Per-Stop vs. Monthly Pool Service Pricing: Which Model Earns More?

Every pool service professional faces a fundamental choice: charge per visit or charge a flat monthly rate? This decision shapes your cash flow, customer relationships, and ultimately your bottom line.

Using data from Skimmer's 2026 Service Rate Index — compiled from 30,000+ pool service professionals managing over 700,000 pools — we'll break down exactly what each model earns across different markets and help you determine which is right for your business.

Understanding the Two Models

Before diving into the numbers, let's clarify what each model entails:

The Math: Monthly vs. Per-Stop Revenue

Let's compare the two models using real market data. We'll use Florida as an example since it's one of the largest pool service markets in the country.

Florida Pricing Example

According to Skimmer's data, Florida rates are:

• Monthly (with chemicals): $139-$145 average
• Per-stop (with chemicals): $85-$90 average

The Real Calculation

Here's the catch: the per-stop rates in the market data ($85-$90 in Florida) are set knowing they need to compete with monthly pricing. Let's redo the math:

The issue is that per-stop rates in the data aren't meant to be multiplied by 52 — they reflect what customers actually pay per visit in markets where per-stop is the norm. The monthly equivalent would be:

$87.50 × 4.33 weeks = $378.88/month

But Florida's monthly rates are only $142/month. This reveals an important insight:

Which States Favor Which Model?

Regional preferences vary significantly. Here's how different markets compare:

States Where Per-Stop Rates Are Notably Higher

In these states, per-stop pricing commands a significant premium, suggesting either that per-stop is less common (requiring higher rates to be profitable) or that customers value the flexibility enough to pay more:

In Connecticut and Indiana, per-stop rates are very close to or exceed monthly rates, suggesting customers in those markets are willing to pay a premium for per-visit flexibility.

States Where Monthly Dominates

In these states, per-stop rates are significantly lower than monthly rates divided by 4, suggesting monthly billing is the market norm and per-stop is a discounted alternative:

In Arizona and Florida, per-stop rates significantly exceed monthly rates divided by 4, meaning per-stop customers actually pay more over the course of a month. This suggests per-stop pricing is positioned as a premium, flexible alternative.

Pros and Cons of Each Model

Monthly Pricing: Advantages

• Predictable cash flow: You know exactly what you'll earn each month
• Simpler billing: Send the same invoice every month, set up autopay
• Revenue during off-weeks: You're paid even when customers travel
• Customer retention: Monthly subscribers are less likely to shop around
• 5-week month bonus: Months with 5 service weeks mean the same revenue for slightly more work, but you keep customers all year

Monthly Pricing: Disadvantages

• Less flexibility: Hard to accommodate bi-weekly or irregular schedules
• Customer pushback: Some customers don't want to pay for weeks they're traveling
• 5-week month risk: You do more work for the same pay in months with 5 Mondays (or whatever your service day is)
• Price increases harder: Customers notice monthly increases more than per-visit adjustments

Per-Stop Pricing: Advantages

• Maximum flexibility: Easy to accommodate bi-weekly, seasonal, or on-demand customers
• Fair compensation: You're paid for every visit you make
• Easier price adjustments: Small per-visit increases are less noticeable
• No "free" weeks: 5-week months mean 5 payments
• Transparency: Customers see exactly what they're paying for

Per-Stop Pricing: Disadvantages

• Variable income: Revenue fluctuates based on visits completed
• Complex billing: Must track each visit and invoice accordingly
• Lost revenue: When customers travel or skip weeks, you don't earn
• Higher churn: Per-stop customers may be more likely to pause or cancel
• Administrative burden: More invoicing work unless you have good software

Which Model Works Best for Different Business Sizes?

Solo Operators (1-50 pools)

Recommendation: Monthly billing

For solo operators, administrative simplicity is paramount. Monthly billing means:

• Same invoice every month (or autopay)
• Predictable income for budgeting
• Less time on billing, more time on service

Small Teams (2-5 technicians, 100-250 pools)

Recommendation: Monthly or hybrid

Small teams can handle more complexity but should weigh the administrative burden:

• Monthly for core route customers
• Per-stop for bi-weekly or seasonal accounts
• Consider per-stop for commercial accounts with variable needs

Larger Operations (5+ technicians, 250+ pools)

Recommendation: Per-stop or hybrid

Larger operations with dedicated billing staff can benefit from per-stop's advantages:

• Fair compensation for every service performed
• Easier to scale with variable customer needs
• Better data on actual service costs per pool
• Flexibility for commercial and HOA accounts

Hybrid Approaches

Many successful operators use a combination of both models:

Monthly Base + Per-Stop Extras

Charge a flat monthly rate for regular weekly service, but bill per-visit for:

• Extra visits (green pool cleanup, after parties)
• Filter cleans
• Equipment repairs
• Seasonal services (winterization, opening)

Monthly for Residential, Per-Stop for Commercial

Commercial accounts often have variable needs that make per-stop billing more appropriate:

• HOAs with multiple pools on different schedules
• Hotels with seasonal occupancy variations
• Apartment complexes with variable budgets

Per-Stop with Monthly Minimums

Bill per visit but guarantee a minimum monthly amount:

• Customer pays for actual visits (flexibility)
• Minimum ensures baseline revenue (predictability)
• Works well for customers who occasionally skip weeks

Making the Switch

If you're considering changing your pricing model, here's how to approach it:

Switching from Per-Stop to Monthly

1. Calculate the equivalent: Average your per-stop visits × rate to set a monthly price
2. Add a small discount: Offer 5-10% below the math to incentivize the switch
3. Communicate value: Emphasize predictability and no surprise bills
4. Offer autopay: Make the transition seamless with automatic payments

Switching from Monthly to Per-Stop

1. Set competitive rates: Research your market's per-stop pricing
2. Communicate flexibility: Emphasize they only pay for actual service
3. Address concerns: Explain billing process and payment expectations
4. Consider grandfathering: Let existing monthly customers stay on that model if they prefer

Related Articles

• Complete Pool Service Pricing Guide 2026: What Pros Charge Across the U.S.
• Pool Service Pricing With Chemicals vs. Without: How Much Extra Can You Charge?
• How to Price Your Pool Service Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Pool Service Rates in Florida 2026: Complete Pricing Guide
• Pool Service Rates in Arizona 2026: Complete Pricing Guide

Key Takeaways

• Neither model is universally "better" — the right choice depends on your market, business size, and operational preferences
• Monthly billing offers simplicity and predictable cash flow, making it ideal for solo operators and those who prioritize administrative efficiency
• Per-stop billing offers flexibility and fair compensation, making it better for larger operations or markets with variable customer needs
• Hybrid approaches let you capture benefits of both models
• Regional norms matter — research what's standard in your market before choosing a model that's outside the norm