How to start a Jim’s Pool Care franchise
Swimming pools have long been ingrained into Australian culture. Going for a dip in the pool during a warm summer’s afternoon is arguably one of the most quintessential Australian pastimes.
Our obsession with pools has given us the title of the country with the highest rate of pool ownership in the world. To be precise, there are more than 1.2 million pools across our homes and backyards!
COVID-19 has made travel difficult, if not impossible, for many families, so demand for backyard pools and spas has surged over the last year and a half. The pool industry is forecasted to grow at an annualised 2.1 per cent in the next five years, totalling to a total of $1.1 billion. So, if you’ve been considering starting a business in the industry, now is the perfect time.
How do you become a professional pool cleaner?
Professional pool cleaners are responsible for maintaining, servicing, and treating swimming pools and spas across public venues and private homes. To become a professional pool cleaner, you may need to obtain a VET qualification or certificate in the field.
At Jim’s Pool Care, we require all new franchisees to complete the Certificate III & IV Pool Technician course, which is a nationally recognised, accredited qualification. In addition to this, we provide all our franchisees with ongoing on-the-job training and professional development opportunities so that they can continue providing their customers with the best pool care services on the market.
Pros and cons of owning a pool cleaning business
Owning and operating a pool cleaning business can be an exciting endeavour, however like every business, it’s not smooth sailing 24/7.
Owning a pool cleaning business comes with several advantages. Some of the pros of being a pool care business owner include:
- The ability to work in the great outdoors
- The ability to dictate your own work schedule
- Increased power over your earning potential
- The potential to grow your business over time
One of the biggest downsides of owning a pool cleaning business is that it’s quite a physical job. The work itself can be very demanding and will require you to work in hot or cold conditions. However, for people who are naturally inclined towards an active, outdoorsy lifestyle, then this might not be an issue at all.
What is involved in pool maintenance?
Pools are expensive investments. On average, installing a concrete pool costs around $50,000, and this doesn’t even take into account additional costs such as decking and fencing! To make their investments worthwhile, homeowners must regularly maintain their pool equipment and should clean their pools at least once a week.
Since swimming pools require regular and high levels of maintenance, professional pool cleaners are in demand all year round – even during the winter months. Regular tasks and duties that professional pool care specialists perform on a regular basis include:
- Testing for water quality and pH levels
- Pool and water cleaning
- Measuring and applying chemicals for correct water balance
- Maintaining and fixing pool and spa equipment
- Installing pool and spa equipment
Starting a pool cleaning business
Starting your very own pool cleaning business can be a hugely exciting endeavour. Like every business, the key to a successful pool care business launch lies in careful research and planning. Before you put your savings on the line with your new business, be sure to check and double check that it’s really the right business for you.
How do pool businesses make money?
Pool care businesses are serviced-based businesses, so they make money by providing specific services to customers. The services on offer will vary business-to-business, but you can expect most pool businesses to offer some maintenance services, cleaning services, and minor repair services. Some businesses will charge per job, whilst other pool specialists will charge per hour. At Jim’s Pool Care, our franchisees can maximise their earning potential by branching out and selling pool products and equipment to customers.
Pool cleaning business training
Running a pool cleaning business means that you’ll not only be faced with technical problems on a daily basis, but also business challenges. Every business owner knows that troubleshooting and problem solving is a day-to-day task that comes with running a business. That’s why it’s important to equip yourself with not only technical knowledge, but also business knowledge.
At Jim’s Pool Care, we provide all our new franchise owners with everything they need to start their businesses off on the right foot. This includes an intensive business training course, where they’ll learn about marketing, customer service, and resilience. We also provide our franchisees with hands-on pool care training so that they can approach all pool-related issues with confidence. Every single one of our franchise owners has completed the Certificate III in Swimming Pool and Spa Service, which is a nationally accredited and recognised program.
It’s the ongoing training and support that we provide to our pool specialists that contributes to their high levels of success. Get a glimpse into our unique 3-day business training course here:
Pool cleaning business equipment
Cleaning a pool requires so much more equipment than a net and a bucket. Professional pool cleaning is a complex job that utilises a variety of different chemicals, equipment, and products. Investment in premium products and equipment will be the thing that sets your business apart from your competitors.
When you start a pool cleaning business, it can be extremely confusing trying to navigate all the equipment and product requirements. That’s why when you purchase a Jim’s Pool Care franchise business, you’re given some startup items intended to fast track your growth. Your investment includes:
- A comprehensive operations manual and startup guide
- A complete set of supplier catalogues and price lists
- Startup stock, including chemicals and water testing equipment
- Van signage
- Jim’s Pool Care uniforms
How much does it cost to start a pool business?
The costs involved in starting a pool business in Australia will vary significantly depending on if you’re planning on starting up a brand new pool business independently, or if you’re purchasing an existing business or a franchise. When starting up a brand new business, the bulk of your startup costs will go towards marketing, getting equipment, and building a customer base. This can cost tens of thousands of dollars and can take years before you start seeing a return on your investment.
Although purchasing a pool business under a franchise model can initially be more costly, you’re more likely to make your money back quicker when you go down the franchising route. For example, when you purchase a Jim’s Pool Care franchise, you don’t have to spend that extra money on marketing and branding because the brand and the logo has already been established.
Our franchises at Jim’s Pool Care are priced at $69,000. When you consider the fact that the price includes comprehensive training (including the Certificate III in Swimming Pool and Spa Service), marketing support, access to customer leads from the Jim’s Group national call centre, and a comprehensive start-up guide, it’s actually a highly competitive offer.
How profitable is a pool cleaning business?
With over 1.2 million pools across the country (and many more in venues, schools, and gyms), the pool cleaning industry is a lucrative business. At Jim’s Pool Care, we only sell territories that have a minimum of 1,000 pools located within the region. Since every pool requires regular weekly or monthly maintenance, our Jim’s Pool Care franchise owners are well positioned to make good money from day one.
The amount that pool cleaners make per pool depends on the size of the pool and the services provided. A standard pool clean costs between $60-$130, while chemical treatment can cost up to $200. At Jim’s Pool Care, our franchise owners are able to drive up their earning potential by also selling pool equipment to clients – all from the convenience of a vehicle!
We recognise that a lack of cash flow in the early years contributes to the downfall of many small businesses, which is why we offer our franchisees a minimum weekly guarantee of $1,500 as security. However, with plenty of work to go around, the vast majority of our franchisees never need to fall back on this guarantee as most of them end up making more than that from the very start. With lots of pools needing servicing across the board, a pool care business is truly a great opportunity with huge growth potential.
If you’re looking for a pool business for sale in your local area, get in touch with us at Jim’s Pool Care today. Call 131 546 or enquire online to learn more about our franchises for sale.
Related Jim’s Group News
– How do I Start a Jim’s Building Inspections Franchise?
– How to Start a Jim’s Car Detailing Franchise?
– How do I start a Pressure Washing or Window Cleaning Business?
– How to Start a Carpet Cleaning Business?
– How to Start a Pest Control Business?
– How do I start a Jim’s Dog Wash Franchise?
– How do I start a Rubbish Removal Business in Australia?
– How do I start a Jim’s Fencing Franchise?
– What does the Jim’s Group do to Help Franchisees with Mental Health?
– How do I Start a Handyman Business in Australia?
– How to Start an Antenna Installation Business?
– How to Start a Jim’s Test and Tag Franchise?
