One way to grow your pool cleaning business is to recommend and sell various products to your customers. Over the course of my career, I've encountered tons of pool cleaning products and supplies. I thought I would pass on some of this first-hand knowledge to my fellow pool techs in the form of product reviews. Hopefully this will help get you started with expanding your business to include product sales.
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I decided to start with the Baracuda G4. The Baracuda G4 is manufactured by Zodiac, a trusted name in the pool cleaning supply industry. It's an automatic pool cleaner that falls into the "suction" category, meaning it operates off of your pool's existing suction. Should you recommend it to customers? As far as ease-of-use is concerned, the Baracuda G4 will be a big hit with the average pool owner. I go into any product recommendation assuming that my client has pretty much no knowledge of or experience with pool cleaning. About 99% of the time that's true.
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One major benefit for pool cleaning newbies is that the G4 requires virtually no assembly. The whole thing has only one moving part – the "Long-Life Diaphragm." You can have it up and running in just a couple of minutes. You don't need any tools, and there's no special type of plumbing to install.
Your clients will also like that the G4 is unobtrusive. Because there's no gears or wheels, it's a quiet cleaner. You can leave it in the pool all the time except when you're swimming.
Other pros of the Baracuda G4:
- Less expensive than a robotic cleaner
- 2-year limited warranty
- Easy pool surface skimming with its Flowkeeper
- Automatically regulates water flow with its self-adjusting flow control valve
- Works for all types of debris: dirt, bugs, sand, sediment, pebbles, leaves and twigs
Problems with the Baracuda G4
The problems aren't so much unique to the G4 as they are common to all suction cleaners. In order to operate properly, the G4 requires a clean filter. Unfortunately, as with all suction cleaners, the debris sucked up by the G4 winds up in your filter. The upshot is that using the Baracuda G4 requires you to be more vigilant about keeping your filter clean. This can be a big annoyance if you have a nearby tree that's constantly dropping leaves in your pool.
Automatic pool cleaners have to navigate around ladders, steps, drains, lights and corners. So, pretty much any automatic pool cleaner is going to get stuck from time to time. The G4 features improved technology called a "Wheel Detector" to avoid this problem, but it can never be eliminated all together.
Also, there's always the possibility that the hose will become tangled or bent. Hoses, much like elephants, have a good memory. That is, once a hose is bent in a certain area, it will continue to bend in that area.
The verdict?
Overall, the Baracuda G4 gets the job done – and at a much more advanced level than most suction cleaners. Zodiac has really upped the ante with the technology the G4 features. It's simple to use, quiet and doesn't really have any parts to break. You do want to explain to your clients that all suction cleaners have a few cons, so they can decide if they would rather go robotic.
We work for ourselves, not Zodiac, so we have the luxury of presenting a balanced view. My rule of thumb? If you wouldn't recommend the product to your closest friend, don't recommend it to a client!
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During these busy months a lot of pool cleaning service owners are finding it hard to keep up with their clients. This is when they decide to "suck it up" and work on Sundays
I'm not going to lie to you, I have thought about doing it - Heck I have done it before! But I will tell you, as will others, working on the Sabbath does nothing to boost the success of your business.
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Barring all religious reasons not to work on the Sabbath, there are tons of reasons why it's smart to keep this day "Holy".
I know what you're thinking - "There's no way to take Sundays off and still get my route finished"! I whole-heartedly disagree. Taking a day off for yourself and family is essential to keep your mind and physical well-being in tact. Many business owners fail, not only in business, but in the area of family by not taking care of what matters most - themselves!
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Besides, when you decide to service residential pools on a Sunday, you tend to take away the time your clients have to spend with their own family. I'll tell you, if my lawn man, or housekeeper came to my house and interrupted my family time on Sunday, I'd find new employees.
As pool service owner, you're going to have to learn to get up extra early and stay out extra late during the week so you can observe the Sabbath and take care of yourself, family, and customers.
