How to Start a Pool Cleaning Business in 10 No-BS Steps

Thinking about turning your knack for pool maintenance into a money-maker? You’re not alone. The number of swimming pool cleaning services in the U.S. has grown by an average of 3.6% every year between 2018 and 2023. Even though most pool owners have fancy vacuums and other gadgets, about 41% of them still aren’t happy with how clean their pools actually get. And with demand rising fast—especially in sunny spots where pools are more common—there’s never been a better time to jump in. 

If you’re wondering how to start a pool cleaning business from scratch (no experience, no problem), this no-fluff guide is for you. We’ll walk you through 10 simple steps to help you turn cannonballs and chlorine into a steady stream of income.

Here’s How to Start Your Pool Cleaning Business

You don’t need a chemistry degree or a lifelong love of chlorine to start a pool cleaning business—just a solid plan and a willingness to get your hands wet (literally). Whether you’re aiming to serve backyards, hotel courtyards, or both, starting a pool cleaning business is easier than you might think.

From getting licensed to finding your first clients, the steps below break everything down into bite-sized, doable tasks. Ready to scrub up and cash in? Let’s get this thing floating in the right direction.

1. Familiarize Yourself with Pool Maintenance Services

Before you start skimming leaves for cash, it’s a good idea to know what you’re doing. Get a handle on the basics by taking an online course like the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance’s Certified Pool & Spa Operator program. You’ll learn the science behind clean water, how chemicals work together (and sometimes against each other), and what it really takes to keep a pool safe. 

If you can, spend time shadowing an experienced pool pro or grab a part-time gig in the field. You’ll pick up practical skills, get familiar with equipment, and learn how to spot problems before they turn into complaints. Knowing what customers expect—and how to keep them happy—can go a long way when you’re building your business.

2. Draft a Pool Cleaning Business Plan

You don’t need a 200-page business plan to start (or ever)—but you do need something on paper that outlines what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and how you plan to make money from it. A pool cleaning business plan keeps you focused, helps you set realistic goals, and makes it easier to get financing if needed.

Here’s what to include:

• Cover page: Includes your business name, contact info, and the date of the plan.
• Executive summary: A short summary of your business goals and what the plan covers.
• Business overview: Describes what your pool cleaning business does and how it operates.
• Market analysis: Explains who your competitors are and what the demand looks like in your area.
• Services offered: Lists the specific pool cleaning and maintenance services you’ll provide.
• Target market: Defines the types of customers you want to work with (residential, commercial, etc.).
• Sales strategy: Describes how you plan to sell your services and attract clients.
• Funding needs: Outlines how much money you’ll need to start and where you’ll get it.
• Financial plan: Breaks down expected income, expenses, and how you’ll stay profitable.
• Marketing plan: Covers how you’ll promote your business and bring in new customers.

Think about who you want to serve. Residential clients looking for weekly service? Apartment complexes and hotels with bigger systems? Maybe both? Also, decide what makes your business stand out. Are you offering eco-friendly pool care? Specializing in luxury pools? Promoting a chemical-free approach? Whatever your angle, make it part of your plan. That’s your unique splash in the pool service space.

How Much Would It Cost to Start a Pool Cleaning Business?

So, you just read that you need to determine your funding needs and come up with a financial plan. This begs the question: What is a pool cleaning business start-up cost? And the truth is that it depends on the market you decide to serve and the depth of the services you plan to offer. 

Common pool cleaning business startup costs include:

• Service vehicle or trailer
• Cleaning equipment and chemicals
• Branded uniforms
• Insurance and licenses
• Marketing costs (website, flyers, online ads)

If you’re going solo with residential clients and a basic setup, you can start on the lower end. Want to go big with commercial accounts and advanced tools? You’ll be closer to the higher end. In our experience and based on our research, total startup costs range from $5,000 to $20,000. Either way, you’re building a business with cannonball potential.

3. Choose a Legal Business Structure

While you can certainly go ahead and offer to clean pools for people for cash under the table, we don’t recommend it. Following the process to set up a legal business structure is always the best course of action. But it does mean you’re going to have to make some big decisions, and fast.

One of the first things you’ll need to do is choose your business structure. Most new pool pros decide between:

• Sole Proprietor: Simple, but you’re personally on the hook if something goes wrong.
  
• LLC (Limited Liability Company): Popular for a reason—offers liability protection and flexible tax options.
  
• Corporation: Best for larger businesses or those planning to scale quickly.

