How many pools can be done by someone just starting out per hour/day/week?   15 per day / 75 per week. You should be able to to service two pools per hour, including driving time if the route is condensed. How long does it take to clean a pool?   20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the pool and weather conditions. How much training do I get?   Typically, 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how quickly the buyer catches on. Do I need any certification or licenses to clean pools?   You should always get a business license, but in most cases you don't need any additional certifications to service residential accounts. Commercial accounts require immediate liability insurance, and, in some areas, health certification, workman's' comp, and a contractors license are required. Where does one person max out at?   Typically, 70 to 100 accounts by themselves. How long is the guarantee period on the accounts I purchase?   Normally, it's 60 to 90 days, depending on the final multiple (8-12x) used in the selling price. What is an average range or percentage of any cancellation during the guarantee period?   If both buyer and seller do what is agreed upon, then the fallout is minimal, ranging from zero to 10%. How much does a route cost?   A well-established pool route will cost anywhere from 8 to 12 times the monthly service, depending upon density, rates, area, and longevity. Is there room to negotiate?   Depending on the motivation of the seller, yes, sometimes. Is there financing available or is the route paid in full?   Typically, routes are paid in full less 10% hold back after the buyer has had the opportunity to personally view the route, if desired. What time of the year is best to purchase?   Any month is ok, but for a brand-new buyer, probably the winter months (October through February) because the chemicals and usage are at a minimum. Are pools serviced all year long?   In the sunbelt regions, especially Southern California, yes. How much overhead, on average, does it take to operate a pool route business?   Typically, conservative overhead will range from 15 to 20% which will include your chemical costs, postage, gas, cell phone, etc. Do I need a garage to store any chemicals, equipment, parts, etc.?   No. All your pool route needs can be stored and carried in the back of most trucks. When is the busiest time of the year?   Your busiest quarter is usually March, April, May, and June when customers are preparing for the spring and summer usage. Will I be able to buy my cleaning equipment, parts, chemicals at wholesale prices?   Yes. Once you have established your DBA, business licence, and business checking account. Why do people get out of the business and want to sell their route?   It can range anywhere from health, desire for a career change, geographics, personal reasons. Could I sell the route down the road if I decide to try a new career?   Yes. A pool route business will always have a market to resell. Are employees readily available to hire or train?   Yes. You just have to find a niche to locate them… newspapers, colleges, distributors, word of mouth. What is a fair wage to pay a pool cleaner or a repairman, etc.?   A good pool cleaner will be paid $6 to $8 per residential stop. A good repairman will be paid $20 to $30 per hour plus bonuses/commissions. What about insurance? Is there a low-cost way to have liability insurance?   Yes. We have two service organizations that cater to low-cost liability insurance, or a buyer can get liability insurance on their own. What happens if I get sick or have surgery done? Who could cover my route if this happens?   If you become a member of either service organization, then in case of sickness or surgery, your own chapter members will cover your pools at no cost up to 6 months. Are there computer software billing programs that cater to the industry?   Yes. There are several companies that specialize in pool route software and several software programs that are also adaptable. Are there trade shows, seminars, educational classes available to the trade?   Always. Most trade shows and classes start around October through March during the off season. How about books, manuals, service publications that I can buy or sign up for membership?   Yes. There is one publication that caters to over 10,000 pool service professionals all year round, and several books and manuals are available. Do you have any marketing concepts on how to grow your business without having to purchase additional pools?   Yes. I offer a ten-step marketing plan. Do you provide any materials, such as start-up suggestions, list of pool equipment, supplies, and chemicals needed, upcoming trade show dates, etc.?   Yes. We include a "Buyer's Packet" at no charge for all our completed sales. The 50-page detailed booklet provides the buyer with guidelines for a DBA, business checking account, business address, business license, list of distributors and applications, pool association locations, repair catalog, and lots more, including four service industry books.