Yes, the sun is still shining and swimming season is in full swing. But…the cold fall and winter months will sneak up on you, so now is the right time to start making arrangements for winterizing your pool
That’s the speech you should start giving your clients. As the end of summer rolls closer into view, pool cleaners should begin talking to their clients about the importance of winterizing their pools. Next time you arrive for a scheduled pool cleaning, take a few moments to discuss the winterization process with your clients.
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Encourage your clients to make an appointment now. Let them know that your schedule fills up fast as people begin to close their pools down for the winter. They should lock in their appointment early because if they wait too long, inclement weather could damage their pool.
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Winterizing a pool requires more than just a thorough cleaning. Certain supplies and accessories are an absolute necessity. Rather than shipping your clients off to the pool supply store with a shopping list, you can sell them the products yourself.
The number one most important accessory is, of course, a sturdy pool cover. The average person isn't going to know a lot about pool covers and which kinds serve what purpose. It's your job as a pool cleaner to educate yourself on the top products on the market.
Your clients will be looking to you for advice and recommendations. Know your stuff, and you can develop a new stream of income. Your clients will appreciate it, too. Most of them have no desire to go pool cover shopping themselves.
Closing a pool down for the winter also requires a winter pool chemical kit. Depending on the pool, you might also need an air pillow to prevent freezing water from damaging the sides of the pool. These are all supplies you can sell directly to the customers, which is a big convenience for them.
Another reason for you to start thinking about your fall and winter appointments is the possibility of picking up the supplies and accessories wholesale. You still have plenty of time to network with pool supply sellers to get bulk or wholesale discounts. The better deal you get on the supplies, the better the profits when you sell them to your clients. You can always pass on some of the savings to your customers as well. They'll love you even more if you're getting them a good deal!
But what if your clients aren't quite ready to put up their swimming trunks and bikinis? You can help them out there, too. Talk to your clients about solar pool covers that keep the water warm and lengthen the swimming season. Another possibility is a water heater. An added bonus for you is that you get to make some extra money by installing the heater.
Quick tip: You can even offer to "tidy up" for your clients as part of the winterizing package. Make it an optional upgrade. Things like ladders, pool toys and skimmer baskets need to be removed and stored in a safe place. You can charge a fee for this added service, and the customer is happy because they'll have zero work to do.
We are currently in the month that I refer to (In the Pool Cleaning Service Business) as "the Banks of July". It's that time when all is well, the cash is flowing, and you seem unstoppable. You are also making frequent deposits in the Bank, thus - "The Banks of July"
Something that you have to remember about this month is that it's over today. Today is the last month that you can sit back on your haunches and pluck money from your tree. The demand for clean pools is starting to take a back seat to "Back-to School".
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Now is the time when Pool Business Owners will be separated from "Pool Boys". You need to get busy and start becoming a family to your clients. Sure, they've seen how good of a job that you have been doing on their pool and spa - but what extraordinary thing have you done for them lately? As far as their concerned you're nothing but an overgrown ape that vacuums their pool and sprinkles a little chlorine in for good measure!
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I know many of you are shaking your head and thinking that your situation is different. You probably think that your clients know the hard work and dedication that you put into their swimming pools. Guess again!
I'll give you an example: Yesterday I went to get my oil changed in my truck. Nothing fancy - heck I could've probably done it myself. However, I like many of your pool customers enjoy not having to deal with it.
While I was sitting around waiting for the work to be finished I noticed that I had never been to this oil changing station before. In fact the more I thought about it the more I realized that the last few oil changes have been somewhere different every time.
It's not that these places weren't doing the job they advertised - It's the fact that they were not doing anything up and beyond the basics. How could've they kept me a as a loyal customer?
1. The one thing that they could've done is brag on themselves by making me feel that they are the best oil and lube station in town. Show me their knowledge by taking me out to the vehicle and walking me through potential problems that may arise.
2. Take down my information so that they can follow up with a phone call the next day. Nothing impresses me more then a company going out of their way to make sure that I'm happy with the job they performed.
3. Remind me when it's getting time for my vehicle to be serviced again. The main reason why I never go to the same shop is because they never remind me that they are the ones that serviced my vehicle last time and they would love to have my business again.
