This is research, not legal advice. Rules change, and cities and counties add their own. Confirm with the agencies listed at the bottom before you start.
Nevada at a glance
| Weekly cleaning and chemicals | Possibly licensed. Ask NSCB first. |
|---|---|
| Repairs and equipment | A-10e license; exemption under $1,000 with limits |
| Pesticide / algaecide license | Pool maintenance services exempt |
| Sales tax | Confirm with the Department of Taxation |
| CPO certification | Not required for residential pools |
Do you need a license to clean pools in Nevada?
Nevada is the one state on this list where cleaning may need a license. Its contractor law defines regulated pool work to include "maintenance" of residential pools performed for a fee, and prohibits doing it without a license. The statute doesn't say whether routine cleaning counts. Ask the Nevada State Contractors Board before you start taking customers. (leg.state.nv.us)
Licenses for repairs and equipment work
The A-10e Maintenance and Repair of Pools and Spas classification covers plaster, tile, coping, pumps, filters, heaters, timers, controls and lights. Water and gas lines (A-10f) need a plumber certificate. Licensed contractors post a consumer-protection bond. (leg.state.nv.us)
There's an exemption for work under $1,000 in labor and materials, but not if it needs a permit, involves plumbing or electrical work, or is part of a larger project. (leg.state.nv.us)
Pesticide and chemical rules
Nevada exempts swimming pool maintenance services using algicides, bactericides or fungicides from pesticide licensing. (leg.state.nv.us)
Registering the business and sales tax
File with the Nevada Secretary of State, get a State Business License, and check county or city licensing. CPO certification isn't required for residential pools.
Startup checklist
- Form your business entity and get an EIN from the IRS.
- Confirm the license questions above with the agencies below, in writing if you can.
- Get your city/county business license and any sales tax registration.
- Buy general liability and commercial auto insurance. See what pool service insurance costs.
- Budget your startup cash with the startup cost calculator.
- Set prices from your real costs with the pricing calculator, and put a service agreement in place for every customer.
Who to confirm with
- Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB): Whether routine pool cleaning needs a license
Other states
Florida · Texas · California · Arizona · Georgia · North Carolina · South Carolina