Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, you need to understand the business side of pool service. These resources will help you price services correctly, manage customer relationships, and build systems that actually scale.
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
This book teaches you how to stop being a technician and start being a business owner. In pool opening and closing, you’ll face the constant pull to do the work yourself rather than build systems others can follow. Gerber’s framework for documenting processes and hiring is essential if you want to grow beyond solo operation.
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Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
Pool service businesses fail not because they’re unprofitable, but because owners don’t know how to manage cash flow. This book gives you a practical system for separating operating expenses, taxes, and profit from day one. You’ll understand why revenue doesn’t equal profit and how to actually keep money in the business.
The Service Business Blueprint by Paul Kemp
This book specifically addresses service-based businesses and covers pricing, client retention, and scaling without hiring. Since your first year will largely be you doing the work, you need solid pricing to make it worth your time. Kemp’s approach to value-based pricing beats hourly rates for pool services.
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Exactly What to Say by Phil M. Jones
A short, practical guide to phrases that actually work in sales conversations. You’ll use these when quoting pool opening and closing jobs, handling price objections, and upselling additional services. The language patterns in this book reduce friction in client negotiations.
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Equipment You Need
Your equipment investment depends on whether you’re offering opening and closing only, or adding maintenance. Start with opening and closing gear first—it requires less equipment and generates revenue faster. Most items below are $200 to $1,500 total to start. As you add maintenance clients, you’ll expand this list significantly.
Water Testing and Chemistry
- Digital pH and chlorine test kit: More accurate than strips; clients trust digital readings more. Costs $30–$80 for reliable models.
- Alkalinity and hardness test kit: Required for proper pool opening. You’ll need to test and adjust these before handing off to the customer.
- Pool thermometer: Basic digital or analog to track water temperature during opening and closing protocols.
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Cleaning and Debris Removal
- Leaf net: Essential for removing leaves and debris from pools. Get a heavy-duty version rated for pool-sized nets.
- Skimmer net attachment: Smaller net for catching smaller debris and insects.
- Brush with telescoping pole: For scrubbing pool walls and floor. Aluminum poles are lighter; stainless steel lasts longer.
- Vacuum head and hose: Removes settled debris from the pool floor. A good vac hose costs $40–$70.
- Wet/dry shop vacuum: For removing excess water from covers and draining filter systems. This doubles as a maintenance tool.
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Water Handling and Filters
- Filter cleaning brush: For backwashing and cleaning cartridge or sand filters. You may need to clean filters during opening.
- Pump and filter cleaning supplies: Acid for filter cleaning, depending on your region’s water chemistry. Required for seasonal openings with heavy mineral buildup.
- Submersible pump (optional early on): Useful for draining sections of pools or handling water removal during winterization.
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Safety and Personal Protective Equipment
- Chemical-resistant gloves: You’ll handle chlorine, acid, and other chemicals. Nitrile gloves fail quickly around pool chemicals; get thicker chemical-rated gloves.
- Safety glasses: Required when handling any chemicals. Protects against splashes.
- First aid kit: For minor cuts and chemical exposure. Keep one in your vehicle at all times.
- Work boots: Non-slip soles. Pool decks are slippery year-round.
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Tools and Hand Equipment
- Adjustable wrench set: For tightening pump fittings, valve connections, and filter band clamps.
- Screwdriver set: Pool equipment uses Phillips and flathead screws constantly.
- Needle-nose pliers: For handling small parts, removing cover clips, and debris from strainers.
- Flashlight or headlamp: Equipment rooms and pump areas are often dark. A headlamp frees up both hands.
Safety and Documentation
- Notebook and waterproof pen: For recording water test results and noting equipment observations during openings and closings.
- Smartphone or tablet with photo app: Document pool conditions before and after service. Photos protect you in liability disputes.
What to Buy First vs Later
Your startup budget doesn’t need to exceed $1,500 for opening and closing work. Buy strategically and add equipment as your revenue grows.
- Month 1 (Essential): Test kit, leaf net, skimmer net, brush, gloves, safety glasses, basic tools, thermometer. This gets you operational for $400–$600.
- Month 2–3 (High-value add): Vacuum head and hose, submersible pump if you encounter drainage problems. Opens new service angles.
- Month 4+ (Maintenance expansion): Wet/dry vac, filter cleaning chemicals, cartridge filters (if you buy your own backup filters to swap during service). These support maintenance clients and larger jobs.
- Year 2 (Scale): Robotic pool cleaner for maintenance work, additional filter cleaning tools, backup test kits so you can test at multiple properties simultaneously.
New vs Used Equipment
For pool opening and closing, buy new on items that touch water chemistry and safety. Buy used on structural tools where durability isn’t critical.
Buy New: Test kits (accuracy matters), gloves and safety equipment, brushes and nets (they wear out and harbor algae/bacteria), and submersible pumps (used pumps may fail mid-job). Buy Used: Tool sets, shop vacs, and poles. Check Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for contractors selling off equipment. Many exist in your area. You can save 30–50% on basic tools without compromising quality.
One exception: if a used piece of equipment is cheaper than the shipping cost to return it, the risk isn’t worth it. A $20 used net that fails during a $400 job costs you far more than $20.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Fastest shipping, good return policy, broad selection. Start here for items you want in 2 days.
- Pool supply stores (local): Leslie’s, Inyopools, Swim University. Better prices on bulk chemicals once you start maintenance work. Local stores also provide advice from experienced staff.
- Home Depot and Lowe’s: Tools, pumps, work gloves, and vacs. Often cheaper than Amazon for power tools and safety equipment.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Used equipment, especially tools and shop vacs. Meet in person to inspect condition before buying.
- eBay: Used pool equipment and specialty items (like replacement pump strainers). Read seller ratings carefully.
- Direct from pool equipment manufacturers: If you find a specific pump or filter brand you work with frequently, buying direct sometimes offers contractor discounts after your first few orders.