Just remember that people like to feel important. Just because you serviced somebody's pool this July doesn't mean that you gave them the attention they required to have you back next Summer!
We're not strutting the runways in Paris and Milan, but pool cleaners should dress with some style. I've seen plenty of my fellow pool technicians on the job, and let me tell you, none of them are in the running for the Best Dressed List. Basically, they're all in need of a crash course in fashion. Never one to shy away from a challenge, I figured I would answer the call of duty.
The first part of our lesson is called "what NOT to wear." While every pool tech puts their unique spin on it, I've found that most of us fit into one of two categories:
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Mr. Fixit wears navy blue coveralls and a leather tool belt. He's got the whole handyman look going on – not that there's anything wrong with the way handymen dress. It's just a bit too stuffy for our line of work, that's all. Pools are fun. Swimming is fun. Getting paid to muck around in the water while you work on your tan is fun. Your work clothes should be a little more laidback, too. You can loosen up and relax a bit while still looking like a professional.
#2 Mr. "I Just Rolled Out of Bed" (or maybe even a cardboard box…)
Mr. "I Just Rolled Out of Bed" wears a holey, sweat-stained undershirt with the sleeves torn off, which he pairs with some fraying, paint-splattered jeans cut off into shorts. Even though we're not doing the 9 to 5 crunch, we're still professionals. Sometimes you can take the beach bum vibe a little too far and wind up just looking like a bum. True, you don't want to wear an Armani suit while you're working with chlorine and vacuuming sludge. But, you should still upgrade from what you wear to change the oil in your car.
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Here's a quick rule of thumb: if you'd be too embarrassed to donate it to the Goodwill, then don't wear it to work.
Introducing…Mr. Right
Now, that we've covered the don'ts, let's look at the dos. A pool cleaner's signature look is simple: a nice pair of swim trunks and a surfer-style t-shirt with your company's name and/or logo on it. If you really want to go all out, put on a Kahuna hat and smear some blue Zinka on your nose.
Seriously, though, you don't have to look like you live in a Jimmy Buffet song. Your clothes will still have that "beachy feel," and you'll be cool and comfortable. The best part is that it's really pretty inexpensive. A sharp pair of swim trunks costs a whole lot less than dress slacks. Price around at some print shops, and you can get a good deal on t-shirts screened with your logo.
If a pair of shorts gets a tear or a t-shirt gets a bleach spot on the front, take it out of work rotation. Relegate it to your leaf-raking wardrobe, cut it up into rags…just don't let your clients see you wearing it.
Quick tip: Soft bodies don't sell! It always helps to keep yourself in good shape. Make an effort to stay fit and trim.
I could hardly count myself worthy to give business advice if I didn't touch on the importance of networking. You probably feel the way I first did when I thought about networking. I pictured myself squirming uncomfortably in a tie, wearing a name badge and swapping business cards at a Chamber of Commerce mixer. Ick!
What I came to find out, however, is that networking doesn't have to be anything like that. It's informal and off-the-cuff. Opportunities present themselves in your everyday life. You just have to learn how to recognize them. In our line of work, we meet contractors, lawn maintenance men, landscapers and repairmen of all kinds. Those are the types of professions that share a close link with pool cleaning.
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I want to start by explaining why networking is so important. The whole point of networking is to get referrals and recommendations. When you make connections with business owners and professionals in industries related to pool cleaning, they start to send customers your way. You continue to cultivate your network, and word-of-mouth advertising goes to work on your behalf. Your referrals start to refer you, and your network grows exponentially.
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Let me give you an example of some real-life networking that really benefited my pool cleaning business. My wife's good friend from yoga class is married to a landscaper. She mentioned it to me over dinner one night because she thought it could be helpful in some way. She was right! We arranged a double-date of sorts so I could meet him – his name is Chuck.
Chuck, as I had guessed, often had clients ask him about pool maintenance. Because he works in the yards of private residences, people assume he must also know something about pools. They like Chuck and they trust Chuck, so they want to know who he would recommend for pool cleaning.
