Here is everything you need to know before starting a swimming pool business.
Is there a niche in the market for swimming pool technicians? Is starting a swimming pool business worth it?
Yes there is 100% a demand in the market. I see new pool companies opening everyday or so. However anyone who has been in the industry long enough will know that these companies usually only last a month or so then die off.
They come in and undercut the more reputable companies. It is sad that individuals still go with these companies to save costs, but end up hiring us down the line to fix the terrible work which these companies have done. If your work is good and you are passionate about pools then yes there is a niche for you in the industry.
What does it take to start a swimming pool business in South Africa?
To be honest with you not much, the best thing about starting a swimming pool business is you do not need much capital. You will need a pool pole, brush, net and a reliable vehicle. Depending on what you want to specialize in you might not even need a vehicle. I have seen some guys only advertise within a 5km radius and walk to do cleans.
You might also want to look at registering your business as this will work in your favor when it comes to financing and your more elite clients.
Can you earn a decent amount of money in this industry?
As I mentioned before if your work is good then there is no reason you should not be able to pull a substantial amount of money. I have had months where we have managed to pull 6 figures in profit. So to answer the question yes it can work in your favour. But also remember one thing and that is, as good as some months can be there are also very bad ones as well.
What type of person do you need to be in this industry?
To be a success in this industry it is always best to mind your own business and not run other companies down. As this doesnt say much about you if you do. You need to be fit and pretty strong as lifting equipment and sand is no joke. You cannot be a pushover in this line of work as clients will take full advantage of you trust me. I know and learned from a young age. Been a peoples person is a must and selling is a key trade here. You will need to know how to sell because this is something you will do on a daily basis. You and your staff need to be reliable and trustworthy. You will also need to be well presented and groomed as looking scruffy may work for some clients but if you want the pay then high profile clients will not tolerate that.
Where do you find clients when starting out?
When you start out finding clients may seem like an impossible task at first but really its creating brand awareness. If you do not have the budget for advertising then start with free platforms such as google my business, facebook, local business platforms etc. The majority of your business will come from word of mouth and referrals.
Is buying an existing swimming pool company worth the spend?
The answer to this is NO! Let me ask you this if the pool company was so successful then why is it been sold? I mean I would never sell my pool business I would keep it and hand it down to my family or relatives one day and keep the name alive. But if you think buying a pool company is worth it then ask the seller what are you actually buying beside the company name and data base which both are probably not worth much anyway. Do you get vehicles, equipment if not then I would not actually bother to be honest with you.
Do you need a qualification when starting a pool business?
In all honesty having a qualification will help but depending on which side of the pool company you want to do, you do not always require a qualification in South Africa to do pool cleaning and maintenance, repairs, plumbing and installations. But the building side of the business I would advise getting a building qualification.
Good points of starting a swimming pool business
. Work your own hours
. Work outdoors
. Get to meet all kinds of awesome people all day long
. Rewarding for sure
. Learn a lot of different skills such as leak detection, plumbing, building and chemicals.
Bad points in the pool industry
. There will always be quite months
. Spend most of your time on the road and in meetings
. If you get a bad review it will effect your business quite a bit
. You must be able to manage your money 100%
. You will always get 1 client which is impossible to please it is part of life
. Kiss your weekends and holidays goodbye because you work all the time
. There will always be pop up pool companies opening
.Finding reliable and honest staff is difficult
So to all you thinking of starting a swimming pool business, I hope this helps you answer some questions you may have had.
Goodluck and I wish you all the support and prosparity on starting your swimming pool business.
