How to Start a Pool Cleaning Business in 9 Steps

Pool cleaning is a narrower, less crowded niche than home or commercial cleaning. If you want steady work without competing against hundreds of janitorial companies, it’s a great option to consider. Plus, there’s plenty of room for opportunity: There are currently fewer than 80,000 pool cleaning businesses in the U.S.
This guide walks you through each step of starting a pool cleaning business, from getting the right licensing to setting rates, finding clients, and growing your company. You’ll also learn how Housecall Pro’s pool service software can help you save time and manage jobs, customer communication, and admin tasks all in one place.

Pool cleaning business startup steps

Step 1: Get your pool cleaning license

Pool cleaning isn’t just skimming leaves; it involves handling chemicals, maintaining pumps and filtration systems, and keeping water safe for swimmers. Many states and local health departments require certification or licensing—especially if you work on public and commercial pools. Check your state and county rules before you start taking on clients so you know exactly what applies.

Common training paths include:

Training path	What’s included	Typical time required
Certification course	Training on water chemistry, safety, and equipment basics	14–16 hours over two days
Apprenticeship	Hands-on training with a licensed tech plus coursework	Roughly 6–12 months (around 2,000 hours)
Hybrid	A mix of coursework and supervised field experience	Varies by provider

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is a leading national organization for pool technician training. Its Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) credential is widely recognized in the industry and required in many areas for public pool operators. Finishing a PHTA-approved course shows customers and regulators that you understand water chemistry, safety procedures, and pool system operations.

After you complete training, some states and municipalities require an additional license or registration before you can service public or commercial pools. While each state handles pool cleaning licensing differently, the process typically looks something like this:

• Complete any required training or certification (like a CPO course).
• Register for the state licensing exam, if applicable.
• Sit for the exam with a passing score (70%–75%, depending on the state).
• Submit an application to your licensing board or health department along with any requested documents.
• Pay the licensing or registration fee to the board.

License renewal and continuing education (CE) requirements vary by state and by license type, so check the specific renewal and CE rules with your state licensing board, local health department, or PHTA to stay current.

Pro tip: When you’re choosing a training or CE program, look for providers approved by your state or local licensing authority and by PHTA so your hours count toward industry credentials and any legal requirements.

Step 2: Create a pool cleaning business plan

A business plan gives you direction and helps you avoid expensive mistakes when you start operations. It’s also needed if you’re getting startup funding from a bank or other lending institution.

Here are the steps to writing a strong pool cleaning company business plan. You can also download our small business plan template to get started quickly.

Research your market and competitors

Start by understanding who already serves your area and where you can stand out. Search your city on Google Maps, Yelp, and local business directories, then review the top pool cleaning companies. Look at:​

• The services they offer
• Neighborhoods or zip codes they cover
• Any published pricing or “starting at” ranges
• How quickly they say they respond
• What reviews mention about service quality

Once you know who your competitors are, read what customers are saying about them. Customer reviews often reveal unmet needs like slow response times, confusing pricing, and poor customer support. These frustrations are your opportunity—for example, if competitors take 48 hours to respond, you can highlight same‑ or next‑day communication to stand out.

Create a pool cleaning service list

Next, outline the pool cleaning services you’ll offer. A clear service list makes it easier to set rates, build your website, and explain what’s included in each visit. 

Common pool cleaning jobs to add to your service list include:

• Weekly or biweekly pool maintenance
• Skimming, vacuuming, and brushing
• Cleaning of walls and tiles
• Chemical testing and balancing
• Filter cleaning and replacements
• Pool chlorination and circulation checks
• Seasonal opening and closing services
• Basic equipment inspections

Build your list around your skills, local demand, and what’s missing in your market. You can start with basic cleaning services and add specialized services, like heater troubleshooting or pump installation, as you scale.

Set goals

Clear goals help you measure growth and make better decisions. Short‑term goals might include landing your first 10 recurring clients, breaking even within a year, or maintaining at least a 4.6‑star Google rating. Longer‑term goals could involve hiring your first technician, adding a second route, or expanding into commercial accounts.

