After 25 years in corporate America, he finally reached his breaking point during a call with his vice president. As the VP blamed him for issues without hearing the facts, his wife walked in and said, “I think you’re done. I think it’s time to go do your own business.” That moment changed everything. The pool service industry hadn’t been on his radar. He had already attempted to launch two other businesses, but life challenges kept them from taking off. Then he discovered America’s Swimming Pool Company (ASP), and that changed the game. The franchise model aligned perfectly with his five-year growth plan—and for someone like you, looking for a solid path forward, that kind of clarity and support can make all the difference.
Why the Pool Business Made Sense
What attracted him to the pool industry was its three-pillar structure: maintenance (cleaning), service (equipment care), and construction (building or renovating pools). The bread and butter is the recurring weekly maintenance service, which provides consistent monthly revenue.
Startup costs were surprisingly manageable. Most people assume you need massive savings, but he financed everything through an SBA loan. With established franchise systems like ASP behind you, lenders are often more willing to finance the business over a 10-year period.
The equipment requirements are minimal—just a few hundred dollars for the basics:
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Brushes and poles
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Pool nets
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Vacuum equipment
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Test kits for chemicals
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Basic chemicals
With these simple tools, you can begin servicing pools immediately. A typical pool cleaning takes just 30 to 45 minutes, including chemical balancing, and customers pay for weekly service 52 weeks a year—even during the winter in Texas.
Building a Business Your Way
One common misconception about franchises is that they control everything. But with ASP, he received a strong foundation and clear guidelines—while still having the flexibility to run the business his own way. They provide the systems and support, but you make the decisions that matter.
For instance, he set his own pricing based on market research and the value his team provides. Their prices might be slightly higher than the local average, but they deliver what he calls a “resort-style pool experience”—complete cleaning, vacuuming, and meticulous attention to detail that justifies the premium.
If you’re not fulfilled in your current role and you have the drive and entrepreneurial spirit, go for it. Jump into the deep end with both feet—or ease in gradually through the shallow end. What’s the worst that could happen? If it doesn’t work out, the corporate world will still be there.
From Solo Operation to Family Legacy
He started out cleaning pools himself, and by the second week of operations, his son had joined him. By their second year, they were servicing so many pools that they needed to hire additional help. Today, his son serves as the general manager for their area while he focuses on expanding into new territories.
Working with family has become one of the most rewarding parts of the business. His son has a vested interest in its success, and together they’re building something meaningful—something that will eventually be his. It’s a legacy that couldn’t have been built in corporate America.
Some of the most successful drivers of their growth include:
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Their website and Google pay-per-click advertising
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Google reviews that do much of the selling on their behalf
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A fun, consistent social media presence (especially posts featuring dogs in pools!)
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Personal visits to every potential customer
That personal touch makes a real difference. He converts about one in three visits into paying customers by clearly explaining what sets their service apart—and by focusing on quality above all else.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
If he could go back and change one thing, he would have focused more on the financial side from the very beginning. Knowing your numbers—understanding costs, percentages, expenses, and income—is what keeps you in business.
Time management was another challenge early on. As the business grows, you’re cleaning pools, answering calls, solving customer issues, and juggling it all. That’s when finding an “A player” to take on key responsibilities becomes essential.
Over time, he’s learned that success isn’t just about revenue—it’s about customer satisfaction. True success comes when there are no complaint calls or emails, when customers are smiling, and when the positive reviews keep coming in.
The pool industry has given him control over his future and opened the door to unlimited income potential. Now, he works on the business rather than in it—spending just 10–15% of his time on daily operations while focusing on long-term growth.
For anyone considering a similar path, start by writing a business plan. Even a one-page outline is enough. Have a vision for what you want to achieve instead of diving in without direction. The unknown can be intimidating—but that’s also where the excitement lives: in charting your own path and building something meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to start a pool cleaning business?
The basic equipment costs are surprisingly low – around $300-500 for brushes, poles, nets, vacuum equipment, and test kits. The franchise costs vary by region, but many entrepreneurs finance their startup through SBA loans rather than using personal savings.
Q: Do you need prior experience in pool maintenance to start this business?
No prior experience is necessary. I came from 25 years in telecommunications with no background in pool cleaning. The franchise provides training, and you can also do a ride-along with an existing pool company owner to learn the basics before starting.
Q: Is pool cleaning seasonal, or can you make money year-round?
Even in places like Texas, pool maintenance is a year-round service. Customers pay for weekly service 52 weeks per year, providing consistent recurring revenue throughout all seasons.
Q: What marketing strategies work best for a pool service business?
The best return on investment comes from a strong web presence, Google pay-per-click advertising, and positive Google reviews. Social media (especially Instagram and Facebook) can also be effective, particularly posts featuring pets in pools. Direct mail marketing and door-to-door flyers in neighborhoods with pools can help acquire initial customers.
Q: Is it better to start independently or join a franchise?
Both approaches can work, but a franchise accelerates your growth by providing established systems, support, and brand recognition. Going independent might take longer to build but avoids franchise fees. The decision depends on your background, experience, and how quickly you want to scale. A franchise like ASP provides the foundation while still allowing flexibility to run the business your way.
