The Pool Service Entrepreneur
Several years ago I attended a social event in town where a young woman approached and introduced herself. After exchanging names she asked the familiar question: “So what do you do for a living?”
As a proud The Pool Service Entrepreneur, I have witnessed the evolution of the industry firsthand.
At the time I owned a swimming pool service company. I told her exactly that.
Being a The Pool Service Entrepreneur allows for flexibility and creativity in managing your own business.
She paused, tilted her head slightly, and responded with a polite but unmistakably condescending remark.
“Oh… that’s nice,” she said quietly.
“Not everyone should go to college, right?”
As a The Pool Service Entrepreneur, I often face misconceptions about the work we do.
Moments like that tend to stick with you.
For decades the swimming pool service profession has carried a strange stereotype—the idea that the “pool guy” or “pool gal” somehow ended up there by accident or as a last resort.
For those considering a career as a The Pool Service Entrepreneur, it’s essential to understand the skills required.
The reality is quite different.
The pool industry represents a skilled trade and small-business sector that supports thousands of professionals across the United States and around the world. Pool service companies maintain residential pools, large commercial aquatic facilities, hotels, schools, and community recreation centers.
The Pool Service Entrepreneur can thrive in urban or suburban settings, where pools are a common amenity.
And for many entrepreneurs, it can become a highly successful career.
The Business Side of Pool Service
The Pool Service Entrepreneur Journey
Every journey of a The Pool Service Entrepreneur starts with a passion for water and service.
Pool service work combines technical knowledge, customer service, and small business management.
A successful The Pool Service Entrepreneur must also adapt to changing customer needs and preferences.
A typical pool service company is responsible for:
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water chemistry management
The Pool Service Entrepreneur often becomes an integral part of their community.
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filtration and circulation system maintenance
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equipment repair and installation
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algae and biofilm control
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customer scheduling and route management
Every The Pool Service Entrepreneur must prioritize effective customer scheduling.
Because swimming pools require ongoing maintenance, the industry also benefits from recurring service demand, which can provide stable revenue for well-run businesses.
Like many service industries, however, success depends on professionalism, organization, and a willingness to continually learn.
A Perspective from the Field
To better understand the entrepreneurial opportunities within the pool industry, I asked my friend and former student Erik Taylor, founder of Chlorine King Pool Service, to share his perspective.
Erik Taylor’s insight as a The Pool Service Entrepreneur provides valuable lessons.
Erik was recognized as one of the APSP (Association of Pool & Spa Professionals) Young Professionals of the Year in 2018, and his company has been listed among the Top 50 Pool Service Companies in the United States by Pool & Spa News and Jandy.
Taylor notes that many people entering the industry underestimate the opportunities available.
“One of the most common questions I hear is whether someone can make a good living in the pool business,” Taylor says. “The answer is yes—if the business is run professionally.”
According to Taylor, success often depends less on the industry itself and more on how the business is managed.
It’s the approach of a The Pool Service Entrepreneur that sets them apart in this competitive market.
Pool professionals who approach their work with organization, strong customer relationships, and technical expertise often build stable companies that continue to grow year after year.
Changing the Perception of Pool Professionals
Changing the perception of a The Pool Service Entrepreneur requires ongoing education and advocacy.
Public perception of the pool service industry has not always reflected the level of skill involved in the profession.
Taylor admits that he once held some of the same misconceptions before entering the field himself.
“Before I got into the industry, I had the same stereotype in my head—a guy climbing out of an old truck with chemical bottles everywhere. But once you actually get involved in the business, you realize how much knowledge and professionalism it takes to do the job right.”
Today many pool professionals operate modern service companies with trained technicians, specialized equipment, and sophisticated scheduling systems.
In many ways, the pool industry mirrors other skilled trades where technical knowledge and hands-on experience combine to create long-term career opportunities.
Entrepreneurship in the Pool Industry
Entrepreneurship in the pool industry is an exciting path for any The Pool Service Entrepreneur.
For individuals interested in starting their own business, the pool service industry offers a relatively accessible entry point compared to many other professions.
Starting a pool service company typically requires:
For a The Pool Service Entrepreneur, technical training is just the beginning of the journey.
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technical training
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basic service equipment
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transportation
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appropriate licensing and insurance
Licensing and insurance are crucial for every The Pool Service Entrepreneur to operate legally.
As a business grows, operators often expand services to include equipment repair, automation systems, and commercial facility management.
Like any small business, success requires dedication, customer service, and continuous learning.
But for many entrepreneurs, the combination of outdoor work, technical problem solving, and business ownership creates a rewarding career path.
