The Best Pool Service Software: Your Complete Guide [2024]

Best Pool Service Software - Service Report

Running a pool service business can be challenging. You're juggling day-to-day operations like invoicing, scheduling, and route planning while contending with external factors like a competitive labor market and rising costs.

Using manual systems and paper-based processes only compound these challenges. Not only do they cost you time since employees need to input everything manually, but they can also lead to errors, which can cost you money and can potentially hurt your reputation.

Unsurprisingly, many pool service companies are turning to pool service software to enhance efficiency and boost their bottom line. But given how busy you are, you want to make sure you find the best solution the first time.

If you're hesitant about using pool service software, unsure about what software is best, or want to learn how it can help your pool business, this guide is for you.

Read on to learn:

What pool service software is
How pool service software can help your business
What must-have features to look for when choosing software
What the best pool service software is

What is pool service software?

Pool service software is an online platform pool service professionals can use to manage their business, from scheduling and billing to route optimization and work order management. The software allows you to manage business functions and administrative tasks centrally and automate manual tasks.

Two common types of pool-service software include:

Horizontal platforms that offer a wide array of features that cater to the needs of businesses across various industries, such as tree care, plumbing, and landscaping. Examples include ServiceTitan and Jobber.
Specialized solutions that often have a leg up on the competition because they’re designed specifically for pool pros with features tailored to their needs. Examples include Skimmer and Pool Office Manager.

So, why invest in pool service software?

Not convinced that pool service software is right for you? Here are seven reasons why it’s worth the investment:

More time to focus on growth.

‍According to Shane Bowman of Sunrise Pool Service: “Scheduling on paper used to take me an entire painstaking Sunday. Now, it takes me about one hour, and it’s turned this painstaking task into a fun strategy game.” Pool service software helps you automate your business so you can focus on growth rather than managing and completing daily tasks. You can concentrate on providing high-quality services to your clients and increasing your business’s professionalism.

There are fewer errors due to automation

Automation reduces the need for manual input, which minimizes errors that can cost you money.

Increased profitability and cash flow‍

Most software provides reporting features so you can make informed decisions based on actual data. Access to optimized scheduling and routing minimizes fuel costs and maximizes daily jobs, leading to increased profitability, and advanced billing features help increase cash flow.

Centralized data for improved decision-making‍

Centralized data allows back office staff and technicians to find and access the information they need quickly, reduces errors that may arise from storing data in multiple locations, and improves decision-making.

Improved customer satisfaction‍

You can enhance the customer experience with features that streamline appointment booking, send automated booking reminders, and resolve customer problems promptly. You can even track job status and your client's pool's service history and maintenance schedules. This lets you stay on top of all your appointments and maintenance to keep your clients happy.

Higher team morale‍

When your team has the tools they need to get their work done efficiently, they're gonna be a lot happier. Pool service software solutions put all the information techs need right on their phone and lets them log readings and dosages in just a few taps.

Improved compliance management‍

The software provides tools for tracking regulatory requirements, documenting inspections, and creating compliance reports.

What are the must-have features to look for in pool and spa service software?

Not all pool service software options are created equal. Here are the top features to look for when choosing the best all-in-one pool service software for your business.

1. Route management for saving time and money

Pool Route Management — Skimmer's Route Optimizer

Software should allow you to view all your route stops on one screen, move routes to new techs with a click, save optimized routes, and automatically minimize drive time and fuel costs.

2. Invoicing and payments for getting paid quickly

Manually creating invoices and tracking, credit card payments, billing and repairs takes up back-office time. The right software should offer features to solve these problems, including the ability to:

Create and send invoices in a few simple clicks
Track manual payments such as cash and check
Accept multiple forms of payment: credit, debit, ACH, Google Pay, & Apple Pay
Track payments and send reminders with real-time reporting
Get paid on time for routine pool service with AutoPay
Store payment information safely and securely

3. Quoting and estimates for absolute customer clarity

Sending customers quotes demonstrates professionalism and helps them understand the transaction terms and details of the cost.

So, find software that makes it easy to create, send, and manage quotes by allowing you to:

Add line items, down payments, fees, and discounts
Track customer approvals and rejections
Calculate profit margins for each quote

4. Work order management for improved efficiency

The best pool and spa service software allows you to create, track, and manage work orders centrally. Schedule recurring work orders on any body of water, like filter cleanings, and send reminders so you never miss a customer job again.

5. Data centralization for efficient customer communication

Another hallmark feature of top pool service platforms is the ability to consolidate real-time data on all pools in one place. This makes it easier to respond to customer questions promptly (instead of having to dig through files to find their info!) and provide information like proof of service.

6. Reporting and analytics for data-driven-insights

Good software lets you generate reports on profitability, labor, and chemical dosages, enabling data-driven insights. You can use this data to forecast chemical needs and make rate adjustments for unprofitable customers.

