Commercial pool maintenance

Property managers, HOAs, apartment communities, small hotels, gyms and clubs.

Monthly service contracts per property, often at higher values than a single home, with extra billing for chemicals, equipment repairs and opening or closing the pool for the season.

• Water chemistry and record keeping
• Professional communication with property managers
• Time management across several sites
• Physical work outdoors

• Public pools usually fall under state or county health department rules: check testing, logging and operator requirements
• Contracts often require proof of insurance and sometimes workers' compensation, even for a one-person business
• Check your state's contractor or pool service licensing rules
• Liability is higher if a pool closes or someone is harmed, so keep careful records
• Hiring helpers means workers' compensation and payroll obligations to check

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on equipment, testing supplies and vehicle needs. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many contracts you hold.

Public pools usually fall under state or county health department rules, so check testing, logging and operator requirements. Also check your state's contractor or pool service licensing rules, and insurance, including workers' compensation, which contracts may require.

Useful skills include water chemistry and record keeping, professional communication with property managers, time management across several sites and outdoor physical work. Estimates suggest at least around 15 hours a week. Careful records matter if a pool closes.