To start a successful pool cleaning business, you've got to operate as a complete professional. That means in addition to pushing the pool vacuum, you're also going to have to push some paper. There are certain forms (six to be exact!) that every pool cleaner needs – and here they are…

1. Business Capital Guide: I know from personal experience that starting your own business requires a lot of time, hard work and patience – and it's also going to require some moolah. I was pulling my hair out trying to crunch all the numbers until I came across this little beauty. The Business Capital Guide is a simple form that helps you come up with a realistic estimate of the start-up capital you'll need to get your pool cleaning business off the ground.

2. Pool Maintenance Contract Agreement: Congratulations, you've landed yourself some clients! Now it's time to come to an agreement about fees, services and maintenance schedules. The number one rule of business agreements: put everything in writing! Ask my buddy Larry what can happen when you rely on a casual verbal agreement. You wind up in small claims court with a customer swearing up and down that you offered them a "free trial service." With a Pool Maintenance Contract Agreement you don't have to reinvent the wheel and write your own contract from scratch. The work is already done for you.

3. Product Liability Release: Any veteran pool cleaner can tell you that you'll come to trust certain products and chemicals. They can also tell you that the occasional customer will request that you use a certain product that you've never heard of or know little about. Have the client sign a Product Liability Release so that you're not liable for any damage this product may cause. That way they can't hold you financially responsible if Big Bubba's Bargain Chlorine eats through their pool liner like acid.

4. Pool Open and Close Checklist: Customers appreciate knowing exactly what services their pool cleaner performed. It boosts their confidence in you as an honest, ethical business owner. The Pool Open and Close Checklist lays out exactly what you had to do in order to open and close their pool. The area at the bottom for additional comments gives you a place to recommend additional services or note something not included on the list.

5. Form for Independent Contractors: Lots of pool cleaners want to stick solely to the cleaning. But it's smart and business savvy to offer additional services to your clients by way of an independent contractor. Even the best of repairmen are going to make an occasional mistake, though. Use this form to keep yourself legally separate from the independent contractor. That way, you can't be held liable for their mishaps.

6. Drug-Free Workplace Policy: When you find yourself in need of this form, give yourself a pat on the back! It means your pool cleaning business has grown so large that you need to hire employees. Every business needs a drug policy, but again, there's no need to reinvent the wheel. The Drug-Free Workplace Policy covers all your bases and makes your employees aware of your expectations.

There you have it – the six forms that I would be absolutely lost without. You're in the business of cleaning pools, not doing the legal beagle bit. Purchase these forms so you can focus your time and energy on your revenue-producing activities.