7. Remote monitoring and real-time tracking for tech accountability

Features like real-time data on route progress, checklist completion status, dosage readings, and time at the pool let owners monitor techs remotely and ensure consistent, excellent service.

8. Shopping lists for billing accuracy

A decent system should allow you to add parts, chemical readings, or other items for your company or a customer with shopping lists. This functionality lets you manage what's on the truck accurately and ensures you never forget to bill for installed parts and items again.

9. Service checklists to keep everyone on task

Key features like checklists and to-do items keep techs on task. Use them to customize checklists for every customer engagement or configure them by customer, location, or work type.

Pool Service Checklists — Checklists keep tasks from falling through the cracks

10. Mobile app to access information from anywhere

Given that your techs are always on the go, any pool service software you invest in must come with a mobile app. These apps give your techs access to schedules, real-time updates on job changes, client information, and job details from anywhere. It also lets them log dosages with just a few taps, which makes tracking chemical use a breeze.

Pool Service App — A mobile app is an essential tool for pool techs.

11. Offline capability for access in remote locations.

As a pool pro, you’re often in remote locations with zero internet. So, the software needs to function offline and sync with the cloud once you’re online again.

What is the best software for pool pros?

Not all software performs the same, so weighing each software against your specific needs is crucial when choosing a suitable platform for you.

In the following section, we explore eight of the top pool service platforms and outline the pros and cons of each.

Skimmer: Specialized platform that offers best-in-class support, ease of use, and pool-specific features

Skimmer stands out from the competition by offering a user-friendly platform with best-in-class customer support specifically designed for the unique needs of pool care businesses.

Compared to other platforms, Skimmer emphasizes ease of use and streamlined workflows that save busy pool professionals time and money. Skimmer also provides competitive pricing and seamless integration with QuickBooks Online, making it a cost-effective and robust software for your pool business.

Pros of Skimmer

Features designed specifically for pool and spa service businesses. Skimmer excels in core functionalities that are important to pool service professionals, such as route management (e.g., real-time location updates to track technicians and route optimization), scheduling, job assignments, invoicing and payments, customer management (including communication tools like Service Texts), and reporting.
It’s easy to use. Its user-friendly interface and intuitive design make it accessible to non-technical users and saves time and effort.
Best-in-class live customer support. Quick response times and access to dedicated account managers highlight Skimmer’s commitment to support. Get support via email or live support calls from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm CT.
Streamlined workflows. Skimmer can adapt to specific workflow needs.
Transparent pricing. There are no hidden fees or extra surprise costs. You pay for each serviced location with a minimum spend (see pricing below).
Scalability. Skimmer can manage your entire pool service operations regardless of business size. If specific features need to be included, the team can work with you to develop a roadmap for future development or potential integrations. The software can already integrate with QuickBooks Online (QBO) (side note: the QBO integration is free, while some software charges for it)
Efficient invoicing. Features include pre-filled invoice templates for faster creation, QuickBooks integration for easy online invoicing and payments, and bulk invoicing options for multiple customers.
Innovation. Skimmer adapts and innovates quickly, offering an advantage over established competitors.
Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee:
- Free guided demo where a product specialist will showcase specific features and address your concerns.
- If you’re not happy with the product, cancel and request a refund within the first 30 days to get your subscription fee back.
Unique scheduling and dispatching features (e.g., route optimization, drag-and-drop scheduling) which offer numerous advantages:
- Real-time updates: Technicians can update progress on the go, providing a dynamic view of route completion.
- Mobile-friendly interface: Access and update schedules easily from mobile devices.
- Customizable views: Offer different ways to visualize route assignments based on user preference (e.g., list and map).
Unlimited users—no restrictions on the number of users that can access and use the software.

Cons of Skimmer

It lacks features compared to some other platforms, but it focuses on features that are important to pool pros, such as route management, billing, quotes, and work orders.
Younger brand compared to some other platforms on this list.
No free trial, but you can try the software risk-free for 30 days and get your money back if it’s not working for you.
No GPS tracking, but you can access real-time location updates to monitor technicians’ progress and optimize routes based on schedules and technician locations.

Skimmer Pricing

Skimmer has tiered pricing so pool pros can choose a package that works for their stage of growth. The software starts at $1 per month for each serviced location, with a minimum spend of $49/month.

Pool Brain: Specialized platform with limited live support

Pool Brain is a pool service platform designed to help businesses manage operations, optimize workflows, and improve customer service. It focuses on a broad feature set and competitive pricing, but customer support needs to be improved, and some users report that the software can be buggy.

