Use this checklist to assess businesses in this industry for SBA 7(a) lending and underwriting.

Owner Role + Labor Normalization

• Does the owner clean pools or manage routes personally?
• Are route technicians paid market wages or 1099 contractors?
• Has a fair market wage been applied to owner labor?
• Is there a backup crew or transition plan in place?

Revenue Recurrence + Seasonality

• Is revenue mostly recurring or seasonal?
• Are off-season drops adjusted in cash flow?
• Are cleanup or repair services separated from route income?
• Is there client churn, and how is it tracked?

Route Data + Documentation

• Are client routes mapped or logged?
• Are client contracts or service agreements in place?
• What is the average stop frequency and pool count?
• Is billing done through software or informal (text, Venmo)?

CapEx + Equipment

• Are trucks, vacuums, chemical test kits included?
• Has CapEx been normalized for wear and replacement?
• Are any tools or vehicles leased or personally titled?
• Are chemicals and consumables tracked in COGS?

Red Flags

• Owner handles most pool routes solo
• Route data missing or undocumented
• Addbacks include family wages or personal expenses
• No CapEx or seasonality normalization

SBA SOP Tip

Pool cleaning businesses must reflect recurring revenue, transferable route structures, and normalized labor. Seasonality and CapEx should be fully considered.