How to Start a Pool Cleaning Business in Florida in 2023

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A pool cleaning business is a business that aims at providing cleaning services for swimming and wading pools. Most players in the industry usually offer related services such as cleaning services for spas, hot tubs, whirlpools, and saunas. Services carried out by swimming pool cleaning companies include surface cleaning as well as maintenance work for pumps, heaters, filters, and other related equipment.

Available data shows that the market size of the swimming pool sector in the United States is up to 1.01 billion U.S. dollars in 2020. The sector saw a 35.3 percent reduction over the previous year’s size of 1.56 billion U.S dollars. The market size, measured by revenue, of the Swimming Pool Cleaning Services industry, is $7.8 billion in 2023.

Steps on How to Start a Pool Cleaning Business in Florida

Table of Contents
Conduct Market Research

The first step in the market research process for your pool cleaning business in Florida is to create market-based research questions in line with your overall business goal and objective.

You should also source information that will help you maximize your business, give you a reliable clue of what your potential market will be looking out for from a pool cleaning business, and also help you operate your pool cleaning business with less stress, and of course, build the business to profitability within the shortest time frame.

a. Who is the Target Market for Pool Cleaning Business in Florida?

The public sector; government ministries, agencies, and parastatals.
Organized private sector
Households
Facility managers
Restaurants
Hotels and Motels
Lounges

b. Is Pool Cleaning Business a Profitable Business in Florida?

Absolutely, the pool cleaning business is indeed a profitable business in Florida. Data shows that the market size of the Swimming Pool Cleaning Services industry in the US increased faster than the consumer goods and service sector.

c. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?

No, there are no existing niches when it comes to the pool cleaning business.

d. Who are the Major Competitors?

On-Time Pool Service, Inc
All American Pool-N-Patio Inc
All Pool Aquatics Group
Fratelli Pool Service
WRX Pool Service
Master Touch Pool Services Inc
Pristine Pool Services of SW FL, Inc
North East Florida Pool Service
Dog Days Pools – Pool Cleaning Clearwater and Safety Harbor, FL
Eagle Pools Services Boca Raton
Jomo Pool Service
Gulfstream Pool Care
Oasis Pool Service Of St Petersburg FL
SeeBlu Pool Services- Winter Springs, FL
Grovatt Ultramarine Pools LLC
Daniel Vitale Pool Service
BlueLaguna Pool Service
Elite Swimming Pools, Inc.
Cowabunga Pool Service LLC/Central Florida Poolice LLC.
Tampa VIP Pool Services.

e. Are There County or State Regulations or Zoning Laws for Pool Cleaning Business in Florida?

Yes, there are county or state regulations and zoning laws for pool cleaning businesses in Florida, and players in this industry are expected to work with existing regulations governing such businesses in the county or state where their business is domiciled.

f. Is There a Franchise for Pool Cleaning Business?

Yes, there are franchise opportunities for the pool cleaning business. Here are some of them;

Premier Pool Service
Poolwerx Corporation
America’s Swimming Pool Company (ASP)
Pool Scouts Pool Cleaning

g. What Do You Need to Start a Pool Cleaning Business in Florida?

A feasibility report
Business and marketing plans
Business licenses and permits
Office Facility
EIN (Employer Identification Number)/Federal Tax ID Number
A corporate bank account
Competent employees

Choose a Memorable Business Name

When looking to start a business, before you can begin to file the necessary documents with the constituted authorities or start your website, it is necessary that you come up with a name that you will be recognized with. It is essential that the name you come up with can easily be pronounced, is unique and easily memorable.
Some of the catchy business name ideas suitable for a pool cleaning business are;