Pros of Pool Brain

Comprehensive feature set, including work orders, checklists, online payments, QBO integration, and reports.
Access to a powerful customer portal to view past jobs and routes.
Scalability. The software can grow with your business.
Customizable to any situation. You can change the name of the body of water.
A user-friendly mobile app that’s accessible on the go.
A Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) calculator is available on the web and mobile.
A free one-month trial is available to test the product.

Cons of Pool Brain

Hidden charges. There’s a lack of transparency around extra charges.
Bad UI. The mobile app could be more intuitive and easier to use.
The software can be buggy with glitches and lag.
Customer support needs to be improved, as there is no live support. Users can only access a chat box, response times are slow, and there is limited support for complex issues.
Some users have reported occasional integration issues when syncing data in QuickBooks.
Pricing does not include unlimited users. You pay extra for each pool tech per month (see below).

Pool Brain Pricing

$10/month provides access for unlimited office users, while each tech per month costs $39.

POOL360 PoolService by PoolCorp: A platform with a strong reputation but an app that’s difficult to use

POOL360 PoolService is a business management software for pool and spa professionals. It’s a product of PoolCorp, the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool supplies and equipment.

POOL360 PoolService helps pool businesses manage customers, orders, inventory, employees, and finances.

While POOL360 PoolService has a strong reputation due to its PoolCorp backing, the app is challenging to use due to bugs and sign-up issues.

Pros of Pool360 PoolService

Comprehensive features that include quoting, invoicing, payments, equipment tracking, guided feedback, proof of service emails, routing and scheduling, and reports.
Seamless integration with PoolCorp’s extensive product and service offerings makes it ideal if you’re already in their ecosystem.
The software has a strong reputation, as it’s backed by PoolCorp, a leading industry player with an established market presence. This instills confidence in the product among pool care pros.
Pricing is integrated with POOL360, which simplifies pricing management, ensuring consistency between software usage costs.
Offers complimentary marketing promotions for customers, which may include loyalty programs and discounts.
Dedicated customer support is provided.
60-day free trial.

Cons of Pool360

Users need to provide a lot of data in the sign-up process.
The app is challenging to use due to many glitches, bugs, and sign-up issues.
Only customers that use POOL360 can create a POOL360 PoolService account
The mobile app does not work well offline
Pool pros are concerned that PoolCorp's acquisition of Pinch a Penny franchises will lead to them collecting extensive customer data during sign-up and potentially using it for their own purposes.

Pool360 Pricing

$1 per month for each service location.

Paythepoolman: Feature-rich software with excellent support that lacks personalization

Pay the Poolman is a pool service management software designed to streamline operations, optimize workflows, and improve efficiency for pool service businesses.

While you get access to many features, affordable pricing, and strong support, the software is not intuitive, support lacks personalization, and there may be hidden charges.

Pros of Paythepoolman

A broad feature set includes optimized routing, income and expense logging, work orders, checklists, automated and recurring billing, GPS tracking, QBO integration, a customer-facing app, payroll, fleet management, inventory management, and reports.
Fast and easy billing, with customers able to create invoices in a matter of minutes.
Excellent support via email, text, and live support calls. The support hours are from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4 pm EST. You also have access to how-to videos on their YouTube channel.
Feature development is based on user feedback, so the software grows with you.
The mobile app provides access on the go.
The ability to quickly view your LSI index.
Affordable pricing compared to some competitors.
Free one-month trial available.

Cons of Paythepoolman

Hidden charges.
Smaller company with potentially less established industry presence.
The software has minor bugs and functionality limitations.
A bad UI, with some users reporting a subpar user experience.
The pricing does not include unlimited users. You pay an extra $10 per user and $15 for access to the customer-facing app
Support needs more personalization, and some users have reported a lack of professionalism.
Clients don’t have access to a dedicated account manager.

Paythepoolman Pricing

Pricing follows a freemium basic plan model with paid tiers based on features and user count (starting at $50/month).

Pool Office Manager: Easy-to-use software tailored to seasonal pool pros

Pool Office Manager is a pool service management platform designed to help pool service companies streamline operations, automate tasks, and improve efficiency. It provides features tailored to seasonal pool care companies. A lack of customer support overshadows comprehensive features and ease of use.

Pros of Pool Office Manager

Comprehensive features tailored to seasonal pool care businesses, including customer reporting, inventory management, scheduling and GPS tracking, chemical calculator, invoicing and billing, and CRM capabilities.
Easy to use for non-technical pool pros.
The mobile app provides access on the go.
Easy invoicing to get paid fast. Create automated, recurring, or custom invoices in a few clicks.
A CRM makes it quick and easy to access customer information.
One-way QBO integration.
Free 30-day trial to test the product.

Cons of Pool Office Manager

Some customers mention minor bugs and limitations in certain features.
Charges $25 for the QBO integration that other platforms offer for free.
Customer support needs to be improved. Unlimited tech support is mentioned, but it’s only available via chat. There is no live support via phone or email.
There are more affordable platforms on this list.

