How To Start A Pool Cleaning Business In 13 Easy Steps

If you enjoy working outdoors, setting your own schedule, and building something you can truly call your own, a pool cleaning business could be the perfect fit. It’s a service people need year-round, and it gives you the freedom to decide how big or small you want to grow.

This guide teaches you how to get started. You’ll learn how to select your services, gather the right tools, register your business, and set fair prices. We also explain how to create a professional online presence using a Website Builder, attract your first clients, and earn trust by delivering consistent, reliable service.

Whether you want a side hustle or plan to grow into a full-time company, this guide shows you a clear path forward. It teaches you how to start a pool cleaning business and book customers with confidence.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• To start a pool cleaning business is an affordable business endeavor. Ensure you plan services, tools, and pricing correctly.
• Know your market and decide whether to target residential or commercial pools.
• Learn water chemistry and safety basics to keep pools clean and safe.
• Choose the correct business structure, licenses, and insurance for protection.
• Offer clear service packages with optional add-ons to increase earnings.
• Set prices based on pool size, condition, and travel distance to stay profitable.
• Use the right tools and organize your vehicle to save time.
• Build trust using a strong brand, professional website, and clear communication.
• Rely on systems for route planning, billing, and client tracking to stay organized.
• Market online and offline to land your first clients and grow steadily.
• Follow SOPs to deliver consistent work and build a reliable reputation.
• Maintain your client base by providing great service, quick issue handling, and seasonal reminders.
• Scale by hiring, training, and tracking KPIs to measure growth.

How to Start a Pool Cleaning Business

In this section, we explain the 13 steps you need to start a pool cleaning business.

Step 1: Understand your Market and Pick Your Niche

Before you start a pool cleaning business, you should know exactly who you want to serve. Not all pools are the same, and the needs of homeowners differ, depending on whether you’re dealing with hotels, gyms, homeowners or community centers.

While residential pools usually require weekly cleaning, chemical balancing, and seasonal opening or closing, commercial pools often require more frequent visits, stricter water testing, and detailed records to meet health standards.

Once you’ve identified your target audience, the next step is deciding what type of services to provide. Some customers only require regular maintenance, while others may want one-time deep cleans, algae treatments, or spa and hot tub care.

By organizing these options into simple service packages, you make it easier for clients to choose and keep your prices clear and consistent.

Researching your local area will also help you create opportunities that suit your goals. Instead of stretching yourself thin across the entire city, you can focus on residential pools in two nearby suburbs. Remember, focusing on a smaller service area keeps your routes efficient, saves fuel, and allows you to serve clients more reliably.

Step 2: Learn Skills and Safety Basics

Start a pool cleaning business isn’t just about skimming leaves off the surface. To provide reliable service, you need to understand how pools work and how to ensure they are safe for swimmers.

One of the first things to learn is water chemistry. A proper balance of chlorine, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizers such as cyanuric acid keeps the water clear and free of harmful bacteria. If these levels aren’t correct, pools can turn cloudy, stain surfaces, or even cause skin and eye irritation.

Along with chemistry, you should know how to handle chemicals safely. Always store them in dry, well-ventilated spots, keep acids and chlorine separate, and use gloves or goggles when mixing. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) should be on hand for every chemical you use, so you’re prepared in case of an accident.

It’s also important to understand the different filtration systems. Cartridge, diatomaceous earth (DE), and sand filters all work differently, and knowing how to clean or replace them will make your service more professional.

Finally, consider optional certifications. Programs in water treatment, pool operation, or even CPR and first aid add credibility and inform customers that you take safety seriously. While not always required, they can set you apart and give clients extra confidence in your work.

Step 3: Choose a Business Structure and Handle Legal Tasks

Once you know your niche, the next step is to setup and start a pool cleaning business legally. Remember, the way you register your company will affect your taxes, liability, and even how customers see you.

Many beginners start as a sole proprietorship because it’s simple and inexpensive, but this setup doesn’t protect your personal assets if anything goes wrong.

However, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a popular choice because it separates your personal and business finances, giving you more protection. If you plan to expand and hire employees, registering as a company might make the most sense.

After selecting your structure, check with your city or county to see if you need any licenses or permits to operate. Requirements can vary by location, so ensure you follow local rules before taking clients.

Insurance is another layer of protection you shouldn’t skip. General liability insurance covers accidents, while inland marine insurance protects your tools and equipment as you move between jobs. If you’re driving to pools, commercial auto coverage is essential, and if you hire employees, you’ll likely need workers’ compensation.

To be professional, have service contracts and waiversin place. These documents explain what’s included, what isn’t, and protect you and your client. A lawyer can help you draft clear agreements to avoid any confusion later.