Creative Pool Cleaning Business Name ideas

Clean Net® Pool Cleaning Company, Inc.
Lehigh Acres® Pool Cleaning Company, Inc.
Clean Nation® Pool Cleaning Company, Inc.
Rick Nelson™ Pool Cleaning Company, Inc.
Prince Wallace® Pool Cleaning Company, Inc.
Blue Brush® Pool Cleaning Company, Inc.
Mikel Jonhson® Pool Cleaning Company, Inc.
Palm Bay® Pool Cleaning Company, LLC
Lincoln Boer® Pool Cleaning Company, Inc.
Wendy Brown® Pool Cleaning Company, Inc.
Ralph Williams® Pool Cleaning Company, Inc.
Bourn Mort® Pool Cleaning Company, LLC
Colly Bonny® Pool Cleaning Company, Inc.
Pembroke Pines® Pool Cleaning Company, LLC
Daniel Bruce® Pool Cleaning Company, Inc.
Coral Springs® Pool Cleaning Company, Inc.
Partee Parley® Pool Cleaning Company, Inc.
Port St. Lucie® Pool Cleaning Company, LLC
Straus Gabby® Pool Cleaning Company, Inc.
Cape Coral© Pool Cleaning Company, Inc.

Register Your Business

a. What Type of Business Structure is Best for Pool Cleaning Business in Florida?

Though there are several options when it comes to the business structure of a pool cleaning business in Florida, the one that most players in this line of business consider is an LLC. This is considered because providers want to protect themselves from lawsuits.

b. Steps to Form an LLC

Choose a Name for Your LLC
File Articles of Organization
Choose a registered agent
Decide on member vs. manager management
Create an LLC operating agreement
Comply with other tax and regulatory requirements
File annual reports

c. What Type of License is Needed to Open a Pool Cleaning Business in Florida?

General Business License
Chemical Handler’s Certificate
Fire and Safety Permit (Fire certificates)
Zonal Permits
Signage Permit
State Occupational Licenses

d. What Type of Certification is Needed to Open a Pool Cleaning Business in Florida?

You don’t need any certifications to open a pool cleaning business, it is a business that is open to all and sundry.

e. What Documents are Needed to Open a Pool Cleaning Business in Florida?

These are some of the basic legal documents required if you want to run your pool cleaning business in Florida;

DBA
EIN
Business and liability insurance
Federal Tax Payer’s ID
State Permit and Building Approval
Federal Export Licenses
Certificate of Incorporation
Business License
Business Plan
Employment Agreement (offer letters)
Operating Agreement for LLCs
Insurance Policy
Online Terms of Use
Online Privacy Policy Document
Contract Document
Company Bylaws
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

f. Do You Need a Trademark, Copyright, or Patent?

If you are considering starting a pool cleaning business in Florida, you may not have any need to file for intellectual property protection or trademark. This is because the nature of the business makes it possible for you to successfully run it without having any cause to challenge anybody in court for making use of your privacy policy.

Cost Analysis and Budgeting

a. How Much Does It Cost to Start a Pool Cleaning Business in Florida?

The cost to start a pool cleaning business usually varies. It could range from $20,000 (if you are operating from home) to over $150,000. The reason is that the cost of renting a facility and equipping it may be on the high side depending on the city.

b. What are the Costs Involved in Starting a Pool Cleaning Business in Florida

The total fee for registering the business in the United States of America – $750
Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and accounting services totaling – $3,500
Marketing promotion expenses – $3,500
The cost for hiring a business consultant (writing of business plans inclusive) – $2,500
Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation, and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $5,400
The cost of accounting software, CRM software, and Payroll Software – $1,500
The cost for payment of rent and business office – $52,000
The cost for facility remodeling – $10,000
The cost for cleaning equipment and tools – $40,000
Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1,500
Phone and utility deposits will cost – ($2,500)
Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $30,000
The cost for start-up inventory – $18,000
The cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $3,150
The cost for the purchase of office furniture and gadgets – $8,000
The cost of launching an official website – $600
Miscellaneous – $2,500

c. What Factors Determine the Cost of Opening a Pool Cleaning Business in Florida?