Pool Office Manager Pricing

The price is $80 per user per month for the first user and $20 per user per month per extra user. A fleet rate applies to more than 12 users.

Lou (Evosus): Complex software for large businesses that has a steep learning curve

‍LOU is cloud-based management software designed for pool, hot tub, and spa businesses. It helps businesses manage all aspects of operations, including retail, service, inventory, accounting, warehousing, back office, and administration.

The solution offers many features, can scale with your business, and has a strong track record in the software industry. However, the price is much higher than any software on this list, and more features mean a steeper learning curve.

Pros of Lou

Comprehensive feature set covering all crucial aspects of pool service management, including quotes and invoicing, scheduling and dispatch, customer portal, reporting, work order management, and chemical usage tracking.
Cloud-based means it’s easily accessible from any device and anywhere with an internet connection.
Easy to use once you’re all set up.
Scalable, so it grows with you as your business grows.
Integrations with leading industry-specific software and tools.
Established company with a strong track record in the software industry.
Strong customer support is available via email, telephone, and the Lou knowledge base.

Cons of Lou

A high once-off starter fee in addition to monthly licenses.
A focus on larger businesses means it’s less suitable for smaller ones with simpler needs.
It may not offer the level of customization needed for highly specialized pool businesses.
Steep learning curve due to too many features.
Customer support may be strong, but it still needs to be improved compared to platforms like Skimmer, which are more personalized and highly responsive.

Lou Pricing

There’s a once-off startup fee (Pro plan for $1,999 and Enterprise plan for $4,999) in addition to monthly/user licenses (e.g., if you need five people to access Lou, you’ll need five licenses).

For instance, a service license costs $49 per user per month on the Pro plan and $79 per user monthly on the Enterprise plan.

Jobber: An intuitive platform for service businesses that has a strong reputation but lacks pool-specific features

Jobber is a cloud-based field service management software designed to help home and field service businesses streamline operations, schedule jobs, manage payments, and improve customer communication.

While the company has a strong reputation amongst service businesses and offers an intuitive platform with many features, the features aren’t necessarily tailored to pool pros.

Pros of Jobber

Many features cover all aspects of field service management, including quoting and invoicing, scheduling and dispatch, job management, reporting, marketing automation, and customer management.
User-friendly interface on both the web and the mobile app.
Strong brand recognition and established presence in the home service industry.
Integrations with industry-specific tools and platforms like QuickBooks for accounting and Mailchimp for email marketing.
Excellent customer support and training resources. You can access support via email, chat box, and phone from Monday through Friday, 8 am to 9:45 pm ET.
Access to a community forum where users can share tips and best practices, ask questions, and get advice on running their businesses.
Free one-on-one coaching is provided to get you up and running.
A free trial is available with all plans.

Cons of Jobber

Pricing for small businesses might be higher than some competitors.
Some users mention limited customization options for highly specialized needs.
Not as niche-focused compared to some competitors targeting specific industries. For instance, the features provided are not pool-specific.
User limits per plan (see pricing below) with a cost of $29/month per additional user.
Users must give contact information to get trial details.

Jobber Pricing

Three plans are available:

Grow: $349/month
- Up to 15 users
Connect: $169/month
- Up to 5 users
Core: $69/month
- 1 user

ServiceTitan: A well-respected horizontal platform lacking pool-specific features

ServiceTitan offers a comprehensive cloud-based field service management software platform for trade businesses, including plumbing, pool, HVAC, and electrical. It helps manage all aspects of operations, from customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing to dispatching and invoicing.

ServiceTitan is well respected among trade businesses, but like Jobber, it’s a horizontal platform. It’s not specifically designed for pool service businesses, so it lacks tailored features for pool pros.

Pros of ServiceTitan

Comprehensive feature set specifically designed for trade businesses.
Users can access support via live chat, mail, or telephone.
Strong industry expertise and understanding of trade-specific challenges.
Robust mobile app for field technicians.
Advanced marketing automation and customer communication tools.
Large and established company with a strong reputation in the industry.
A strong sense of community around the product.

Cons of ServiceTitan

It is not a specialized platform specifically designed for the pool care business, so features may be lacking.
Support needs to be improved. Despite the availability of support channels, users report that ServiceTitan is slow to respond and deal with their issues.
Not easy to use compared to some other platforms on this list.
Some users report bugs and glitches with the software.
Expensive compared to some competitors, especially for smaller businesses.
Complex platform with a steeper learning curve.
Limited customization options compared to some niche-specific solutions.

ServiceTitan Pricing

Pricing starts at $398/month and increases with the needs of individual contractors. ServiceTitan requires the purchase of an annual contract and does not charge additional fees for office staff members.

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