Chuck and I hit it off. After spending some more time together just hanging out and doing fun stuff, the recommendation/referral thing came up. I often get questions about whether I know any good landscapers. Now that we knew each other better, we both felt comfortable recommending each other to our clients. Over the course of the next month, three of Chuck's clients contacted me. I was able to provide referrals for him, too.
That's an important point I want to emphasize. You have to return the favor when a colleague or business acquaintance is getting you referrals. Networking is a two-way street. The need to reciprocate is one reason you have to be careful when building your network. Only build relationships with people you truly feel comfortable recommending to your pool cleaning clients. The businesses you recommend and the quality of the work they do reflects on you as well. Always be selective!
Here are 7 tips on networking that I know to be valuable from my own personal experiences. This is some of what has worked for me, and I believe that it will work for you my fellow pool cleaners as well.
1. When you meet someone new, always give them two business cards – one to keep and one to pass along to a friend or business associate.
2. Follow up. After being introduced to a potential source of business leads, be sure to follow up with a phone call or an email, whichever is appropriate.
3. Get chatty. You never know who might lead you to your next pool cleaning job or become your newest customer. Strike up a conversation whenever you get the chance – and remember Tip #1.
4. Send thank you notes. If a referral turns into a job, thank the person who referred you. They'll be more likely to refer you again in the future.
5. Keep on networking even if you have a full client load. Sure, you may have more work than you can handle right now, but a strong network will come in handy big time if you hit a dry spell.
6. Pursue your hobbies and interests. You can meet new people by joining a softball team, professional association, charitable group or just about any other club or organization.
7. Try your hand at online networking. Social networking sites are popping up all over the place. Not all of them are teeny bopper-oriented. Some are designed specifically for making professional contacts. They're free to join and it takes only a few minutes to create a profile.
You've come to the end of this blog post – you know what that means. Time to get out there and start networking!
SALT LAKE CITY -- Mormon church leaders will ask California members to join the effort to amend that state's constitution to define marriage as being between a man and a woman.
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A June 20 letter sent to Mormon congregation bishops and signed by church president Thomas S. Monson and his two top counselors calls upon Mormons to donate "means and time" to the ballot measure. A note on the letter says it should be read during church services June 29, but it was published on several Internet Web sites Saturday.
Scott Trotter, a spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said Monday that the letter is authentic. Trotter declined to comment further, saying the letter states the church's reasons for getting involved.
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The church will work with a coalition of churches and other conservative groups that put the California Marriage Protection Act on the Nov. 4 ballot to assure its passage, the letter states.
In May, California's Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage, saying gays could not be denied civil marriage licenses.
"The church's teachings and position on this moral issue are unequivocal. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and the formation of families is central to the Creator's plan for His children," the four paragraph letter states.
"We ask that you do all you can to support the proposed constitutional amendment by donating of your means and time to ensure that marriage in California is legally defined as being between a man and a woman," church leaders said. "Our best efforts are required to preserve the sacred institution of marriage."
California Mormons - there are more than 750,000 according to a church almanac - have heard and heeded this kind of call from their leaders before.
In 2000, a similar letter from the pulpit asked members to give time and money in support of Proposition 22, a ballot measure that prohibited California from legally recognizing gay marriages performed outside the state. It passed but was later struck down in a court ruling.
Hey Media - Quit lying about the Economy
With the economic down-turn among us, I just have one question; Where the heck is the Recession?
I’ve talked to many other business owners and have asked them what they think about the so-called down-turn. Their response is pretty universal – they talk about how the economy is in big trouble and how they’re concerned about the status of the US economy.
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I then ask them to tell me about all of the people that they know who are in economic trouble. To my surprise not one of them know of anyone who is having hardships through this so-called economic down-turn.
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In fact, every business owner that I talked to say that they are doing surprisingly well. Furthermore, everyone that they are acquainted with either have jobs, don’t need jobs, or are retired.
My next question to them was, “why do you think that the country is in trouble financially?” Not surprisingly they were influenced by television media sources. Shocking!!
