The Easiest Ways to Start a Side Hustle in NZ (Even If You Have a Full-Time Job) - Pool & Spa Maintenance
Starting a side hustle in pool and spa maintenance is a refreshing way to earn extra income while helping Kiwis keep their water sparkling and safe. Whether you're servicing families in Auckland or holiday homes in the Bay of Plenty, these practical tips will help you attract local clients and balance your side hustle with your full-time commitments.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Understand Regional Pool Needs
Pool and spa maintenance demands vary across New Zealand’s diverse climates and lifestyles. Coastal regions often see high usage during summer months, while alpine areas may require seasonal pool care.
Weirdly enough, some clients prefer environmentally friendly products, giving you a great selling point in green-conscious communities.
Tailoring your services to local conditions ensures better client satisfaction and repeat business.
2. Create a Yada Profile
Yada offers a fee-free platform that connects pool and spa maintenance professionals with local clients, making it ideal for side hustles to get started.
Its rating system helps committed professionals stand out and attract more jobs.
The mobile-friendly design allows you to manage bookings and client chats anytime, anywhere.
3. Offer Flexible Service Packages
Provide services ranging from routine cleaning and chemical balancing to equipment repairs and seasonal openings.
In Tauranga, offering both scheduled maintenance and quick response services helped one technician grow their client base rapidly.
Flexibility lets you cater to client preferences while managing your own availability.
4. Advertise on Local Platforms
Besides Yada, list services on Facebook community groups, local directories, and pool-focused forums to reach a wider audience.
Clear service descriptions, pricing, and testimonials provide transparency that builds client trust.
Multi-platform visibility increases inbound enquiries and opportunities.
5. Collect and Display Client Testimonials
Ask satisfied clients for testimonials and permission to share photos of your work to showcase your reliability.
An Auckland pool maintenance professional grew business through consistently sharing client reviews and seasonal tips.
Word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool in New Zealand’s close-knit communities.
6. Network with Related Experts
Build relationships with pool builders, landscape designers, and real estate agents for referrals and joint projects.
Weirdly enough, direct connections in your local area often lead to more work than online advertising alone.
Strong networks support steady business growth over time.
7. Build a Simple, Mobile Website
Create a clean, mobile-optimised website showcasing your pool and spa services, testimonials, and contact details using tools like Wix or Google Sites.
Keep the content fresh with new projects, feedback, and seasonal advice.
A professional website increases credibility and helps attract enquiries.
8. Share Useful Pool Care Tips
Posting maintenance advice, water quality tips, and equipment troubleshooting on social media helps you establish your expertise and engage local clients.
Sharing region-specific tips, like preparing pools for the wet NZ winters, resonates well with local audiences.
Useful, non-salesy content nurtures client trust and referral momentum.
9. Manage Bookings and Client Communication
Use Yada’s scheduling and messaging functionalities or apps like Calendly to organise appointments and stay in touch with clients.
Clear communication about service timing, costs, and expectations improves client satisfaction and reduces cancellations.
Smart scheduling is key to balancing your side hustle with your main job.
10. Stay Updated on Industry Standards
Keep current with NZ pool safety regulations, chemical handling rules, and new technology through workshops and certifications.
Joining industry associations offers networking and learning opportunities to enhance your professionalism.
Continuous skill development helps maintain high service standards and client confidence.