startup guide for a pool cleaning business
Startup Guide for a Pool Cleaning Business
A pool cleaning business can turn out to be one of the most lucrative seasonal or full-time businesses. This Buzzle article will provide you with a startup guide for a pool cleaning business.
Tips to Open a Pool Cleaning Business
Setting up a pool cleaning business is not an easy task by any means. Like every other entrepreneurial venture, it requires time, effort, and planning. It certainly may not be one of the preferred business options, yet, if planned efficiently, it can turn out to be a stable venture.
Contrary to the general assumption, this business involves a lot more than cleaning the pool and enriching it with chemicals. In the paragraphs given below, you will learn how to start a pool cleaning business.
- Obtain insurance
- Undergo proper training
- Advertise cleverly
Steps to Start a Pool Cleaning Business
A Business Plan
- This is the first step for any business―a proper business plan that outlines all the important points and serves as the base for the rest of the steps to follow.
- To begin with, contemplate on the capital required.
- For this, you will need to calculate the cost of your training, equipment, license, location, etc. Gather the approximate costs and figure out an estimate.
- Next, conduct some background research regarding the pros and cons of a pool cleaning business. Contact the owners of established pool cleaning agencies.
- Outline a rough marketing plan. It would be wise to start small, so, plan your advertising strategies accordingly.
- Research all about the local pools, the seasons when they are open/shut, chemicals required, etc.
- Choose a good business name and logo―this is what will attract potential clients.
- Once you have a plan in place, it's time to focus on each of the factors individually.
Finance
- While setting the business plan, you will have a rough estimate of the finance. Now, you have to proceed one step further and actually calculate the necessary costs.
- You will require capital for the location, advertising, training program, legalities, insurance, equipment, pool service software, etc.
- Invest on getting trained, to begin with. This is a rather important step, since it will be easier for people to trust your service if you are aware of the technical know-how of your business. Find out how much time and resources are required for your training program.
- Next, find the exact amount that you will need for the license and other formalities.
- Obtaining an insurance for a pool cleaning business is very important.
- Getting an insurance cover is necessary to safeguard against any mishaps and service-related issues. Calculate the initial amount and the premium as well.
- As pool cleaning requires appropriate equipment, chemicals, etc., it is imperative that you consider this expense and do not comprise on the quality in order to save some bucks.
- If you plan to hire someone to assist you in your business, Make sure you factor in his/her paycheck too.
- Lastly, you will require money to market your venture. Decide on what strategies you will be using.
- You can consider advertising through flyers and pamphlets; however, online advertising would be more effective.
- You will also need to purchase retail pool services software. Accordingly, calculate the amount required.
Training
- You will need undergo training to understand how this business works, and what it involves.
- Join a pool association to understand how this industry functions.
- Undertake a CPO (Certified Pool Operator) course. You could contact the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) for the same.
- Once you get your certification, understand the functions of the pool technicians - engineers, plumbers, chemists, and even contractors.
Legal Requirements
- You will need a state license to operate your business. The requirements will vary with the state.
- For this, you will need to contact the county clerk's office.
- You will need to fill a form, get it notarized, and submit it back to the clerk's office.
- You will require permits for sanitation and fire safety.
- You will require a contractor's license, business license, sign permit, and occupancy permit.
- You will also need a vendor permit, building permit, and police permit.
- You will need to adhere to all the listed health and safety regulations, sign regulations, as well as zoning regulations.
Essential Equipment and Staff
- Your staff needs to be well-experienced; if not, at least make sure they are not amateurs.
- You will require plumbers,a maintenance crew, and primary pool cleaners. All the staff must be licensed.
- Your equipment will include pumps, draining filters, pool cleaners, DE filters, sand filters, chlorine, acid, stabilizers, water leveler, pool skimmer, water testing kit, nets, hoses, poles, pH-test kits, etc.
Advertising
- As mentioned earlier, advertising through the internet is the best resort.
- Create a webpage or even a website, advertise yourself on social networking sites, and distribute pamphlets and brochures all over the neighborhood.
- You can visit hotels, resorts, local pools, etc., and market your business. Perhaps, you can think of offering a discount, for starters.
- Once you establish a loyal clientèle, you can revise the prices.
Some Points to Consider
- Understand that you will start as a small, local company, do not expect immediate profits and clients.
- You need to study your target audience and market competition very carefully.
- Be very careful while hiring pool service technicians. Run a background check.
- Technically, your clients will pay you a standard, fixed amount. Unless you are specifically using an important chemical, do not charge more.
- Maintaining cost control inventory is rather important. Purchase an invoice book and maintain a price sheet.
- Your pool service software need not be very expensive, a simple bookkeeping or accounting software will do as well.