People & Planet  

This business makes a positive difference by...

• Helping to keep pools clean for people who cannot do the job themselves
• Helping people save money by offering a lower fee than the professionals.
• Making someone feel good because they know that they are helping you develop your business and computing skills.

Before You Start  

Do Some Market Research

You don't want to start a pool cleaning business in a neighbourhood that has no pools.

Conduct a quick survey among your neighbours and friends who have pools at home:

• Do you clean your pool regularly?
• How often do you clean your pool?
• Would you like someone to clean your pool for you?

This will give you a clear idea on how your business will perform.

Get Yourself Sorted

Before you actually do a job, make sure that you KNOW HOW TO DO IT!

There are generally 3 main areas of the pool that needs to be cleaned to make sure that it’s safe to swim in. They are:

1. The surfaces (walls and floor)
2. The water
3. The filter

Things You'll Need

• A pool vacuum cleaner
• A brush
• A net
• A pole to attach the net and brush (long enough to reach the bottom of the pool)
• Cleaning solutions (e.g. chlorine)

This equipment costs a lot! Most pool owners should already have them. So unless you have your own, you may want to choose the customers who have the required equipment.

Finding Clients  

• Start with your neighbours and friends - You have the advantage that they already know and trust you. 
• Have a creative and convincing flyer to give to interested people
• You could put flyers on your local community notice board
• Advertise in community newspapers

Pricing: Get to know the business by finding out how much professionals charge for their services. Then set a price that you think is reasonable. Remember: you are not a professional - which is why you shouldn't be that expensive!

Think Safe!

• Whenever you're visiting the house of any client, always have an adult present, and always make sure that your parents know where you're going.  You can trust most people but it's better to be safe.
• Make sure that you are an excellent swimmer before you start this business as you will spend most of the time near potentially deep water
• Strictly follow the instructions of any machinery or chemicals that you will use in this business.

Get on with it  

To clean the 3 main areas of the pool, you need to:

• Scrub all surfaces (wall and floor) with the brush (connected to the pole) until all mould and algae have been removed. 
• Leaves and other objects must also be removed. Use a net (connected to the pole) to scoop these up.
• Vacuum the pool with the pool vacuum cleaner. Make sure you read and follow the instructions of the machine as some may be different.
• Clean the pool filter by following the instructions it provides. Following the instructions, add chlorine or any other pool cleaning solutions into the pool. Make sure you have the owner's permission to do so. If you are unsure, ask the pool owner.