Step 4: Plan Your Services and Packages

When you start a pool cleaning business, ensure you have clear services and packages to make it easier for customers to understand what they’re paying for, and help you set consistent prices.

Here’s how you can do this:

Start with the core tasks that every pool needs. These usually include:

• Skimming the surface.
• Brushing the walls.
• Vacuuming the floor.
• Testing and balancing water chemistry.
• Emptying baskets.
• Cleaning filters.

By offering these basics, you’ll cover the regular maintenance that most pool owners expect.

From there, consider the extras you can add. Many pools need stain removal, algae treatments, salt cell cleaning, heater checks, or tile scrubbing from time to time. These aren’t daily requirements, but offering them as add-ons gives customers more options and lets you increase your earnings.

To simplify things, group your services into packages. For instance, you could offer the following:

• Weekly Basic plan for routine cleaning.
• The Weekly Plus plan, including extra tasks.
• A One-Time Deep Clean and a Seasonal Open/Close service.

Be clear about the scope of each package, the time you’ll spend on-site, and what isn’t included. This way, customers know exactly what to expect, and you avoid misunderstandings later.

Step 5: Price Your Work With Simple, Profitable Rules

When you start a pool cleaning business, setting the correct prices is key to keeping your business profitable. A good way to start is by creating a pricing grid that considers:

• Pool Size.
• Condition.
• Travel Distance.

For example, a small backyard residential pool near your service area should cost less than a large commercial pool that requires extra time and chemicals. This type of system keeps your pricing fair and consistent.

For regular maintenance, many pool cleaners use a flat monthly fee. This works well for weekly routes because customers know what to expect, and you receive a steady income.

For special jobs, such as a one-time deep clean or a seasonal opening, charge a one-time fee instead. This keeps things simple and avoids confusion.

It’s also a good idea to set travel minimums and add surcharges when necessary. If a pool is full of heavy debris or has turned green, it will take more time, labor and chemicals to restore. Charging extra for these situations protects your time and ensures you’re not working at a loss.

Finally, ensure you have clear policies in place for weather delays, access issues, and cancellations. Put these in writing so both you and your clients know what to expect. This helps avoid misunderstandings and shows that your business is professional and well-organized.

Step 6: Buy the Right Tools and Setup Your Vehicle

To start a pool cleaning business and run it smoothly, you’ll need the right tools and a well-maintained, organized vehicle. Start with the basics:

1. Telescopic poles.
2. Skimmer nets.
3. Brushes for walls and steps.
4. Both manual and automatic vacuums.

These are the core tools that let you handle everyday cleaning. Don’t forget reliable test kits with reagents to check chlorine, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, as well as salt or copperlevels. Having accurate readings ensures you’re keeping every pool safe and balanced.

Along with tools, stock up on the chemicals you’ll need for regular service. Store them in labeled bins and use a spill kit for safety. A leaf blower can help clear pool decks, while a small set of hand tools, spare o-rings, and gaskets keeps you ready for quick fixes during visits.

Remember, your transport vehicle is just as important as your equipment. Whether you use a van or a pickup truck, install shelves, bins, and tie-downs to keep everything secure.

A simple inventory checklist also helps you restock supplies before you head out, so you never show up unprepared. Keeping your tools organized saves time and shows clients that you run a professional operation.

Starter Equipment Checklist

Must-Haves

• Telescopic pole with interchangeable attachments.
• Skimmer net and leaf rake.
• Wall and step brushes.
• Manual pool vacuum head and hose.
• Portable automatic vacuum (basic model).
• Water test kits with reagents (chlorine, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid).
• Startup chemicals (chlorine, stabilizers, pH increaser/decreaser, algaecide).
• Safe storage bins and a spill kit.
• Basic hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches).
• Spare o-rings and gaskets.

Nice-to-Haves

• Salt and copper test kits.
• DE filter cleaner or cartridge cleaner tools.
• Leaf blower for pool decks.
• Heavy-duty automatic vacuum for larger pools.
• Extra shelving or storage racks in your vehicle.
• A branded tool bag or boxes to look professional.
• Water-resistant labels for chemical bins.
• Portable pump for draining or partial water replacement.

Step 7: Build Your Brand and Customer-Ready Presence

Your brand is more than a name. It’s how customers recognize and remember your pool cleaning business. To build your brand:

1. Choose a clear business name and corresponding domain name.
2. Design a simple logo.
3. Select a color palette that you can use across uniforms, flyers, and your website.
4. Adding vehicle decals is another smart move. When your van or truck is parked anywhere locally, it doubles as free advertising and builds trust with potential clients.