The size of the pool cleaning business
The choice of location
The required licenses and permits
The cost of branding, promotion, and marketing of the pool cleaning business
The cost of furnishing and equipping the pool cleaning facility
The cost of the insurance policy covers
The cost of registering the business
Source of your supplies and ongoing expenses
Cost of recruiting and training your staff
The cost for the purchase and customizing of uniforms

d. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much Will It Cost?

It is not compulsory to build a new office facility for your pool cleaning business. But building or reconstructing a facility for your pool cleaning business will help you come up with a facility that will perfectly fit into your overall business goals and vision.

e. What are the Ongoing Expenses of a Pool Cleaning Business?

The ongoing expenses of a pool cleaning business include; labor costs, lease payments for the equipment and the van(s), insurance, purchase of supplies, telephone, and internet subscription, fueling, and the amount allocated to the monthly marketing efforts.

f. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?

Manager (Owner) – $55,000 Per Year
Accountant (Cashier) – $35,000 Per Year
Pool Cleaners – $30,100 Per Year
Utility Truck Driver -$30,000 Per Year

g. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Pool Cleaning Business?

Raising money from personal savings
Raising money from investors and business partners
Sell shares
Apply for a loan from your bank
Pitch your business idea and apply for business grants and seed funding from the government, donor organizations, and angel investors
Source for soft loans from your family members and friends.

Write a Business Plan

a. Executive Summary

Partee Parley™ Pool Cleaning Company, Inc. is a registered and standard cleaning services business that is incorporated under the law of the United States of America. Our head office will be located in a densely populated residential estate in the heart of Miami Beach – Florida. We are strategically positioned in the community with the right demographic composition.

b. Products and Service

Swimming pool and spa pool cleaning
Swimming pool and spa equipment maintenance and repair
Swimming pool and spa chemical adjustment services
Opening and closing swimming pool services
Swimming pool inspections
General house cleaning
Parking lot sweeping
Snowplowing
Drain, duct, and gutter cleaning
Parking lot and driveway washing
Equipment cleaning and maintenance
Chemical adjustments
Other related cleaning services

c. Mission Statement

Our mission as a swimming pool cleaning company is to develop highly successful, profitable pool cleaning services that will provide quality services in our community, and also become a standard for pool cleaning, not only in Florida but also throughout the United States of America and Canada where we intend selling our franchise.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to establish a standard pool cleaning business that will be among the top 5 pool cleaning businesses in Florida.

d. Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives of a pool cleaning business are to clean and sanitize swimming pools and related facilities.

e. Organizational Structure

Manager (Owner)
Accountant
Pool Cleaners
Utility Truck Driver

Marketing Plan

a. SWOT Analysis

Strength:

Ideal location
Excellent operational history
Availability of the latest and easy-to-operate pool cleaning machines and equipment
Accurate estimates with no hidden costs
Excellent customer testimonials

Weakness:

Not enough existing clientele to run at full capacity immediately
We will need a loan to purchase equipment and related accessories
The owner is currently running the business solo and will need to manage construction/build out the existing business
Lack of economies of scale

Opportunities:

Build upon existing clientele
Online market, new services, new technology, and of course the opening of new markets.

Threat:

Loans diminish profitability until they are paid off
The first year will be financially tight while we gain customers and pay off loans
Competition in the area could increase
Management of employees requires time, money, and efforts
The transport department could change its regulatory status and decide to enforce strict regulations that can strangulate new businesses.

b. How Do Pool Cleaning Businesses Make Money?

Pool cleaning businesses make money from offering the following services;

Swimming pool and spa pool cleaning
Swimming pool and spa equipment maintenance and repair
Swimming pool and spa chemical adjustment services
Opening and closing swimming pool services
Swimming pool inspections
General house cleaning
Parking lot sweeping
Snowplowing
Drain, duct, and gutter cleaning
Parking lot and driveway washing
Equipment cleaning and maintenance
Chemical adjustments

c. Payment Options

Payment via bank transfer
Payment with cash
Payment via credit cards/Point of Sale Machines (POS)
Payment via check
Payment via mobile money transfer

d. Sales & Advertising Strategies

Introduce your pool cleaning business by sending introductory letters alongside your brochure to corporate organizations, hotels, swimming schools, households, and other key stakeholders throughout the city where your pool cleaning business is located.
Advertise on the internet on blogs and forums, and also on social media like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to get your message across
Create a basic website for your business so as to give your business an online presence
Directly market your pool cleaning services.
Join local pool cleaning business associations for industry trends and tips
Provide discount days for your customers
Advertise your business in community-based newspapers, local TV and radio stations
List your business on yellow pages ads (local directories) and online directories
Encourage the use of word-of-mouth marketing (referrals)