Most solo operators go with an LLC to keep things simple and safe. But before you put pen to paperwork, talk to an accountant or legal expert. Getting it right from day one can save you big headaches later.

4. Register Your New Pool Cleaning Business

Next on the list is to give your business a name. And your business name is your first impression—so make it count. Pick something catchy, easy to remember, and clear about what you do. Think beyond just slapping your name in front of the word “pools.” You want something that sticks in people’s heads (and looks good on a T-shirt or truck decal).

Once you’ve got a name you love, check your state’s Secretary of State website to make sure it’s not already taken. If you’re planning to use a name that’s different from your personal name or your LLC, you’ll need to file a DBA (Doing Business As).

Then, register your business officially with the state. This step makes your pool cleaning business legit in the eyes of the law—and your future customers. It’s one more step toward looking like the real deal and not just some guy with a net and a dream.

Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Part of getting your business set up involves getting an EIN. Think of this like your Social Security number, but for your business. It’s how the IRS keeps track of your taxes, and you’ll need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, or apply for licenses. Getting one is free and easy—you can apply online through the IRS website. Even if you’re a solo operation, having an EIN helps separate your personal and business finances.

Apply for a Business License

Registering your business and getting a business license are two different things. Registering your business makes it official in the eyes of the state. Getting a license, on the other hand, means you’re legally allowed to operate in your city or county. To find out what you need, check with your local city hall, county clerk’s office, or chamber of commerce. If you’re working from home, you might also need a home occupation permit.

Not every state regulates pool cleaning, but some definitely do—especially if you’re:

• Handling hazardous pool chemicals
• Doing equipment repairs or installations
• Working with commercial pools

States like Florida and California have stricter licensing and certification requirements, so be sure to check local laws before you dive in.

Want to go the extra mile? Look into these helpful organizations:

• PHTA (Pool & Hot Tub Alliance): The PHTA, as we mentioned earlier, offers training, certifications, and sets industry standards.
  
• CPO® Program (formerly NSPF): This is a popular certification for professional pool operators.

5. Get Business Insurance 

As a pool cleaning contractor, your work will be done on someone else’s property. That means that insurance is one of those non-optional things that you’ll need before you visit your first client site. Accidents happen—even if you’re careful. Someone could slip near a freshly cleaned pool, or a pump could break while you’re working. To protect yourself, your business, and your customers, you’ll want at least:

• General Liability Insurance: Covers property damage and injuries.
• Tools & Equipment Coverage: Replaces stolen or damaged gear.
• Commercial Auto Insurance: If you’re using your vehicle for work.
• Workers’ Comp: Required if you hire employees or subcontractors.

Having the right insurance isn’t just smart—it helps you look professional and responsible to potential clients.

6. Open a Business Bank Account

You know that line that some people use about never mixing business with pleasure? Well, that absolutely applies to your business finances. Keep them separate. No mixing and mingling here. Opening a business bank account is one of the first things you should do once your business is legal. It keeps your income and expenses organized and makes things way easier when tax time rolls around.

You may also want to:

• Apply for a business credit card for purchases and recurring expenses
• Set up accounting software like QuickBooks to track income, expenses, and invoices
• Register for state and local taxes—especially sales tax if you’re selling supplies or equipment

And when things start getting busy (or confusing), consider hiring a bookkeeper or accountant. They’ll help keep things tidy, catch any red flags, and make sure you don’t end up pulling your hair out in April.

7. Set Your Pool Cleaning Rates

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 20% of new businesses shut down within the first two years. That number jumps to 45% within five years and a not-so-pretty 65% by year ten. One of the biggest reasons? Cash flow. So, when you’re setting your pool cleaning rates, don’t just guess—make those numbers count.

Start by figuring out your operating costs, what you want to earn, and what competitors in your area are charging. Then choose a pricing strategy that fits your services:

• Flat Rate: Set a fixed price, like $100 for a one-time clean or $150 for a filter change. Simple and easy for clients to understand.
  
• Hourly Rate: Charge per hour (e.g., $75/hour) for trickier jobs like diagnosing green water or repairing a pump.
  
• Labor + Materials: Combine your hourly rate with part costs—great for repairs and installations.

Pro Tip: Offer discounted service packages (like weekly cleanings + monthly filter checks for $300/month) to build loyal, long-term customers.