Ultimately, a career as a The Pool Service Entrepreneur is about more than just profits; it’s about impact.
Education and Professional Training
Although the pool industry has historically been viewed as a hands-on trade, modern aquatic facility management increasingly relies on scientific knowledge and professional training.
Swimming pools must maintain safe water chemistry, proper circulation, and regulatory compliance with local health codes.
For this reason, many pool professionals pursue Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification, a nationally recognized training program that provides instruction in recreational water safety and aquatic facility management.
Certified Pool Operator training includes topics such as:
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chlorine chemistry and water balance
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filtration and circulation systems
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algae prevention and remediation
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chemical safety and risk management
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public health regulations
Programs such as the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) course offered through Aquatic Facility Training & Consultants help technicians and entrepreneurs develop the technical knowledge needed to operate pools safely and professionally.
Learn more about Certified Pool Operator certification training here:
https://cpoclass.com/cpo-pool-operator-certification/
Redefining Success in the Pool Industry
Education empowers every The Pool Service Entrepreneur to elevate their business standards.
For many pool professionals, success is not measured solely by revenue.
Running a sustainable business means:
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supporting employees
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maintaining safe facilities for customers
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contributing to retirement and long-term financial stability
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enjoying the independence that comes with entrepreneurship
For the modern The Pool Service Entrepreneur, financial literacy is equally important.
Taylor believes that professionals who run their businesses responsibly and help others enter the industry play an important role in strengthening the field.
“If you’re covering your bills, paying your team, planning for the future, and helping move the industry forward, that’s success.”
Success, as defined by a The Pool Service Entrepreneur, involves a commitment to growth and community.
In many ways, the pool industry rewards those who combine technical knowledge, business discipline, and a willingness to continually improve.
For those who approach it seriously, the career path can be far more rewarding than many people expect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Careers in the Pool Industry
Can someone build a career in the pool service industry?
Yes. Many pool professionals operate successful service companies that maintain residential and commercial pools. Like any business, success depends on professionalism, technical knowledge, and customer service.
What training is helpful for pool service professionals?
Many professionals pursue Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification, which teaches water chemistry, filtration systems, and aquatic facility safety.
Is the pool industry only residential service?
No. Pool professionals also work with commercial facilities such as hotels, schools, community recreation centers, and aquatic parks.
How do people start a pool service business?
Many operators begin by gaining technical training, obtaining necessary licensing and insurance, and building a customer base through referrals and service quality.
Related Articles
Where Is Your Next Pool Service Customer?
Raising Pool Service Prices
Understanding Biofilms and Black Algae in Swimming Pools
About the Author
Rudy Stankowitz is a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) instructor and the founder of Aquatic Facility Training & Consultants. He provides professional Certified Pool Operator (CPO) training for pool service professionals, aquatic facility managers, and public health personnel through both online and in-person courses. Rudy is widely recognized within the swimming pool industry for his research into pool water chemistry and microbiology, including field investigations into cyanobacteria biofilms commonly referred to as “black algae.”
Learn more about Certified Pool Operator certification classes at:
https://cpoclass.com/cpo-pool-operator-certification/
Great post – one of my best friends owns a pool company and I wouldn’t consider him “uneducated.”
far too often people are quick to judge a book by its cover, sadly some are also a poor judge of covers ?
I started with a pool company in high school. I fell in love with it! I never went to college. I’ve been in the business for over 30 years. I’ve owned my own business and experienced success. I left the pool industry for 5 years and came right back to it. I’ve always been able to put my head on my pillow at night knowing I operated with honest and integrity. I’ve been with my current company for nearly five years and look at each day as a new adventure. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I’ve met so many interesting people- most of them I actually enjoyed meeting.
I’ve experienced the snooty folks who feel sorry for me being a pool guy- I would just smile as I hand them their invoice. ?
I hope more younger folks get into the business and learn like us seasoned guys. It’s a great industry. And yes, YES you can make a good living in the pool business!
Hey Donald! Thank you for reading. Similar story… It will be 29 years for me this April (2019). Started my pool career immediately following my ETS from the military and it has always been very good to me. Happy to see so many young professionals pursuing this field, a person can honestly go as far as they want to go in this industry!
I have a bachelors degree in Microbiology and graduated with multiple scholastic honors… was going to be a dentist- but I wised uo and started my own pool service company. Anyone that laughs at pool service companies… the jokes on them.
agreed! anyone who thinks that the pool pro is an uneducated underachiever, should sit in my class (or one of anyone’s educational sessions in the industry) and see if they can keep up. ?