Books and Resources to Start Strong
Reading the right material before you launch helps you avoid costly mistakes and understand the business fundamentals beyond just cleaning pools. These books cover customer service, small business operations, and the specific knowledge you’ll need to run a profitable pool maintenance company.
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
This book walks you through building systems and processes that let your business run without you being present for every job. For pool cleaning, that means documenting procedures, training employees, and creating checklists so your operation scales. Gerber’s framework is essential if you plan to grow beyond solo operation.
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The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
This book teaches you how to test your business model with minimal waste and measure what actually works. For pool cleaning, that means starting with a small service area, tracking customer retention, and adjusting your pricing or service offerings based on real feedback rather than guesses.
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Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Negotiation skills matter when you’re setting prices, handling customer disputes, or dealing with suppliers. Voss’s tactics for understanding what people actually want will help you close more contracts and handle difficult conversations without losing clients or margin.
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Pool Operation Management by Tom Griffiths
This is the technical foundation. It covers water chemistry, equipment maintenance, safety standards, and compliance. Even if you learn most of this through certification courses, having a reference guide for troubleshooting and understanding pool systems is invaluable when clients ask questions or something goes wrong.
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Equipment You Need
Pool cleaning requires specific tools and safety gear. Your startup inventory depends on whether you’re focusing on residential pools, commercial accounts, or both. Below is organized by category so you can see what’s essential versus what you can add later.
Testing and Chemistry
- Digital pH and chlorine test kit: Measures water balance. Get one you can use poolside in seconds—accuracy matters for customer safety.
- Alkalinity and cyanuric acid test strips: These are cheaper consumables you’ll buy regularly. Buy in bulk.
- Calcium hardness test kit: Essential for preventing scale buildup or corrosion depending on water type.
- Thermometer: Water temperature affects chemical readings and customer comfort.
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Cleaning Tools
- Telescopic poles: 6-12 feet adjustable. You’ll need 2-3 for different tasks and backups.
- Leaf skimmer basket: Removes large debris from the surface and bottom.
- Brush head attachments: Different types for plaster, vinyl, or tile. Attach to telescopic poles.
- Vacuum head and hose: For cleaning the pool floor. Get a commercial-grade hose that doesn’t kink.
- Tile brush: Smaller brush for cleaning waterline buildup and tile.
- Pump strainer baskets: You’ll replace these frequently—buy extras.
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Safety and Protective Gear
- Safety glasses: Protect against chemical splashes.
- Chemical-resistant gloves: Heavy-duty nitrile or vinyl. Pool chemicals eat through thin gloves.
- Respirator mask: Chlorine powder and other chemicals require respiratory protection.
- Steel-toe boots: Safer around deck equipment and tools.
- First aid kit: Tailored for chemical exposure.
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Chemical Storage and Handling
- 5-gallon buckets with lids: For mixing and carrying chemicals. Multiple buckets.
- Measuring cups and scoops: Accuracy in chemical dosing prevents customer issues.
- Chemical storage container or cabinet: Keeps inventory organized and safe. Protects from weather and accidental contact.
- Chemical spill kit: Absorbent materials for accidents.
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Documentation and Customer Service
- Clipboard and inspection forms: Record water chemistry, equipment condition, and service notes at each visit.
- Digital timer or watch: Track how long you spend on each account.
- Notebook: For customer requests, equipment notes, and follow-up items.
Transport and Storage
- Tool bag or rolling cart: Organizes equipment so nothing gets left behind.
- Vehicle storage or truck rack: Keeps tools accessible and protects your vehicle interior from chemicals and moisture.
What to Buy First vs Later
Your initial investment should focus on what you need to complete a basic pool service and represent yourself professionally. Don’t overstock consumables you haven’t sold yet.
- Month 1: Test kit, basic cleaning tools (skimmer, brush, vacuum head), poles, safety gear, and one set of chemical supplies. This covers the core service.
- Month 2-3: Backup tools, extra test strips, more chemical inventory, and a better storage solution as you see what you actually use.
- Month 4+: Specialized tools (acid pumps, filter cleaning equipment, acid wash supplies) only if you’re booking enough work to justify the cost. Don’t buy equipment for services you haven’t sold yet.
New vs Used Equipment
The equation is simple: buy new test kits and safety gear, consider used tools if they’re in good condition. Test kits lose accuracy over time, and chemical-resistant equipment degrades. Buying a faulty kit costs you a client when you recommend the wrong chemical dose. Safety gear is cheap insurance—don’t compromise.
For tools like poles, brushes, skimmers, and vacuum hoses, used equipment from pool supply closeouts or online marketplaces works fine if it’s clean and functional. A $20 used telescopic pole is identical to a new one if it extends and locks properly. However, avoid heavily corroded metal equipment—rust particles end up in pools. For chemical storage buckets, buy new to ensure no residue from previous contents.
Where to Buy
- Pool supply chains: Leslie’s, Pinch A Penny, and local pool shops. Staff can recommend equipment for your region’s water type and customer base.
- Amazon: Convenient for standard tools, test kits, and bulk consumables. Faster shipping than some specialty suppliers.
- Home Depot and Lowe’s: General hardware, safety gear, and storage solutions. Often have local stock you can grab same-day.
- Industrial suppliers: Grainger and Uline for bulk chemicals, buckets, and commercial-grade safety equipment.
- eBay and Facebook Marketplace: Used tools and bulk test strip inventory if you find reputable sellers.
- Wholesale clubs: Costco and Sam’s Club for safety gear, first aid supplies, and bulk cleaning products.