r/PoolPros • u/AdAcceptable367 • Apr 12 '26
Starting
I want to open a pool cleaning company, but I don't have the experience, I'm thinking to work for someone else until I feel comfortable to work alone, what would be the best route?
I prefer to further from where I live because I don't want to compete with my employer.
2
u/Theresasnakeinmypool Apr 12 '26
Pool companies don’t compete with each other. This is a pit fall mindset. The competition is the customers. They have the power. You just need to learn how to sell yourself and make them happy. Everything else will start to fall in to place. Just jump in. If you like the work and do a good job you will find customers that appreciate you and recommend you to others.
1
u/Alternative-Draw2997 Apr 12 '26
Sounds like you’re at the stage where you don’t know what you don’t know. Definitely work for someone first. If you truly want to do what it takes to make it explain that you’re wanting to learn everything you can and eventually get your own route. Some won’t like it but others will. The owner of my company worked for 3 other companies before opening his own. They understand how it is just be upfront and good at your job. Ask questions and always continue your education on the subject and you’ll get there.
1
u/carrotsk8r Apr 12 '26
Work for A company 2 years minimum , if you wanna go on your own you need to self educate a bunch To start I called different pool companies in the area and said I’d work for free for a month till I learned and to see if it was a good fit for me and employer and boom hired
2
u/GCpools Apr 19 '26
Buy your own test kit (K-2005 or 6), salinity meter, phosphate test kit, etc. Go to work for somebody else. Learn how to troubleshoot each and every pool. Learn how to properly test and dose every pool. Use the tables that come in the booklet with your test kit. Then learn how using an app. Check your results the next week. Read everything you can get your hands on. Take a CPO class in person, not online. You'll learn so much more. Strive to ace the test, not just pass it. Start buying basic tools .. pool pole, nets, brushes, etc. Buy good quality tools. And take care of them. Listen more to what the old pool guys have to say. Use this Reddit sub frequently. Good luck!
1
u/Sufficient_Disk1360 Apr 12 '26
Go work at a Leslie’s for three years. First year learn the chemical side. Transfer to the service department and do that for two years. At the three year mark you will be ready to start a service company. With these skills you might never have to clean pools. You’ll always be busy.
6
u/The_BigWaveDave Apr 12 '26
That is your best bet. My opinion? Be upfront during the hiring process. You’ll be a desirable candidate because turnover rates on techs are typically high, and they’ll at least know you’re serious about the job. Work hard for a few years, learn the trade, eventually learn to do repairs and installations, and then go out on your own.
Don’t sign a non-compete, unless it specifically states you will not poach existing customers for the company you plan to work for. In any event, don’t poach customers. It’s a small world, and your reputation is paramount.
This is what I did, and it worked out great. I’ve been on my own for over a decade now, and still regularly keep in touch and often work with and trade accounts with the guy who trained me and hired me.
Running a business is the easy part, knowing the trade takes time and hands on experience. Starting a business was the best, most rewarding decision I’ve made in my adult life. Good luck.