The True Cost of Being a Pool Guy

Ever been told, “You’re only here 15 minutes—why so much?” We pull back the curtain on what it truly costs to run a professional pool service and why a short visit doesn’t equal a small bill. From insurance layers to payroll math, this conversation gives you the numbers, the logic, and the language to price with confidence.

We start with the backbone of a mobile service business: commercial auto insurance and general liability. If you’re hauling chemicals or branded on the road, personal policies can fail you when it matters most. We dig into realistic premium ranges, how vetted groups can reduce liability costs, and why one uncovered incident can wipe out years of profit. 

Health insurance gets the spotlight it deserves. For self‑employed pros, it’s not optional and not “personal.” It’s a monthly cost of staying able to work in a risky, physical trade. Add city licensing, accounting, chemicals, parts, tires, brakes, and fuel, and you have the true base cost of a “simple” stop. We walk through a clean calculation: total fixed overhead divided by active accounts to find the per‑pool surcharge you must recover before any profit. With a sample $2,000 monthly overhead and 100 pools, that’s a $20 baseline per account—before chemicals, labor, and wear.

You’ll leave with a clear script to explain rates to homeowners without sounding defensive: we carry commercial auto, liability, workers’ comp, payroll taxes, and health coverage so your pool stays safe and your property protected. We charge what we charge to stay in business. Whether you’re pricing your first route or recalibrating a mature book, this guide helps you set sustainable rates, avoid silent losses, and communicate value with calm authority.

• commercial auto insurance requirements and risks
• general liability coverage and vetted group savings
• workers’ comp needs and category strategies
• payroll services, employer taxes and true labor cost
• health insurance as a core operating expense
• licensing, accounting, chemicals and vehicle wear
• converting monthly overhead into per‑pool

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