Let me tell you something. The U.S. is thriving! I’m saturated with clients and am having trouble keeping up with my route –which means I need to hire more people. If the pool cleaning business is still making money hand-over-fist then so is everyone else! If the country was in such jeopardy, luxuries like paying someone to clean your pool would be the first to go!
So, turn off the Media, put on your entrepreneur face, go out and make some money. Don’t fall into the trap of feeling sorry for a country that isn’t in financial ruin like some would like you to believe.
Be original – Don’t believe the HYPE!
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.
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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.
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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.
Portable pool vacuum cleaners: a must-have
The first big investment that every pool cleaner should make is in a high-quality portable pool vacuum cleaner. They're mobile, electric/battery-powered and self-contained. Really, they work a lot like the vacuum cleaner you use on the carpet in your house. It sucks up the dirt, and when you're done vacuuming, you empty the bag (or filter as the case may be).
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In this day and age, you've got to be motorized. Back in the stone ages (okay maybe not that far back) people were hooking up yards of plastic hoses and manually getting a suction going in order to vacuum their pool. All the nasty debris from the pool would flow right out of the hoses and onto their lawn. You wind up with a soggy lawn full of leaves and dead bugs. There's just no way that's going to fly with your clients.
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Having your own high-tech equipment just plain makes you look more professional. Your clients have an expectation that you're going to come equipped with all the tools and machines you need – they shouldn't have to provide you with anything other than a nice check! Pulling that bad boy out of the back of your van is impressive.
Another reason that having a portable pool vacuum cleaner is important is that you won't be dirtying up your client's filtration system. We're here to clean pools, right? Not make them dirtier. Rather than gunking up their filter, you're hauling the gunk away with you. And that's what they're paying us for!
Plus, you're saving on wear and tear, too. Filtration systems don't last forever. You're also saving your customers money. If you're running their system every time you clean their pool, they'll need to replace the filter more frequently.
While we're on the subject of pool cleaning no-no's; let me briefly touch on the subject of those automatic robotic pool cleaners. These might be okay for personal use, but they're not appropriate in a professional setting. Basically, these are the little guys you stick in your pool and then just sit back and let them do their thing. Put yourself in your client's shoes. "This is what I'm paying this guy for?" Why hire someone to do something you could just as easily do yourself? Providing hands-on care is always the best route.
Last but certainly not least, a portable pool vacuum cleaner makes your job easier, too. There's no tangle of hoses to deal with, and no more hoping and praying that your clients will have the equipment you need in order to do your job. The best vacuum cleaners on the market operate as handhelds and can also be hooked up to telescoping poles for reaching the bottom of the pool.
Portable pool vacuum cleaners aren't cheap, so do your research. There's no excuse not to when a quick Google search is all it takes. Read reviews from your fellow pool cleaners so you can make the best use of your money.
With more supply than there is demand, the real estate industry has become fiercely competitive. Anyone who's recently bought or sold a home is probably familiar with the term "curb appeal." It's real estate lingo for how attractive a house looks when you view it while driving by in your car. Curb appeal can include backyards too, particularly when they're visible from the street.
A filthy pool brimming over with stagnant green water doesn't exactly have a lot of curb appeal. Yet, with the massive number of foreclosures on the market, it's become a fairly common sight. If they want to have any chance of selling those babies, real estate agents need help from a pool cleaner – and they need it fast.
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But why wait for the real estate agents and property management companies to come to you? Go to them first! Approach them with a solid explanation of how a dirty pool is hurting their chances of making a sale. Then present a business proposal for fixing their problem. Chances are, that's the kind of work they need to outsource. You could become their go-to cleaner when they've got a neglected pool on their hands.
I've already talked about the numerous health hazards posed by dirty pool water. The truth is, though, most of these real estate companies aren't going to be too moved by the dangers of swimmer's ear or malaria. Money is the bottom line, so that's what your pitch should focus on.
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For example, imagine Joe and Sally Homebuyer touring a beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in a nice subdivision. They're quite charmed by the place…that is, until they're attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes as soon as they set foot in the backyard. Sally and Joe will be out the door quicker than their real estate agent can say "down payment." That's exactly the kind of picture you need to paint when you speak with these businesses.
