Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I add repairs and high-margin services to my pool business?
Data from Skimmer’s State of Pool Service Survey shows 55% of pros are adding repairs and 42% are exploring renovations. With the average U.S. pool ~22 years old, equipment and finishes are failing. Service gross profits run 15–40%; repairs typically 30–60%. Adding repairs, startups, inspections, and remodels boosts margins and reduces reliance on low-margin weekly maintenance.
How do I move from routine service to a profitable specialization?
Follow Eric Knight’s playbook: systemize truck setups, checklists, and procedures; create a clear brand promise around communication and quality; protect your time by automating admin (use Skimmer); and invest in skills that can’t be outsourced. Examples: tile craftsmanship (Jeff Hampe), startups for builders (Joe Mischuk), and precision plumbing (J‑Max Plumbing).
How should I price repairs so I don’t undercharge?
Use Jarred Morgan’s framework: calculate true overhead (fixed+variable), itemize parts/labor (he cites ~$65 average misc. parts per heater install), and add margin for warranty and compliance. Present prices as value—safety, reliability, accountability—not just parts. Clear estimates and expectations prevent scope creep and disputes.
What service packages and niches sell best right now?
Proven packages: short‑term rental plans for property managers/Airbnb, tiered good/better/best plans, and concierge add‑ons (pre‑party prep, deck washing, post‑storm cleanup). Pool inspections are underused—real estate and resale work is steady. Target startups, equipment replacements, and remodels driven by aging pools and declining new construction.
Which Skimmer features help win bigger jobs and close hesitant customers?
Two new Skimmer tools: consumer financing (buy‑now‑pay‑later launching later this year) lets homeowners pay in installments while pros receive full payment immediately; and Quotes & Jobs workflows for digital quotes with photos/videos/manufacturer PDFs, deposit collection, multi‑day job management, and auto conversion to invoices—designed for startups, remodels, and major equipment installs.
Key takeaways
- There’s a real growth runway in repairs and renovations—55% of pros are already adding repairs to their portfolios, and repairs typically earn much higher gross margins (30%–60% vs. 15%–40% for service). Keep weekly service for steady cash flow, but add higher-margin jobs to boost profits.
- Specialize and systemize to stop competing on price. Invest in niche skills (tile, plumbing, startups), standardize truck setups and checklists, and protect your time by automating admin with tools like Skimmer.
- Price and package with confidence: know your true overhead and material costs (Jarred estimates ~$65 in misc parts for a heater install), use tiered packages and concierge add-ons, and lean into underused opportunities like pool inspections for real estate work.
- New Skimmer features make it easier to win big jobs—consumer financing (BNPL) to close sticker-shock customers, plus Quotes & Jobs to send rich quotes, collect deposits, and manage multi-day projects end-to-end.
##Key takeaways##
Breaking Into Repairs & High-Margin Services: Expert Advice from the Skimmer Webinar
The path from pool service to profitable repairs and specialties is wide open—and the timing couldn’t be better. That was the key message from Skimmer’s recent webinar, Breaking Into Profitable Pool Repairs and High-Margin Services, hosted by Niki Acosta with Eric Knight Executive Director at Watershape University, Jarred Morgan, VP of Pro & Ancillary Products at Orenda/HASA, and Joe Shiraz, Skimmer’s Director of Product Marketing.
Together, they shared strategies for identifying new revenue streams, pricing confidently, overcoming objections, and leveraging Skimmer’s latest tools to grow smarter.
Keep reading for a quick overview, or watch the full webinar on demand now.
The opportunity to expand from pool service into repairs
The conversation opened with the data. According to Skimmer’s most recent State of Pool Service Survey,
- 55% of pros said they’re adding repairs to their offerings, and
- 42% said they’re exploring renovations.
That’s no coincidence. With the average residential pool in the U.S. now around 22 years old, equipment, finishes, and plumbing are hitting the point where they need major work.
“When we asked about gross profits, service ranged between 15% and 40%. Repairs? Most landed between 30% and 60%,” Niki shared.
This shift is huge for service companies. Weekly maintenance creates predictable cash flow, but repairs, startups, inspections, and renovations expand margins. The real growth comes when you find the balance between both.
From routine service to skilled specialization
Eric Knight’s message was simple: the pool industry rewards pros who specialize.
Homeowners are savvier than ever. AI and online tutorials have made it easy for them to attempt DIY fixes. But while anyone can Google how to change a pool light, very few can properly diagnose a complex automation issue or handle the electrical and hydraulic nuances of equipment replacement.
