Skimmer vs Jobber 2026: Which Is Better for Pool Service?
If you're running a pool service business, you've probably considered both Skimmer and Jobber. Skimmer is built specifically for pool professionals, while Jobber serves all home service industries. The question is: does pool-specific software justify its cost, or can a general FSM like Jobber handle everything you need?
This comparison breaks down pricing, features, mobile apps, and real user feedback to help you make the right choice for your pool business.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Skimmer | Jobber |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Focus | Pool-specific | General home services |
| Pricing Model | Per-pool ($1-2/pool) | Per-user ($39-599/mo) |
| Chemical Tracking | ✓ LSI/Orenda calculator | Basic custom fields only |
| Water Testing Integration | ✓ LaMotte Bluetooth | ✗ Not available |
| Route Optimization | ✓ One-click | ✓ Basic included |
| QuickBooks Integration | Available (pushing native billing) | ✓ Two-way sync (Connect+) |
| Offline Mode | ✓ Full offline | ✗ Requires internet |
| AI Features | ✗ Not available | ✓ Jobber Copilot |
| Mobile App (iOS) | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Mobile App (Android) | 4.6/5 (mixed reviews) | 4.7/5 |
Pricing Comparison
The biggest difference between Skimmer and Jobber is how they charge. Skimmer uses per-pool pricing, while Jobber charges per-user tiers. Depending on your business size, one model may be significantly cheaper.
Skimmer
- Getting Started: $1/pool/month ($49 min)
- Scaling Up: $2/pool/month ($98 min)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Unlimited users included. Route optimization requires Scaling Up tier.
Jobber
- Core: $69/mo (1 user) or $39/mo annual
- Connect: $169/mo (5 users) or $119/mo annual
- Grow: $349/mo (10 users) or $199/mo annual
Additional users: $29/user/month. QuickBooks sync requires Connect+.
Pricing Reality Check
For small teams (1-5 users), Jobber is often cheaper regardless of pool count. At 100 pools with 3 techs, Jobber costs $119/mo vs Skimmer's $200/mo. However, Skimmer's per-pool pricing means you don't pay more as you add techs, which helps larger teams.
Pool-Specific Features: Skimmer's Edge
The main reason pool professionals choose Skimmer over general FSM software is pool-specific functionality. Here's where Skimmer excels:
Chemical Tracking & Water Testing
Orenda-powered LSI calculator provides real-time water balance calculations. LaMotte Bluetooth integration syncs water test results directly into the app. Chemical dosing recommendations are built-in.
No built-in chemical tracking or water testing features. Pool techs must use custom fields for manual entry, with no dosing calculations or equipment integrations.
If your business relies heavily on chemical service records, water testing documentation, or equipment tracking, Skimmer's pool-specific tools save significant time.
General FSM Features: Jobber's Strengths
While Skimmer focuses on pool-specific functionality, Jobber offers broader business management tools.
Business Management & AI
Jobber Copilot (AI): Voice-activated scheduling, AI pricing suggestions, upsell identification, and business Q&A. Customer portal with online booking. Drag-and-drop calendar with real-time dispatching.
No AI features. Customer portal available. Route builder with one-click optimization. Primarily focused on field service execution rather than business analytics.
Mobile App Experience
Both platforms have solid mobile apps, but with notable differences:
- Full offline mode—syncs when reconnected
- iOS app rated 4.8/5
- Pool-specific workflows (chemical entry, LSI)
- Service email automation with photos
- Android app has reported stability issues
- Users report crashes and freezes
- "For the last 3 updates the app just crashes completely" — User review
- iOS app rated 4.8/5
- Android app rated 4.7/5 (better stability)
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Consistent across platforms
- Requires internet connection—no offline mode
- No pool-specific workflows
- Manual data entry for chemicals
QuickBooks Integration
Both platforms integrate with QuickBooks, but the experience differs:
- Jobber: Full two-way sync with QuickBooks Online (Connect tier and above). Users report reliable sync, though some note occasional issues.
- Skimmer: Offers QuickBooks integration but actively pushes users toward Skimmer's native billing system. Some users express frustration with this approach.
If QuickBooks is central to your operations, Jobber provides a more straightforward integration experience.
What Real Users Say
About Skimmer
"In the 3+ years we have been on the software only once has system gone down and that was taken care of quickly. Customers like the format and it adds value to the service."
"Longtime Skimmer user and I'm leaving! My per pool monthly fee is going from $1 to $2 - a 100% rise."
About Jobber
"The mobile app is fantastic. I can run my entire lawn care business from my phone while I'm in the field."
"Scheduling and dispatching is incredibly easy. Onboarding new techs takes minutes."
Who Should Choose Skimmer?
- Pool-first businesses — Your primary service is pool maintenance and you need chemical tracking, LSI calculations, and water testing integration
- Larger teams — Unlimited users at no extra cost means better value as your team grows
- Offline needs — You service pools in areas with spotty cell coverage
- iOS users — Skimmer's iOS app is highly rated and stable
Who Should Choose Jobber?
- Multi-service businesses — You offer pool, lawn, and other home services
- Small teams — Per-user pricing is cheaper for 1-5 users regardless of pool count
- Android users — Jobber's Android app is more stable
- QuickBooks dependency — Need reliable accounting sync
- AI features — Want voice scheduling and business intelligence
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Skimmer or Jobber?
It depends on your business size. For small teams (1-5 users), Jobber is typically cheaper at $39-119/month. For larger teams with many pools, Skimmer's per-pool pricing (with unlimited users) often wins. Calculate your specific scenario using both pricing models.
Can Jobber track pool chemicals?
Not natively. Jobber requires manual entry through custom fields. There's no LSI calculator, dosing recommendations, or water testing equipment integration. Pool professionals often find this limiting compared to Skimmer's built-in chemical features.
Does Skimmer work offline?
Yes. Skimmer's mobile app works fully offline and syncs when you reconnect. Jobber requires an internet connection for most functionality, which can be problematic in rural service areas.
Which has better customer support?
Both have good reputations for support. Skimmer users praise their pool-industry expertise. Jobber offers 1-on-1 product coaching and extensive documentation. Response times are similar.
Can I switch from one to the other?
Yes. Both platforms allow data export. Customer records, service history, and basic job data can typically be migrated. Pool-specific data like chemical readings may require manual transfer.
Choose Skimmer if you're a pool-focused business that needs chemical tracking, water testing integration, and offline capability. The pool-specific features save real time in the field.
Choose Jobber if you run a multi-service business, have a small team, prioritize Android reliability, or want AI-powered business tools. The per-user pricing is often cheaper for smaller operations.
Looking for the Best of Both Worlds?
PoolDial combines pool-specific features with modern AI technology—including a 24/7 AI receptionist that answers your business phone. Same $2/pool pricing as Skimmer, with AI phone answering included at no extra cost.
See How PoolDial ComparesFor deeper reviews, read our complete Skimmer review or explore our Pool Service Software Comparison Guide.