Consider bringing along some pictures to help illustrate your point. Take a photo of a backyard with a clean, sparkling pool. Then take a photo of a backyard with a pool that's filled with dead bugs and growing bacteria. Ask the simple question: as a potential buyer, which of these homes would you be more interested in viewing?
As for choosing which real estate agents and property management companies to approach, you can go one of two ways – or both if you really want to rake in some dough! One way is to make a note of any vacant homes you see with dirty pools. Find out what agent or company is responsible for it and speak to them about that specific house. Another way is the preemptive strike. Make appointments with as many property management companies and real estate agents as you can and let them know you're the one to go to when they need a pool cleaner.
Odds are slim that any other pool cleaner has already reached out to them. As long as you make a good impression, you should definitely be the first person they think of when they've got a dirty pool to deal with.
What’s in a business name? Does the name matter? Does your business name need to be catchy?
Yes to all…sort of…well, not really. Keep Reading….
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If you’re like most people starting their new pool cleaning service, naming your business is the first thing you set out to accomplish. You’ll start off by thinking of all the cool aquatic themes that your brilliant mind can conjure up – “Sparkling Clear Pools”, “Kahuna Pool and Spa”, “Clear Blue Pools”. Then you’ll grow vain and dream up – “Dave’s Pool Service” (After yourself of course), or “Precision Pools and Spa” (Because you’re just so darn precise, aren’t you?). Don’t forget my personal favorite, “California Pool and Spa”, (Because when people think of Pool Cleaning in California, they only think of you!).
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You’re such a genius. How come nobody else has thought of these names? Well, they have dummy! Don’t worry you’re not as dumb as they are; you’re at least reading this article.
I don’t mean to be a complete party pooper on this subject but I feel it’s my duty to get you pointed in the right direction when it comes to starting your Pool Cleaning Business. It just so happens that “Naming your new Pool Cleaning Service” is not where you should be starting. However, I know the excitement is brewing inside your little entrepreneurial head, so let’s talk about it.
The first thing you need to do is take a look at the industries leading Pool Care Directory: Gander at the companies listed in your state.
Now scroll down quickly and glance at the names of all of those pool business names and come back to this article.
Without glancing back at the directory, jot down the names that you remembered.
I jotted down “Wizard Pools” and “Pink Flamingo Pools”. Why did these names stand out from the rest? Let’s see if I can explain:
You’re about to be submersed into the Pool Cleaning World where everyone is fighting for a similar business name. Do yourself a favor, grow a sense of humor, find “your pink flamingo”, slap it on the side of your pool truck, and start winning the hearts and wallets of your customers!
Essential books that pool cleaning business owners should read
From time to time I get asked what books I would recommend to those interested in the pool cleaning business. It's an excellent question and one I wanted to answer here for all my readers. So, I went through my personal library and picked out the four absolute best pool cleaning and repair books I've read. These are the essential books that all pool cleaners – whether beginners or pros – should read (and own!).
1. The Ultimate Guide to Pool Maintenance by Terry Tamminen
Just like the title says, this book covers just about everything related to pool maintenance and repair. It's one of the most user-friendly guides I've come across. Terry lays out step-by-step instructions for each procedure in the book – complete with illustrative photos. He also lists what tools you'll need to complete each task.
You'll find "Tricks of the Trade" peppered throughout the book. These are tips and hints for getting the job done more quickly and efficiently. Newcomers to pool cleaning will really appreciate this feature. Heck, even as a pool cleaning veteran I learned a few new things!
One thing I really like about this book is how up-to-date it is with all of the newest technology and equipment. For instance, the latest edition has a section on how to maintain saltwater pools and another section on chlorine alternatives. |
2. The Complete Pool Manual for Homeowners and Professionals: A Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide by Dan Hardy
Dan "Pool Doctor" Hardy is a pool cleaner to the stars, with clients that include John Travolta. You can't argue with success, right? This book explains all of the basics of keeping your pool clean. The instructions are very detailed, and are accompanied by diagrams and pictures. He makes sure to point out the common mistakes that people make with each task so you can avoid making them yourself. It's also a nice troubleshooting guide and a good primer on chemical safety.