“If you’re offering a canned service, you’re a commodity,” Eric said. “The only thing that differentiates you at that point is price.”
According to Eric, becoming a specialist starts with mindset. He encouraged pros to shift from technician to strategist by focusing on building repeatable systems and investing in skills that can’t be automated or outsourced.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Systemize everything. Standardize truck setups, checklists, and procedures so every tech operates consistently.
- Create a brand promise. Your product isn’t just clean pools—it’s reliable communication, consistent quality, and professional presentation.
- Protect your time. Use software like Skimmer to automate admin work so you can focus on strategic growth instead of daily logistics.
Finding and owning your niche
Specialization doesn’t happen overnight. It takes curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to invest in new skills. But the return can completely transform a business.
Eric shared examples of pros who carved out lucrative niches:
- Tile craftsmanship: Jeff Hampe started as a pool service tech and now installs luxury glass tile pools nationwide. His path began with identifying a gap (very few local tile specialists) and committing to mastering the skills to fill that gap.
- Startups and water balance: Joe Mischuk, Skimmer’s very first customer, used to clean 70 pools per week. After focusing on startup services for high-end builders, he cut his workload, tripled his average revenue, and became a trusted partner in his market.
- High-end plumbing: J-Max Plumbing evolved from standard equipment swaps to precision plumbing on multimillion-dollar backyards. Their technical expertise now commands premium pricing and loyal contractors.
“Learn a new skill, find what’s missing in your market, and devote yourself to attaining mastery,” Eric said.
Packaging and selling your services
Your offering is only as strong as how you present it. Many pros leave money on the table because they sell tasks instead of outcomes. Niki encouraged attendees to think strategically about packaging and positioning their services for maximum impact.
Ideas that work:
- Short-term rental service plans tailored for property managers or Airbnb hosts who need fast response times and high reliability.
- Tiered packages (good/better/best) that let customers self-select based on price and priority.
- Concierge-level add-ons like pre-party prep, deck washing, or post-storm cleanups for clients who value convenience.
“When you package and present services the right way, you’ll find demand,” Niki said.
Eric pointed to pool inspections as one of the most underused opportunities. Every home with a pool eventually changes hands, and real estate agents constantly need reliable professionals to evaluate them.
Pricing with confidence
Jarred spent time breaking down what “smart pricing” actually looks like in the real world. His approach combines clear math with strong communication.
1. Know your overhead.
Track your fixed costs (rent, insurance, salaried labor) and variable costs (fuel, parts, advertising). Once you know your true cost per job, you can price repairs for sustainable profit.
2. Factor in the details.
Every coupling, PVC elbow, or fitting adds up. Jarred estimates an average of $65 in miscellaneous materials per heater install—and those costs need to be reflected in pricing.
3. Communicate value.
When customers compare your prices to Amazon, show them the difference between buying a pump and getting a professional installation backed by warranty, compliance, and service.
“Communication is key,” Jarred said. “Set expectations up front, or you’ll own it later.”
He also reminded pros that they’re not selling parts—they’re selling safety, reliability, and accountability. That’s why pricing transparency builds trust instead of pushback.
New Tools to Win Bigger Jobs
Joe and Niki shared two major product announcements that make it easier for pool pros to scale into more complex work.
Consumer financing (aka “buy now, pay later)
Launching later this year, Skimmer’s consumer financing option lets homeowners pay for repairs or upgrades in installments, while pros get paid in full right away. The financing partner carries the risk, and approvals happen instantly.
This gives pros a huge edge when customers hesitate on big-ticket repairs. Instead of discounting, you can offer flexible payment options that close the deal.
Quotes and Jobs
The new Quotes and Jobs workflows simplify everything from bid to billing:
- Send professional digital quotes with photos, videos, and manufacturer PDFs
- Collect deposits right from the quote
- Manage multi-day projects under one umbrella job
- Automatically convert to invoices and track deposits through completion
For pros tackling startups, remodels, or major equipment installs, it’s a game-changer.
A shifting market, a growing opportunity
As Eric closed out the session, he offered a reality check: new pool construction is down more than 50% year over year, but that means service and renovation demand are climbing.
“If you put in the effort to focus and find what your market needs, you’ll make more money this year than you ever have.”
Resources to help you expand your service offering
- [Watershape University] Education vacation registration
- [Watershape University] Upcoming live events
- [Watershape University] Certifications pathway
- [Skimmer] Watch the full webinar on demand
