The PoolPro Panel answers: What advice would you give to a one-poler or small operation?
Our success at Logan’s Pool Service can be summed up in two words: communication and consistency. Continual communication with the client is key. They should know your vision for their pool care needs, your plan of execution and an update after every visit. We always let the client know what we did, what we added and a picture of the pool in the moment. When we communicate with our clients, we always add positives about the pool and its care. This helps foster long-lasting relationships and trust. Mean what you say and do as you promised. Consistency is crucial to a successful client relationship. Our clients truly appreciate that we show up on a set day every week and that we never cut any corners. The No. 1 complaint I hear from new clients who decided to leave their previous service company is that they never knew when they were going to show up and they wouldn’t listen to their concerns. We have to be very careful not to fall into an entitled mentality and remind ourselves that we provide a service for the pool owner. In summary, educate when appropriate, listen, communicate well and be very consistent. These cultural traits will accelerate your growth.
John Richardson
Owner/operator
Logan’s Pool Service
Gunter, Texas
The best advice I could give is to know the product you want to sell and install inside and out. Take as many training classes as you can for these products and build relationships with your sales reps. People who learn to network and are always willing to learn are the ones who do the best in our industry. Always continue to do better quality work and never stop learning.
Donny Rocovits
Repair manager
Precision Aquatics
Fallbrook, California
After spending many years in the distribution end of our industry, I spent a lot of time with small service and construction companies. I knew when I started my business it would be important to implement and invest in the following components:
Collect your money — Too often, pool dealers told me they faced cash flow issues because they simply didn’t have time to bill customers and collect payments. Since making money is the goal, it’s important to get this right from day one. Many affordable software options can help you stay organized, with pool service management programs often offering recurring billing services.
Pool service management software — Gone are the days of paper, pen and weekly phone calls. These antiquated methods waste time and are unreliable. New service businesses should invest in pool service management software to streamline tasks, scheduling and billing. These programs track every visit, provide photos and automatically communicate with customers, offering transparency and saving you time for other critical tasks.
Insurance/licensing — Although most states don’t require a license to service pools, it’s important to legitimize your business. Get the necessary state and county business certificates, along with other credentials like a Home Improvement Contractor’s License and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance’s Certified Service Technician certification. These show customers you’re committed to quality. Also, ensure you have adequate business insurance, including auto, worker’s comp and general liability.
Identify your mission and core values — When building a business, identify your key mission and core values — they serve as your foundation and should be reviewed and referenced frequently. Every decision, service and partnership should align with these principles. In the early days, it’s tempting to take on any work for cash flow, but this can lead you away from your original vision. Stay true to your goals, be consistent in messaging and keep your values at the center of your business.
Create a professional appearance — Although there are a ton of expenses you incur when starting up your pool business, the key components of looking professional should not be pushed aside. Take the time and invest money in a brand kit. This will provide you with a logo, fonts and a color palette that will align with your vision and goals. Use your brand kit to create print collateral like business cards, invoice headers, folders, vehicle wraps and uniforms. Customers want to work with a professional company, and using clean, consistent branding will go a long way in legitimizing your business.
Sam Folaron
Our 2025 Panel
