Never did any Google ads. If you have a referral program and the "Reward" for the referral varies according to the time of year. The acquisition cost is much less. Example: If you charge $150 per month plus chems and offer 50% off for the referring customer and new customer, that cost or loss in revenue is $150.00, but typically that referral is a neighbor or in the same vicinity making your route that much tighter which in turn allows you or the service tech to do more stops per day. I have routes where my tech drives no more than 7 miles per day. It does take longer to build, but very effective. Imagine parking your truck and you can service 4-5 pools without moving. The key is that you do provide quality service, knowledge and are credible. If you operate a splash and dash, forget it.

I am 63 years old and lived in San Diego 30+ years. Sold my pool/spa service business in San Diego last year after operating for 10 years. Serviced over 500 accounts weekly (80% residential and 20% commercial. My last year in business we generated 2.4 million in revenue. I moved to Yuma, Arizona in 2022 and was commuting 2-3 days per week. Started a small operation here in Yuma in 2022 and currently service about 100 accounts. Started with 1 account and every account is a referral. Have not spent a nickel in advertising. Currently, have 1 Employee and he has been with me for several years. Moved him from San Diego. The route is extremely tight with minimal driving. I currently charge $140.00/month plus cost of chemicals for a standard backyard pool or pool/spa combo (~12,000 - 15,000 gallons). Average over past 12 months is $192.00/month per residential account. Commercial accounts are serviced twice per week and 12 month average is $1150/month. I do all my repairs and installation of new equipment. The road block in San Diego as well as Yuma, is competent employees. There is and has always been a stereotype of the "Pool Service Tech". I do not waste my time or company time with employees who don't see the opportunity in front of them and recognize that this is a profession and you can go as far and earn as much as you want providing you allow yourself to. I have been known to dismiss employees who can't show up to work on time or who do not show up presentable. My objective is to build Yuma to about 200 service accounts. I will retire in about 2 years and looking for that right individual to bring, share my knowledge, recognize the opportunity and hand them over a turn key business.