Professional communication is just as important as your visual identity. To set up, create a clean business email address, prepare a short voicemail script, and use a polite phone greeting. These small details show clients that you run a reliable operation.

Finally, consider how you’ll display your work and services. Take before-and-after photos of every job and maintain a consistent style. A gallery of clean, clear images on your website or social media demonstrates your skills and helps future customers see the results they can expect.

Step 8: Setup Systems that Save Time

As your pool cleaning business grows, good systems ensure everything runs smoothly. One of the first things to set up is a route planning and job notes app.

This helps you organize your daily schedule, reduce driving time, and keep track of your tasks at each pool. Having job notes also makes it easier to give consistent service, especially if a client asks about past visits.

Next, use a Customer Relationship Management System (CRM) to store leads and customer history. With it, you’ll know who’s due for service, who needs a follow-up, and which customers prefer certain add-ons. A CRM saves time and keeps clients from slipping through the cracks.

Payments are another area where systems make life easier. Instead of chasing checks, set up invoicing with recurring billing and card-on-file options. This provides a predictable cash flow and simplifies payments for your customers.

Don’t forget to manage your numbers. Simple bookkeeping software can track income and expenses, while mileage tracking apps help you record travel for tax deductions. Setting aside time for tax estimates each month will save you stress when tax season arrives.

Finally, prepare templates for the documents you’ll use most often. Quotes, work orders, service reports, and follow-up emails all become faster and more consistent when you have them ready to go.

These systems may take effort at the start, but they’ll save you hours later and help you look professional from day one.

Step 9: Find Your First Client

Once you successfully start a pool cleaning business, landing your first clients is often the most difficult part, but with the right approach, you can build a steady base fast. Here’s how you can attract clients:

Create Your Website

A professional website is one of the best ways to start a pool cleaning business, its easy to find and to build trust with potential clients. If you already have one, great. Otherwise, go through these steps:

First, register a domain name that’s simple and memorable, such as clearbluepools.com.

Next, pick a reliable hosting that includes a website builder. For example, if you sign up with us, you can get a website builder as an add-on to cPanel Web Hosting plans.

Now, pick a template to design your site with drag-and-drop elements.

Ensure your site covers all the basics that clients look for:

1. Create a Home page that includes a quick overview of your services.
2. A Services page with clear package details.
3. An About page that shares your story, experience, and certifications.
4. Add a Service Areas page to show the areas or cities you cover.
5. A Contact page with a form, phone, email, and social links.
6. Include Reviews or Testimonials to build credibility and help visitors trust your work.

To make booking simple, add online options, such as a request form, scheduling plugin, or invoice request. Include before-and-after photos of pools you’ve cleaned and a short FAQ section to answer common questions upfront.

Finally, optimize your site for local SEO. Use service keywords with your city name, embed Google Maps, and add schema markup. These steps improve your chances of appearing online when local customers search for pool cleaning and provide a steady stream of leads.

TIP:

You may refer to the article, What SEO Features does Website Builder have? to see what SEO features you get with our Website Builder.

Additional Ways to Find Clients

• Tap into your personal network.
• Visit local neighborhoods.
• Partner with property managers, real estate agents, and landlords.
• Online community groups.
• Offer Early Client Incentives.

Step 10: Launch Your Local Marketing Engine

Once your business is set up, it’s time to start attracting customers. A good first step is creating a Google Business Profile. Add your services, service area, hours, and photos of your work. This helps your business show up when people search for pool cleaning in your area and builds trust when they see real pictures and reviews.

Your website should also be ready to support your marketing. Ensure it includes those key pages we discussed in the previous section. Remember, a well-structured site not only informs potential clients but also helps with search rankings.

For local SEO, focus on NAPconsistency, which means your name, address, and phone number are the same everywhere online. Add local citations by listing your business in directories and encourage happy customers to leave reviews. These small steps make a big difference in local search results.

Don’t overlook offline marketing. Simple tactics such as door hangers, yard signs (with permission), or reaching out to homeowners’ associations and property managers can attract steady leads. These methods work exceptionally well in areas with many pools.

Finally, encourage referrals and offer limited-time promotions. A first-month discount or a “refer a friend” program helps you build route density, which means more customers in the same area. This decreases travel time and increases profits, making your business more efficient from the start.

Step 11: Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Keep your pool cleaning business consistent and professional with clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These are step-by-step routines that guide how every job should be done, no matter who’s doing it. With SOPs in place, clients know they will get the same quality service every time.

