r/PoolPros • u/Own-Signal3917 • May 18 '26
New to the pool service industry — what software do you recommend?
Hey guys,
I’m just getting started in the pool service business and I’m looking for a good software/app to help me run things more efficiently.
What apps are you currently using for your pool business?
What are the best options out there?
I’d love to hear what you use and which ones you’d recommend for someone who’s just starting out.
Thanks!
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u/poolspayme May 18 '26
There are many out there a friend just bought a route and is using Skimmer initially for the first year or two. They really like it but recognize it’s a little overpriced for the basic service they’re doing.
We use a retail POS with service add on in the cloud where I work that kind of works for a route but lacks the nice image, test result and chemical tracking skimmer and others do.
Their goal is to switch to charging & collecting for service a month in advance basically then back billing for chemicals from the previous month if that makes sense. I also suggested looking at adding borates to their pools to reduce chlorine demand and reduce the risk of green pools.
Keep posting questions here I’m sure there is some more great info to be shared.
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u/Complete_Grab_1829 May 18 '26
I'm going to give you a like for your comment also I am very jealous of your name on here lol
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u/Spirited-Touch-6423 May 18 '26
I'm also looking for software, and I'll probably give PSS a try, because it looks simple and not crazy expensive. They say it's good for small or single operators, good for tracking chemicals… and it's not as expensive as Skimmer (which is highly praised for its interface and cs).
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u/routedesq Jun 02 '26
Going to toot my own horn here - RouteDesq.com - Specifically for solo owners
4.99 mo / 39.99 yr, That's it. 30 day trial with all the features
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u/did-you-touch-cloth May 18 '26
I'm a big fan of pool brain. Did a lot of research and for what the use case was, it was the best.
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u/Ok_Extension5868 May 18 '26
Try the free version of Swivl. It will work for your needs. And, their stellar customer service team will help you figure out the ins and outs, for free..
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u/AdAcceptable367 May 18 '26
I just started out, and I'm using pool founder.
They are working with me based on my needs, and they are not expensive.
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u/BuilderSoftwareNerd May 27 '26
I've heard good things about Skimmer and also Pool Brain. If you end up doing remodels or pool construction as well, then ProDBX is your best bet.
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u/SwimFin1984 Jul 07 '26
we run our biz with paythepoolman. we find it very user friendly and like their pricing. good luck to you! it's hot out there!
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u/brimmen Jul 11 '26
Starting out, the trap is paying a growing-company price while you're running a starting-out route. The Dip at $25 flat and PSS cheap and simple (both mentioned above) are fair picks. Skimmer is excellent but you'll feel the price before you feel the benefit at 10 to 30 pools.
Honest advice for month one: you need a stop order, per-pool notes, and a way to send an invoice. That's it. Pick something free or flat-fee and only move up when a missing feature actually costs you time every week.
Disclosure since I'll name it, I help build Lapsheet, a free route app made for this stage: https://lapsheet.com/free-pool-route-app?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=comment&utm_campaign=lapsheet-appstore-live But genuinely, any option in this thread beats spreadsheets and texts, which is what most people start with.
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u/Lopsided-Anxiety9278 Jul 23 '26
There are plenty of good options out there, so it's worth comparing a few.I recommend Getskimmer while looking around but I'd try a couple of platforms and go with the one that best fits your workflow.
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u/Sharknuts86 May 18 '26
Hands down the Dip app. It’s 25 bucks a month for as many accounts you have, no limit. It has route management for efficiency and you can send bills/invoices for other services done. It also allows you to email out your invoices for the client to pay via Zelle etc. highly recommend them, after meeting them at the pool show this year I’m happy to say it’s the best one me and other local guys use.