a swimming pool cleaning business should not be more than $2000, depending on how you wish to run the business.
The bulk of the money will be going into buying necessary equipment and supplies for the smooth operation of the business.
How much money can you make from a swimming pool cleaning business?
Cleaning swimming pools in your area, you can make about $50 to $60 per hour working part-time. But if you consider making the business full-time, you can earn about $2000 to $2500 per week as profit. However, you should know that business may not do so well during the offseason and you may not make that much profit.
Who are the target markets for a swimming pool cleaning business?
As a pool service business, your target market will be affluent homeowners that have enough money to spend on pool maintenance and business or organizations that have a commercial pool. Residential pools are easier to clean but you can earn more from cleaning commercial pools. This type of pool may require servicing two or three times a week. That means more money for you as a swimming pool cleaning business.
What are the equipment needed to start a swimming pool cleaning business?
Some equipment and supplies you will likely need for the business include:
- A large vehicle to move your equipment
- Water test kits
- Skimmers
- Cleaning chemicals
- Leaf rakes
- Brushes
#2: Write a Good Business Plan
Now that you have answers to important basic questions in the business, the next thing is to get started with the business. That leads you to writing a comprehensive business plan for your business. A good business plan will benefit your swimming pool cleaning business in many ways. It will not only help channel your course in the business but will help you acquire loans and start off on a good foot.
#3: Figure Out What Your Financing Source Will Be
Regardless of how great your idea and vision for this business are, you will need funding to make the business successful. So consider what the financing source will be. This can be from your personal savings or a loan from the bank. Since the initial investment required for the business isn’t much, it won’t be difficult finding a bank to give you a loan. However, make sure you have a good credit score to make it easy for you to get loans.
#3: Form a Business Entity
A business entity will show how legally organized your swimming pool cleaning business is. So form a legal entity that will help take the business to the next level. You can either choose from sole proprietorship partnership, corporation, or Limited Liability Company. Each of these entities has its unique pros and cons. So ask questions before deciding to go for any of them.
#4: Register Your Business
Now that you have a business identity, you should move ahead to registering your business and obtaining all necessary licenses and permits. Depending on your state, you will be required to obtain certain licenses and permits to run a professional pool cleaning business. Getting these will also come in handy when marketing your business. Everyone wants to do business with a company that is fully registered and licensed.
#5: Get Business Insurance
You will also need to obtain a couple of insurance to operate your business safely and legally. Insurance ensures your business stays protected even in the face of loss and unforeseen circumstances. There is a variety of insurance you can get for your swimming pool cleaning business but important among them is general liability insurance. That is also the most common insurance small businesses do go for.
#6: Hire Employees
You may not need this starting our fresh, it will definitely make sense when your business launches and starts to grow. Demand will increase and you will need more hands to help keep up. This will also mean more money for you anyway. However, when hiring employees, make sure you get reputable individuals and ones that can help promote the vision of the business.
#7: Have a Working Marketing Plan
Marketing is very important to the success of your business even if you offer the most excellent service. You will need to devise a way to let out the word and gain more customers for the business. So consider having a strong and reliable marketing plan even before starting the business.
There are a variety of ways you can market your swimming pool cleaning business, and some of them include giving out flyers and business cards, using social media, email marketing, paid advertisements, etc.
Nevertheless, don’t ignore the power of your existing customers too. Regularly encourage them to refer their friends to win a certain discount or give away services.