I really like the variety of pools that are covered – in-ground, above ground, concrete and even fiberglass. As a pool cleaner, you'll encounter all different types of structures, and this book helps prepare you for that.
3. What Color Is Your Swimming Pool? A Homeowner's Guide to Troublefree Pool, Spa & HotTub Maintenance by Alan Sanderfoot
Sparkling clean water – that's what pool owners want, and we get paid to make it happen. This book is all about achieving and maintaining healthy, crystal clear water in your pool. There's a big focus on water treatment and filtration systems. Beyond pumps and motors, though, Alan also delves into information such as automatic water monitors and how to choose the right pool cover. It's the kind of knowledge that can set you apart from other pool cleaners and make you a valuable source of advice for your clients.
4. The Complete Swimming Pool Reference by Tom Griffiths
Tom has put together the definitive pool management textbook. Not all of the information contained in this book applies directly to pool cleaners, but I believe in knowing as much as you possibly can about the industry as a whole. I don't think I've ever come across a more in-depth guide to maintaining proper pH levels and adjusting chemicals. Safety is stressed throughout the book, and I think it's very important that we as pool cleaners remind ourselves from time to time that there are some very dangerous aspects of our job.
The chapter on winterization is particularly useful. Helping clients properly close up their pool for the winter can be a nice chunk of business for you.
There you have it – the literary canon of the pool cleaning industry. Next time you're in the mood for a little reading, put down the Sports Illustrated and check out one of these books. You'll be glad you did!
Operating a pool cleaning business without a business license
Let's talk about Fred. We'll call him that to protect the privacy of the perhaps not-so-innocent. Fred was a pool cleaner I knew a few years back, and he was operating his pool cleaning business without a business license. It's not that he didn't know about the business license requirement. I think it was more like a combination of laziness and hoping to fly under the radar where taxes were concerned.
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To this day I don't know how he got found out, but when the truth came to light, Fred was in pretty big trouble. He was facing a huge pile of fines. His reputation was ruined and his pool cleaning business tanked. Oh, and remember those taxes Fred wanted to avoid? Well, he had to pay all those – and then some. He owed back taxes along with a healthy amount of interest. Perhaps Fred was lucky, though. In some places, operating a business without a business license can land you in jail!
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You can get away with it for a while, but ultimately, operating a business without a business license is going to catch up to you. Even if you don't get into trouble like Fred did, you're going to be holding yourself back. You can't grow your business if you're running it illegally. It's only small-time operations that will never see big success that go at it without a license.
Do you want to start making repairs in addition to cleaning pools? Network with pool construction companies to get referrals? Start hiring employees? Build a franchise? You can't do any of those things without a license. Basically, you have to lurk in the shadows and constantly look over your shoulder. To me, that would get pretty stressful. And I don't know about you, but I don't want to get on the wrong side of the IRS.
Maybe I should back up just a bit. What is a business license anyway? A business license is legal authorization from the government to run your business in a given city, county or state. It's not a little laminated card like your driver's license, but you do get an official document.
Getting a business license is actually pretty easy, believe it or not. There's not much more to it than filling out some forms and paying a reasonably small license fee. Compare that to what happened to old Fred, and I say the choice is obvious.
So here comes the standard boilerplate you knew was coming: requirements for obtaining a business license vary from state to state. But it's true. There's no way I could (or would want to) list out the requirements for getting a business license in all 50 states – and don't forget about D.C.! I'll leave that research to you and the Internet.
Help make sure that Fred's bankruptcy wasn't in vain – take away a valuable lesson from his folly. If you're going to clean pools professionally, get a business license. Operate on the up and up, and you won't have anything to worry about.
Losing a Customer
Customers - what can I say? They are the love of my life. There is nobody else in this small world that is more important to my pool and spa cleaning business. So it pains me to report that I lost a customer today.
