My plan

How to Start a Pool Cleaning Business

Pool service is a route business: weekly visits to the same pools create predictable recurring revenue, especially in warm states. The cleaning itself is simple to learn; chemical safety, reliable routes and knowing when a repair needs a licensed contractor are what matter.

Reviewed November 5, 2026 · Sources linked inline

Startup costs

We haven't found a reliable published cost range for this business, so we don't show one. Costs vary widely by market, equipment and whether you buy new or used. Plug your own quotes into the worksheet:

Open a pool cleaning cost worksheet →

SBA 7(a) loans in this industry

Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings (NAICS 561790): 861 loans approved in FY2024–FY2026. Median loan $150,000; middle half $50,000–$350,000.

Loan size is not startup cost — these loans also fund acquisitions, real estate and working capital. Full breakdown and caveats →

How much competition is there?

Census industry: Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings (NAICS 561790)

Nationwide: 18,069 employer establishments (2023) and 146,860 businesses without employees (2024).

See counts for your county → Counts aren't a measure of saturation — see the caveats on the tool page.

Equipment and supplies

  • Telescoping poles, brushes, leaf rakes and vacuum heads
  • Reliable water test kit or meter
  • Chemicals stored and transported safely
  • Gloves and eye protection
  • Vehicle with secure, ventilated chemical storage
  • Route and billing app

Licenses and registration

  • If you form an LLC or corporation, register it with your state; if you use a business name other than your own, file a trade name (DBA) where your state requires it (in some states that's the county).
  • Cleaning and chemical service usually doesn't need a contractor license, but equipment repair or replacement may — check your state contractor board before taking repair work.
  • Some states regulate pesticide or chemical application or require training for public pool operators; ask your state agency if you service commercial pools.
  • Check whether your state taxes pool services.
  • Get a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you will hire employees or form an LLC or corporation. Beware of sites that charge for this. [source]
  • Register an LLC or corporation with your state's business registration office (sole proprietors usually register a trade name/DBA instead). [source]

Insurance to consider

  • General liability
  • Commercial auto
  • Pollution or chemical coverage
  • Workers' compensation once you hire

Get quotes from several carriers or an independent agent; coverage needs depend on your contracts, state and staff.

Financing options

  • SBA 7(a) loans — the SBA's main guaranteed loan program, made through participating lenders. [source]
  • SBA Microloans — smaller loans delivered through nonprofit intermediary lenders. [source]
  • SBA Lender Match — a free tool that connects you with interested SBA lenders. [source]
  • Free counseling from your local SBDC or SCORE chapter can help you build the business plan lenders ask for. [source]

Estimate payments with the loan calculator, then check runway with the cash flow projection.

Ongoing operating expenses

  • Chemicals
  • Fuel
  • Equipment replacement
  • Insurance
  • Route software
  • Marketing

Use the break-even calculator to see how many jobs or sales cover them.

Common mistakes

  • Pricing without counting chemical costs
  • Scattered routes with long drives
  • Mixing chemicals unsafely
  • Doing repairs that need a licensed contractor
  • No written service agreement

Finding customers

  • Door hangers in pool-heavy neighborhoods
  • Realtors and property managers
  • Buying an existing route
  • Google Business Profile with reviews

Startup checklist

Ticks are saved on this device and appear on My plan.

Compare with other businesses

Sources