Residential Pool Service Route

Homeowners with pools who don't have the time, or the interest, to maintain them, plus owners of vacation homes and rentals.

A flat monthly fee per pool, billed to regular customers, with extra charges for chemicals, filter cleans, green-pool recovery and small repairs.

• Basic water chemistry
• Reliable and organized with a route schedule
• Comfortable with physical work outdoors in the heat
• Customer service

• Licensing varies by state: some states (for example California and Florida) have specific requirements for pool service work or repairs, while many don't license routine residential cleaning. Check with your state licensing board before you start
• Check whether your state or county requires certification for handling or adding pool chemicals, and whether repairs or equipment work need a contractor license
• General liability insurance, and check for commercial auto cover if you use a truck or van
• Pool chemicals are hazardous: check safe storage, handling and transport rules
• Work is seasonal in colder states, so plan for slow months
• Check your city or county for a local business license

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $800 to $5,000, depending on your equipment, test kits and vehicle needs. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many homes are on your route.

Licensing varies by state, with some, such as California and Florida, having specific requirements. Check with your state licensing board, whether chemical handling needs certification, whether repairs need a contractor license, and your city or county business license.

Useful skills include basic water chemistry, an organized route schedule, customer service and comfort with outdoor physical work. Check general liability insurance, commercial auto cover if you use a truck or van, and rules for storing and transporting pool chemicals.