Tie your business goals to:

• The services you’ll offer
• Your pricing strategy for profitability
• Your marketing strategy
• Your operations plan (cleaning routes, scheduling, tools, suppliers, etc.)
• Financial projections for the first 12–24 months

Pro tip: Housecall Pro’s Reporting tools can help you track service costs, client data, and recurring contracts so your projections stay grounded in real numbers.

Step 3: Secure business financing

Even a small pool cleaning startup needs money for supplies, licensing, insurance, and marketing. If your personal savings won’t cover the startup costs, here are some options:

• Government funding: Many states and localities offer grants, low-interest loans, or tax incentives for small businesses that create local jobs.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loans: SBA-backed loans often have competitive interest rates and longer repayment terms. Find them through SBA-approved lenders.
• Business line of credit: A revolving line of credit lets you borrow funds, repay, and borrow again within your set limit; helpful during seasonal slowdowns or financing unexpected repairs and other short-term investments.
• Business grants: Grants are typically given through government agencies, nonprofits, or private companies that support small businesses. They usually don’t have to be repaid, but they’re competitive and often targeted to specific groups or regions. 

Step 4: Register and license your pool cleaning business

Once your plan and funding strategy are in place, register your business so you can operate legally, open business accounts, and sign contracts under your company name. This step also helps separate business finances from your personal assets.

Choose a business structure

Your business structure affects your taxes, liability protection, and paperwork requirements. Common types of legal structures to choose from include:

• Sole proprietorship: A business owned and operated by one person; simple and inexpensive to set up, but there’s no legal separation between you and the business.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): Can be owned by one person or several people. Popular for service businesses because it gives you personal liability protection while keeping taxes relatively simple.
• Partnership: Designed for multiple owners who share profits, business responsibilities, and risks; straightforward to form, but all partners are equally responsible for debts and legal issues unless you choose a limited or protected structure.
• Corporation: Owned by shareholders. Provides strong liability protection but is more complex and formal than other legal structures; best for large operations planning to scale rapidly.

Most pool cleaning companies register as LLCs or sole proprietorships since they’re the easiest to form. Rules and fees vary by state, so talk to a lawyer or accountant if you’re unsure which legal structure fits your goals.

Learn more: How To Pay Yourself as a Business Owner

Apply for a business license

After choosing a legal structure, confirm the licenses you need. Most states and cities require at least a general business license to legally operate, but some have extra rules for companies working with pool chemicals or serving public or commercial pools.

There’s no universal process, but these are the typical steps you’ll follow:

1. Choose a business name and register it with the state.
2. Get a federal employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes.
3. Search your city or county licensing website and meet the requirements for getting a business license.
4. Complete the online or in-person application.
5. Provide your government-issued identification number, your business name, and your business address.
6. Submit proof of insurance if your state requires it or if you plan to hire employees.
7. Pay the required licensing fee to the licensing authority.

Pro tip: Keep digital copies of your licenses in your Housecall Pro so you can share them quickly with clients when asked.

Step 5: Get pool cleaning business insurance and bonding

Insurance protects your business when something goes wrong, like a customer slipping on a wet deck, a damaged pool surface, or an employee getting hurt on a job. Because of the combination of chemicals, electricity, and water you’ll work with, you shouldn’t operate without coverage.

The right policies also help you qualify for HOA, commercial, and property management work, since many contracts require proof of insurance and bonding. Common coverages include:

• General liability insurance: Helps cover accidental property damage or third‑party injuries that happen while you’re servicing a pool.
• Workers’ compensation: Required by the state once you hire employees; helps cover medical costs and lost wages if someone is injured on the job.
• Commercial auto insurance: Covers vehicles used for work and the equipment you transport, which usually isn’t covered under a personal auto policy.
• Tools and equipment coverage: Can help replace pumps, vacuums, and other gear if they’re stolen or damaged.
• Bonding (surety bond): Some HOAs, commercial facilities, and government clients require janitorial or service bonds to protect against theft or dishonest acts. Certain states require a surety bond of at least $10,000 to operate.