8. Purchase Pool Cleaning Equipment to Run Efficiently

Back when we talked about startup costs, we mentioned that launching a pool cleaning business can run you anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000. A big chunk of that? Equipment. And trust us—you don’t want to cut corners here. High-quality tools aren’t just nice to have—they make your job faster, easier, and more reliable, which keeps customers coming back.

Start with the essentials:

• A reliable pool vacuum
• Water testing kits
• Water treatment chemicals
• Poles and skimmers
• Nets and brushes

A service vehicle or trailer with built-in storage racks will help keep everything organized, prevent damage, and let you look professional when pulling up to a job.

And while you’re getting your physical tools in place, don’t forget your digital toolkit. Pool business management software like Housecall Pro helps you handle scheduling, customer communication, invoicing, and more—all in one place. The right equipment, both in your hands and on your phone, can make a big difference in how efficiently (and profitably) you run your business.

Build Relationships with Suppliers

Running a pool cleaning business means you’ll need a steady supply of chemicals, test kits, skimmers, vacuums, and other gear. Building strong relationships with local or online suppliers can help you stay stocked and ready for any job. Look for wholesale distributors—they often offer better pricing when you buy in bulk, which helps protect your bottom line. Don’t be afraid to shop around, ask about discounts, or even negotiate terms once you’re a regular customer. Having a reliable supplier (or two) in your corner means fewer delays, better pricing, and peace of mind when pool season is in full swing.

9. Get Your First Clients for Free & Build Your Routes

Getting your first few clients doesn’t have to cost a fortune—in fact, you can do it for free with some smart, local hustle. First, claim and fully optimize your Google Business Profile. This makes you searchable and gives potential clients a place to see your hours, contact info, photos, and reviews. A complete profile builds trust fast.

Then head to social media. Post on Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace, and in neighborhood groups. These are goldmines for finding nearby pool owners who’d love help but don’t know who to call. Keep it casual and friendly—people are way more likely to hire someone who feels local and approachable.

Offer promos to get people in the door. Try a “first clean free” deal or free water test within a specific zip code. It’s a small investment to get people talking, leaving reviews, and booking regular service.

Stick to a tight service area when starting out. Driving across town for a single job will burn gas and time—both of which eat into your profit. Once you’ve got a few clients, build your route by neighborhood. Try to group cleanings together and schedule smart. The less time you spend behind the wheel, the more pools you can clean—and the more money you can make.

10. Set Up Pool Service Business Software to Manage it All

If you follow the steps we’ve laid out, your pool cleaning business won’t just float—it’ll grow. And growth is great… until you realize that more jobs, more clients, and more equipment mean you’ll need to be way more organized. That’s where business software like Housecall Pro comes in clutch. It’s like having an office manager in your pocket—without having to add someone to payroll.

Here’s how Housecall Pro helps you level up:

• Recurring Job Scheduling: Automate your weekly or bi-weekly cleanings so you’re not constantly rebooking the same clients. Set it and forget it.
  
• Live GPS Tracking: Keep tabs on where your techs are (or where you are), plan routes better, and reduce wasted time.
  
• Custom Estimates & Invoicing: Send quotes, accept digital signatures, and get paid fast. No more paper trails or chasing down checks.
  
• Voice Solutions & Call Handling – Never miss a call with features like voicemail, call routing, and integrations that help you respond faster and sound more professional.
  
• Build Loyalty & Get 5-Star Reviews: Use text and email reminders to stay in touch with customers and nudge them to leave glowing reviews.
  
• Grow Like a Real Business Owner: Track job history, profit margins, and repeat clients so you can make smart decisions based on actual data.
  
• Mobile App: Run your entire operation from your phone or tablet, whether you’re poolside or picking up supplies.

With the right software, your pool cleaning business doesn’t just stay afloat—it’s ready to swim laps around the competition.

Next Steps in Starting Your Own Pool Service Business

Starting your own pool cleaning business doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right plan, a bit of elbow grease, and the tools we’ve covered in this guide, you can go from zero to swimming in steady clients. Now that you know how to start a pool cleaning business, it’s time to take action. Keep your service area tight, stay consistent, and deliver reliable work—and those early customers will spread the word.

As your schedule fills up, things can get chaotic fast. That’s where Housecall Pro comes in. With features like pool service software, online booking, and dispatching software, you can stay organized, impress customers, and run your business like a pro—even while you’re out in the field. Ready to scale your business and take things to the next level? Start your journey with Housecall Pro’s pool and spa business software and keep your calendar (and your pockets) full.

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