This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a pool technician.
Our business plan for a pool technician will help you build a profitable project
Starting a pool service business requires the right equipment, but knowing what to buy can be confusing.
The challenge is getting everything you need without overspending or missing essential tools that keep pools clean and safe.
Every pool service route has different demands, and equipment costs can add up quickly if you don't plan carefully.
Complete Pool Service Equipment List
Running a successful pool service business requires specialized equipment to maintain water quality, clean pools efficiently, and handle repairs. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to service residential and commercial pools professionally.
Water Testing & Chemical Equipment
- Digital water test kit - Measures pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and other chemical levels accurately
- Test strips - Quick backup testing method for routine checks
- Chemical storage containers - Safe transport and storage of pool chemicals
- Chemical dispensing equipment - Accurate measurement and application of treatment chemicals
- pH meter - Precise digital readings for water balance
- TDS meter - Tests total dissolved solids in pool water
- Thermometer - Monitors water temperature for chemical effectiveness
- Chemical mixing bucket - Safely combines chemicals before pool application
- Measuring cups/spoons - Accurate chemical portioning for smaller pools
- Safety goggles - Eye protection when handling chemicals
- Chemical resistant gloves - Hand protection during chemical handling
Pool Cleaning Equipment
- Telescopic pole - Extends reach for cleaning all pool areas
- Pool vacuum head - Removes debris from pool bottom efficiently
- Vacuum hose - Connects vacuum to skimmer or dedicated port
- Leaf skimmer net - Removes surface debris and floating leaves
- Pool brush (various types) - Scrubs walls, steps, and hard-to-reach areas
- Algae brush - Stiff bristles for removing stubborn algae buildup
- Wall brush - Gentle cleaning for delicate pool surfaces
- Corner brush - Triangular shape reaches tight corners effectively
- Pool vacuum (automatic) - Hands-free cleaning for regular maintenance
- Leaf rake - Heavy-duty net for removing large debris
- Tile cleaner - Removes calcium deposits and waterline buildup
- Pool cover pump - Removes water from pool covers safely
Equipment Maintenance Tools
- Filter cleaning equipment - Pressure washers and cleaning solutions for filters
- Filter cartridge puller - Safely removes stuck filter cartridges
- Pump basket cleaner - Tools for maintaining skimmer and pump baskets
- O-ring lubricant - Maintains seals on pool equipment
- Replacement O-rings - Various sizes for common pool equipment
- Pool equipment tools - Wrenches and tools specific to pool hardware
- Pressure gauge - Tests system pressure for proper operation
- Flow meter - Measures water circulation rates
- Multiometer - Tests electrical components safely
- Pipe inspection camera - Diagnoses underground plumbing issues
Vehicle & Transportation
- Service truck/van - Reliable transportation for equipment and chemicals
- Trailer (optional) - Additional storage for larger equipment
- Equipment racks - Organized storage system for tools and supplies
- Chemical storage bins - Secure, ventilated storage for pool chemicals
- Water tank - Fresh water supply for equipment cleaning
- Generator - Power source for equipment at locations without electricity
- Ladder/step stool - Access to elevated pool equipment
- Tarps - Weather protection for equipment and chemicals
Safety Equipment
- Safety equipment kit - First aid supplies and emergency contacts
- Life ring/rescue equipment - Safety devices required at commercial pools
- Non-slip shoes - Prevents accidents on wet pool decks
- Sun protection - Hats, sunscreen, and protective clothing
- Eye wash kit - Emergency treatment for chemical exposure
- MSDS binder - Material safety data sheets for all chemicals used
- Spill cleanup kit - Quickly contains and cleans chemical spills
- Warning signs - Alerts customers to recently treated water
Business Management Tools
- Route management software - Optimizes service schedules and customer tracking
- Invoicing system - Processes billing and payment collection
- Customer database - Maintains service history and pool specifications
- Inventory tracking - Monitors chemical and supply levels
- Mobile device/tablet - Access to route information and customer data
- Credit card processor - Accepts payments on-site from customers
- Service forms - Documents work performed and chemicals added
- Camera - Records before/after photos for customer documentation
Specialized Equipment
- Pool heater service tools - Maintains and repairs heating systems
- Salt system analyzer - Tests and calibrates saltwater chlorination systems
- Leak detection equipment - Identifies and locates pool leaks
- Pool plastering tools - Basic repair tools for surface damage
- Tile replacement tools - Equipment for minor tile repairs
- Drain cleaning equipment - Clears clogged drains and skimmers
- Pool cover installation tools - Installs and maintains various cover types
Chemicals & Supplies
- Liquid chlorine - Primary sanitizer for most pools
- Granular chlorine - Shock treatment and backup sanitization
- pH increaser/decreaser - Maintains proper water balance
- Alkalinity increaser - Buffers pH levels for stability
- Calcium hardness increaser - Prevents plaster damage
- Algaecide - Prevents and treats algae growth
- Clarifier - Improves water clarity and filtration
- Stabilizer - Protects chlorine from UV degradation
- Filter cleaner - Removes oils and debris from filters
- Tile and vinyl cleaner - Specialized cleaners for different surfaces
Our financial plan for a pool technician will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most pool service business owners spend between $15,000 and $75,000 on equipment and vehicle setup, depending on their service area and business model. You really can't go below $8,000 for even the smallest operation because you need reliable transportation, basic cleaning equipment, and chemical supplies to operate professionally.