When you shop for coverage, get quotes from at least three providers and compare limits, exclusions, and deductibles—not just the monthly premium—to find the best offer.

Step 6: Buy pool cleaning tools and equipment

Your tools and equipment directly affect how efficiently you can work and the quality of your results. You don’t need to buy all the equipment at once, but you do need a setup that covers daily maintenance, troubleshooting, and seasonal services. 

At a minimum, plan to have these pool cleaning essentials as a new business owner:

• Hand tools and supplies: Expect to spend $300–$600 for a leaf skimmer, deep net, telescopic pole, pool brush, manual vacuum, test kit or digital water tester, thermometer, and basic repair tools.*
• Power tools: Add $600–$2,000 for a pump, filter cleaner, power washer, and portable vacuum for more complex jobs, plus any specialty equipment for your niche.
• Chemicals: Chlorine, pH adjusters, algaecides, and other water treatment products appropriate for your service area and pool types.
• Safety gear: Set aside $50–$200 for chemical‑resistant gloves and eye protection, test strips, non-slip shoes, a first aid kit, and proper storage for chemicals and other hazardous materials.​
• Vehicle: A reliable work truck or van with space for chemicals, tools, and equipment, organized to keep chemicals secure and separated.

Buying durable products from trusted suppliers and choosing refurbished equipment when possible can help you cut costs. Just make sure to avoid used test kits or worn hoses; these can give inaccurate readings and introduce contamination.

*Price ranges are based on a review of widely available retail listings for common pool-service tools and materials. Actual costs may vary depending on brand, quality, and where you buy your equipment.

Step 7: Price your pool cleaning services

You want to set rates that cover your labor and overhead expenses while still staying competitive in your local market. Here’s how to price your pool cleaning services and stay profitable.

Choose a pricing model

Start by choosing a pricing method that best matches the type of work you do most often:

• Flat monthly or weekly rates for routine and recurring pool maintenance services. Customers like to know your rates upfront, plus predictable pricing helps you create consistent cash flow.
• Hourly pricing for one‑time cleanups, green‑to‑clean jobs, or seasonal openings and closings. A good fit for unpredictable or complex work.
• Project‑based pricing for repairs, equipment installs, or major clean‑ups.

You can also use a hybrid fee structure depending on the job. For example, you may charge a flat rate for maintenance and also set hourly rates for more labor-intensive tasks.

Set your rates

Many new business owners make the mistake of underpricing their services. Brian Davis, CEO of Handy Rubbish, sees this happen all the time. “New owners usually want to be the cheapest, and that doesn’t leave any margin at all. Price for value, not volume,” he says.

To price your services right and keep estimates consistent, use this basic framework:

• Calculate your base costs: Add up how much you spend on chemicals, labor (including travel time), and overhead (fuel, insurance, etc.). This gives you the minimum you must charge to avoid losing money.
• Add your profit margin: Aim for roughly a 12%–25% net profit margin, depending on the service and your market. Higher margins are typical for one-off cleanings or algae treatments.
• Adjust based on service type: In many markets, weekly maintenance might land in the ballpark of $80–$150 per visit (or equivalent monthly packages), while deep cleans or green‑to‑clean jobs often range from about $250–$600+ dollars, depending on pool size and condition.

Check competitor ranges in your area so you stay in the right ballpark without undercutting yourself. Revisit your prices regularly as chemical costs, fuel, and demand change; with route‑based work, small adjustments can make a big difference in your yearly profit.​

Pro tip: Housecall Pro’s Job Costing tools can help you calculate rates accurately, ensuring your prices reflect your overhead, time, and desired profit.

Step 8: Market your pool cleaning business

Marketing keeps your route full and helps you replace the occasional lost account without scrambling. You don’t need a complex plan, just focus on a few channels you’ll use consistently to stay visible with pool owners, HOAs, and property managers.