Financial Projection

a. How Much Should You Charge for your Product/Service?

It depends, but on average, pool maintenance costs range between $110 and $349, with a national average of $229 for a complete pool cleaning service.

b. How Much Profit Do Pool Cleaning Business Owners Make a Year in Florida?

Many factors can affect pool cleaning business income, but on average, you can make from $50,000 to over $89,000 per year.

c. What Factors Determine the Amount of Profit You Will Make In Cleaning Business?

The capacity of the pool cleaning business
The location of the pool cleaning business is covering
The management style of the pool cleaning business
The business approach of the pool cleaning business
The advertising and marketing strategies adopted by the pool cleaning business
The number of years the pool cleaning business is in business

d. What is the Profit Margin of a Pool Cleaning Business?

The profit margin of a pool cleaning business is not usually fixed; it will depend on some factors that are unique to your location and of course, the men, machines, and materials needed to carry out the job.

e. What is the Sales Forecast?

Below is the sales forecast for a pool cleaning business;

First Fiscal Year: $280,000
Second Fiscal Year: $340,000
Third Fiscal Year: $400,000

Set Up your Shop/Office

a. How Do You Choose a Perfect Location for Pool Cleaning Business in Florida?

The demography of the location
The demand for pool cleaning services in the location
The purchasing power of businesses and residents of the location
Accessibility of the location
The number of pool cleaning businesses in the location
The local laws and regulations in the community/state
Traffic, parking and security et al

b. What City is Best to Open a Pool Cleaning Business in Florida?

Miami Beach, Florida
Riverview, Florida
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Miami, Florida
Saint Cloud, Florida
Pompano Beach, Florida
Tallahassee, Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Bradenton, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida

c. What Equipment is Needed to Operate a Pool Cleaning Business?

Commercial Pressure Washer
Water Tank
Vacuum Cleaner
Steam Cleaner
Buffer
Buffer Heads
Set of Microfiber Cloths
Washing systems, such as a conveyor tunnel or self-service wands.

Hire Employees

Hire a competent manager (owner), accountant, pool cleaners, and utility truck, driver. These are some of the key employees you need to run your cleaning business with.

Launch the Business Proper

No pool cleaning business opens its door for business without first organizing an opening party to officially launch the business. You can choose to do a soft opening party if you are operating on a low budget or you can go for a grand opening party for all and sundry. The bottom line is, with a proper launching of the pool cleaning business, you will officially inform people that your pool cleaning service is open for business.

a. What Makes a Pool Cleaning Business Successful?

Choose a good location and facility to launch the business
Install easy-to-use pool cleaning equipment and machines
Be deliberate with your marketing sales approach
Encourage the use of word of mouth to promote your pool cleaning business
Leverage all available online and offline platforms to promote your pool cleaning business

b. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Pool Cleaning Business?

The facility is opened, cleaned, and arranged
The stocks are taken and washing supplies are replaced
When customers walk in, they are attended to, deals are sealed and the truck takes the required equipment, machines, and manpower to the site to clean the pools or other facilities as required.
The office is closed for the day, accounts are balanced and the workers go home hoping to resume the next day.

c. What Skills and Experience Do You Need to Build a Pool Cleaning Business?

Attention to details
Customer services skills
Interpersonal skill
Accounting and bookkeeping skills
Business management skills
Bargaining and bidding skills
Work experience in a pool cleaning business environment
Experience in managing people
Experience in business administration.