- Small Route Service
A small residential route serving 30-50 pools needs around $8,000-$20,000, with most of the budget going toward a reliable vehicle and basic cleaning equipment.
- Medium-Scale Operation
A medium-sized operation serving 75-150 pools typically runs $20,000-$45,000, with specialized equipment and better vehicle setup for efficiency.
- Large Commercial Service
A large operation serving commercial pools and 200+ residential accounts can easily hit $45,000-$75,000, especially when you add specialized equipment and multiple vehicles.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Route Service ($8,000 - $20,000)
Small pool service businesses focus on essential equipment that can handle basic cleaning and chemical maintenance for residential pools. The goal is getting quality basics without overspending on features you won't need initially.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Setup | Used pickup truck or van with basic equipment racks, chemical storage containers, and safety equipment | $3,000 - $8,000 |
| Cleaning Equipment | Telescopic poles, vacuum heads and hoses, skimmer nets, pool brushes, basic automatic vacuum | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Testing & Chemicals | Digital test kit, pH strips, basic chemical starter kit, measuring tools, safety equipment | $800 - $1,500 |
| Basic Tools | Filter cleaning supplies, basic repair tools, O-rings and lubricants, equipment maintenance items | $500 - $1,200 |
| Business Setup | Route management app, basic invoicing system, service forms, business cards and uniforms | $400 - $800 |
| Initial Chemical Inventory | Liquid chlorine, pH adjusters, shock treatment, algaecide, basic cleaning supplies | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Insurance & Licensing | Business liability insurance, licensing fees, equipment protection, bonding requirements | $800 - $1,500 |
Medium-Scale Operation ($20,000 - $45,000)
Medium-scale pool service businesses need more specialized equipment and efficient systems to handle larger customer bases and diverse pool types. Investment focuses on efficiency and the ability to serve different pool maintenance needs.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Vehicle | Newer service truck with custom equipment racks, chemical storage system, generator, and professional signage | $8,000 - $18,000 |
| Advanced Cleaning | Multiple vacuum systems, robotic cleaners, specialized brushes, professional-grade skimmers and nets | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Testing Equipment | Professional digital test kits, pH meters, TDS meters, comprehensive chemical analysis tools | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Maintenance Tools | Filter cleaning station, equipment repair tools, leak detection equipment, pump and motor service tools | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Business Management | Professional route software, tablet/mobile setup, credit card processing, customer management system | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Chemical Inventory | Bulk chemical supplies, specialized treatments, complete product line for various pool types | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Safety & Compliance | Complete safety equipment, OSHA compliance tools, emergency response kit, professional insurance | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Training & Certification | Professional certification courses, continuing education, specialized training for equipment | $500 - $1,500 |
Large Commercial Service ($45,000 - $75,000)
Large pool service operations handle commercial accounts and extensive residential routes with specialized equipment and multiple vehicles. Focus shifts to maximizing efficiency, handling complex systems, and maintaining professional standards.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet Setup | Multiple service vehicles with specialized equipment, trailer systems, backup transportation | $18,000 - $30,000 |
| Commercial Equipment | Heavy-duty cleaning systems, commercial-grade vacuums, large capacity chemical dispensing equipment | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Advanced Testing | Laboratory-grade testing equipment, automated monitoring systems, comprehensive water analysis tools | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Specialized Services | Heater service equipment, salt system tools, advanced leak detection, tile and plaster repair tools | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Technology Systems | Advanced route optimization software, customer portal, automated billing, inventory management | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Chemical Warehouse | Bulk chemical storage, specialized treatment inventory, emergency response supplies | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Safety & Training | Comprehensive safety programs, staff training systems, emergency response equipment | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Business Infrastructure | Office setup, administrative systems, professional certifications, comprehensive insurance coverage | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Backup Equipment | Replacement parts inventory, backup tools, emergency service equipment, seasonal storage | $2,000 - $4,000 |