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I wish that I could put my finger on what exactly went wrong, but it would be pure speculation. Those are the ones that hurt the most - when you can't improve your pool cleaning service because you don't know what you did wrong.
The only way to assess situations like this, is to ask yourself (or myself in this instance), "what could've I done better"? Could I have cleaned their swimming pool better? Did I not properly balance their jacuzzi hot-tub? |
As I think back to all the pool cleaning services I provided, I could honestly say that I kept the former client's swimming pool and spa maintained and balanced. I was honest with them and saved them money by doing extra maintenance without charging them....
Just by me writing this post, I've figured out what I was doing wrong. By performing all those extra services on their swimming pool and jacuzzi (for free, and by not bragging to them that I did it) I did myself an injustice. They've been enjoying (free-loading) off of my generosity. It's not their fault; they didn't know all of the extra "FREE" work I was doing to keep their pool balanced.
They saw that they had a clean swimming pool, but the hardly saw me. I wasn't selling myself to the potential that I was working.
Let's remember that we're in the business of making money and our customers are in the business of paying us money. Spending money on worthwhile pool cleaning services make clients smile - Why shouldn't that make us smile as well?
Mosquitoes, bacteria and more: the dangers of dirty pool water
While the housing slump might be forcing real estate agents to tighten their wallets, it could leave pool cleaners seeing dollar signs! Houses sitting unsold means pools sitting unmaintained. Someone has to get those pools back in shape. Why shouldn't it be you?
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Houses are being foreclosed on at record rates. When a house is foreclosed on, its occupants have to move out in a hurry. For someone in a dire situation like that, making sure to vacuum the pool one last time is the furthest thing from their mind. Before long the water is turning green, bacteria is forming and the mosquitoes are swarming in droves.
These dirty pools aren't just unattractive. They're actually a major health risk. Stagnant water attracts mosquitoes. When a pool isn't being vacuumed and filtered on a regular basis, you wind up with a whole lot of standing water – which mosquitoes love.
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We've all dealt with miserable, itchy mosquito bites, but it's a lot more than that. First there's the West Nile virus, which was all over the news a few years back. It's a virus that can be transmitted to humans if they're bitten by an infected mosquito. For most people it causes a bout of flu-like symptoms, which is bad enough on its own. However, for at-risk individuals such as children and the elderly, it can actually be deadly.
Mosquitoes can also transmit malaria and yellow fever. Those little pests are a bigger virus factory than public water fountains! The stagnant pool water might be their home base, but that doesn't mean they won't venture out into the neighbors' yards. They're tiny little vampires in search of blood, after all. Before long, an entire neighborhood could be facing a massive mosquito invasion.
It's not just the winged bloodsuckers we have to worry about. Dirty pool water is a breading ground for a multitude of illness-causing bacteria. For example, a bacteria called pseudomonas aeruginosa might decide to move in. This bacteria causes ear and skin infections, in both people and animals.
Cryptosporidium is a nasty bacteria that can cause diarrhea, fever and severe stomach cramps. It's excreted into a body of water through fecal matter. I don't suspect the neighborhood kids will poop in an abandoned pool, but the bacteria is also carried by animals.
Speaking of animals, we need to worry about the safety of our furry friends too, right? Stray dogs and cats or area wildlife might think they've found a tasty water oasis when they come across one of these infected pools. Someone's family pet could get sick and die.
Gunky, stinky pools aren't just ugly, they're also dangerous. As pool cleaners, these filthy pools in the yards of foreclosed homes open up a whole new potential market. Plus, it also gives us a chance to help keep people safe, which is part of what this job is all about.
Who’s The Boss? Balance 101
Husbands say wives, moms say dads, and parents say kids. But when it comes to swimming pools, spas, and ponds you need to know that Water is Boss!
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If there was a Pool Man’s Bible it would have a verse that saith “What the water wanteth the water taketh from whatever means possible” and “What the water don’t wanteth, the water leaveth wherever it can.”
That means if the cow has dried up and you’re pool is craving a little calcium; it’s g |