Typically, marketing your pool cleaning business involves three key steps. Get more in-depth tips in our guide to marketing your cleaning business.

Design your brand

Build a recognizable and memorable brand that signals professionalism and pool cleaning expertise. Start with a unique business name that fits your niche, then check that the matching domain and social media handles are available.

Next, choose a logo design, color, and fonts, and use them across your website, vehicle, uniforms, and print materials. This consistent branding builds trust and helps customers recognize you.

More resources:

• 750+ Cleaning Company Names (and How to Pick One)
• 70+ Cleaning Company Slogans (and How to Write the Perfect One)

Build an online presence

Many customers look for business online, so it’s important that you show up when they search. First, create a straightforward website that lists your services, service area, and basic pricing. Make sure you have clear “call” or “book now” options on your highest-traffic pages, like the homepage and service pages, so visitors can easily contact you for a job.

Apart from your website, build online visibility by:

• Setting up and completing your Google Business Profile with your company description, work hours, business address, contact details, and photos of finished pool cleaning jobs.
• Staying active on social media platforms (likely Facebook, X, and Instagram). Post about your business, share before-and-after photos, and give out weekly pool maintenance tips.
• Asking happy clients for reviews and showcasing those testimonials on your website and social media pages to build trust.
• Publishing blog posts that answer common questions pool owners search for online.
• Running paid ads on Google and social media apps. Target pool owners by their online behavior, age, location, and the keywords they use.

Pro tip: Use Housecall Pro’s website builder to create a professional site that’s optimized for bookings and local search. Just enter your business details and we’ll handle the rest—it’s that easy.

Use offline marketing strategies

Local outreach still works well in the pool cleaning niche. Focus on simple, repeatable strategies. Here’s some inspiration:

• Print and distribute door hangers, postcards, or flyers in neighborhoods with lots of pools.
• Introduce yourself at local pool stores, community events, and real estate or property management offices.
• Create a referral program to reward existing clients with a discount or add‑on service when they send you a successful new account.

Learn more: Proven Direct Mail Marketing Strategies to Book More Jobs

Step 9: Grow your pool cleaning business

Growth is a series of small, intentional steps—it’s not just saying yes to every job. Once your core cleaning routes and monthly expenses feel consistent, look for ways to increase your revenue and strengthen your base. 

Offer new services

One of the simplest ways to grow is by offering complementary add-on services like filter cleaning, green-to-clean treatments, seasonal openings and closings, or equipment troubleshooting. Adding even one of these services can raise your average ticket size to make each account more profitable without relying only on weekly cleanings.

Hire pool cleaning technicians

You’ll know it’s time to bring on more help when you’re consistently turning down work, working late, or struggling to manage field work and admin. Hiring a technician or contractor lets you expand your service areas, shorten wait times, and free up time for business development.

Follow these tips when you start recruiting:

• Look for people with verifiable pool care knowledge and be ready to train to your standards. 
• Always check references and confirm any certifications or licenses.
• Document the onboarding process so new hires learn your cleaning steps, safety expectations, and communication style the same way every time. 
• Provide training on pool chemical safety, equipment handling, and customer communication.

How Housecall Pro’s pool service business software can help

As your pool cleaning business grows, keeping track of routes, chemicals, estimates, and invoices on paper or spreadsheets gets hard fast. Housecall Pro’s pool service software keeps scheduling, customer info, and payments in one place so you can focus on service instead of admin.

Key features include:

• Scheduling and client management: Book appointments, build efficient cleaning routes, send automated reminders, and manage pool maintenance clients from your phone.
• Pricing and invoicing tools: Use service price calculators and templates to set profitable pool cleaning rates and send branded invoices in a few clicks.
• Marketing and reviews: Automate follow-ups, request reviews, and track referrals so happy customers help you win more work.
• Operational efficiency: Complete digital forms, track job details, and sync with payroll for employees.
• Growth support: Manage techs, vehicles, and multiple service areas as you expand your business.

Try it yourself with a 14‑day free trial to see how the right tools can simplify your launch and set your new pool service business up for growth.

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