Here’s how you can create SOPs for when you start a pool cleaning business:

• Start with a visit checklist. When you arrive, take photos of the pool to record its condition.
• Then, follow the same order each time: skim the surface, brush walls and steps, vacuum the floor, empty baskets, test and balance the water, and check the filter.
• Before leaving, take final photos and leave a door tag or send a digital report so clients see the results.
• To avoid mistakes with chemicals, prepare a dosing chart with your target ranges for chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
• Keep a chemical log for every pool you service and add an incident log in case of accidents or unusual conditions.
• Access is another detail that can save time. Write down steps for handling locked gates, pets in the yard, or other common issues. These small tips keep visits smooth and prevent surprises.

Finally, set an end-of-day routine for your van or truck. Restock supplies, secure chemicals, and reset tools so you’re ready for the next morning. This habit keeps you efficient and shows clients you run an organized business.

Step 12: Deliver Great Service and Keep Clients

Winning clients is only half the job. Keeping them happy is what ensures your pool cleaning business grows in the long term. Start by respecting time. Provide customers with a service window and stick to it. After each visit, leave clear notes about what was done and include before-and-after photos when possible. This builds trust and shows you are thorough.

A service guarantee is another way to stand out. If a client calls with a concern, respond quickly and handle call-backs with professionalism. Fixing an issue without hesitation shows you value their satisfaction and strengthens your reputation.

You can also use seasonal reminders to offer extra services. Suggest filter cleans, pool covers, or equipment upgrades before the busy season. These upsells not only boost revenue; they also help clients better maintain their pools.

Finally, have a clear path for handling complaints. Always acknowledge the issue, fix it promptly, and note what you’ll do to prevent it in the future. Clients don’t expect perfection, but they do expect honesty and effort, and that’s what will keep them returning.

Step 13: Hire, Train, and Scale

Once your pool cleaning business has a steady flow of clients, the next step is to grow beyond what you can handle alone. Your first hire could be a helper who works alongside you or a subcontractor who handles jobs alone. Either way, create a simple training plan and use a ride-along checklist.

Here’s a sample ride-along checklist:

Before Leaving the Shop/House

1. Check vehicle loadout: poles, nets, brushes, vacuums, test kits, chemicals, spare O-rings.
2. Confirm the day’s route and client notes.
3. Review safety gear (gloves, goggles, spill kit).

At Each Job Site

1. Greet the client if present and confirm any special requests.
2. Take arrival photos of the pool.
3. Skim surface debris and brush walls/steps.
4. Vacuum pool floor.
5. Empty skimmer and pump baskets.
6. Test water chemistry (chlorine, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, stabilizer).
7. Record results and adjust chemicals using the dosing chart.
8. Check the filter and equipment for issues.
9. Take final photos after service.
10. Leave a door tag or send a digital service report.

End of Day

1. Restock chemicals and parts.
2. Secure and clean equipment.
3. Log mileage and notes for tax/records.
4. Review any client feedback or call-backs.

This ensures new workers follow the same steps you do, so service remains consistent.

When you consider scaling your business, pay attention to route density. The closer your customers are to each other, the less time you spend driving and the more profitable each route becomes. Mapping out territories and keeping your vehicles well-maintained will make daily operations smoother.

As your business expands, consider opening supplier accounts to buy chemicals and parts in bulk. This lowers costs and helps you stay stocked during busy seasons. You can also grow your revenue by adding services such as equipment repairs, leak detection, tile restoration, or servicing larger commercial pools.

To measure your progress, track key performance indicators (KPIs). Important ones include average revenue per stop, gross margin per route, customer churn (the number of clients that leave), and your on-time rate. These numbers provide a clear view of where you’re doing well and where you need to improve.

Here’s an example KPI Tracking Sheet:

Date	Route/ Area	# of Stops	Revenue per Stop	Total Revenue	Gross Margin per Route	On-Time %	Client Churn (Lost Clients)	Notes/Issues
06/01/25	Suburb A	8	$65	$520	55%	100%	0	Smooth Day
06/02/25	Suburb B	10	$60	$600	52%	90%	1	Gate Access Issues
06/03/25	Suburb C	7	$70	$490	57%	95%	0	Added Filter Upsell

Here’s how to use this sheet:

• Number of Stops: Total pools cleaned that day.
• Revenue per Stop: Divide total revenue by the number of stops.
• Gross Margin per Route: Subtract chemical/fuel costs from revenue, then calculate the percentage.
• On-Time %: Percentage of jobs started within your promised window.
• Client Churn: Number of customers who canceled that week/month.
• Notes/Issues: Record problems (access, pets, equipment) or wins (upsells, referrals).

Tracking these numbers weekly helps you know which routes are most profitable, where efficiency is slipping, and how well you’re retaining clients.

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