Section 1
TL;DR
| Feature | Pooly | Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Pool native software | Yes | Yes |
| Embedded payments | Native, owned stack | Partner routed via processor |
| Consumer financing | Native, in the quote flow | Partner routed integration |
| Route optimization | Yes (AI assisted) | Yes |
| Chemical tracking + LSI | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app | Web at beta, native coming soon | iOS + Android |
| Customer support | Direct, founder led | Tiered support |
Section 2
At a glance
Pooly
Software first, payments native, finance enabled. Built for pool service companies running 1 to 50 routes who care about stops per day, days to cash, and average ticket size. The competition has payments and financing as integrations or partner referrals. We have them as core architecture.
Skimmer
Market leader. Early. Mobile first. Built for techs in the field. Mature mobile app, large customer base, solid chemical readings, established processor and financing partnerships.
Section 3
Feature by feature
Routing and scheduling
Both ship visual planning. Skimmer more polished. Pooly AI assisted with route resequencing.
Service documentation
Skimmer industry baseline. Pooly adds LSI auto calc and AI chemical recommendations.
Customer portal
Both have it. Pooly also runs financing application and acceptance in single flow.
Office
Skimmer QuickBooks more mature. Pooly building toward parity.
Mobile
Skimmer iOS/Android mature. Pooly web at beta with native coming.
Section 4
Embedded payments: native vs partner routed
Skimmer takes payment via partner processor. Third party owns the rails. Pooly payments are native. Three operator changes: (1) money moves on a timeline we control, (2) processing rate is part of your software relationship, (3) auto pay enrollment runs in one flow with no separate processor portal handoff.
Architecture comparison
Pooly: native rails
- One platform, one relationship
- Operator owns the rate
- Auto pay + financing in one flow
Skimmer: routed through Partner processor
- Two layers of margin
- Funding timeline set by third party
- Separate processor portal handoffs
Section 5
Consumer financing
Skimmer offers consumer financing through a partner integration. Application lives outside the core software workflow. Pooly financing is native, in the quote and customer portal, single integrated flow. Two reasons it matters: conversion at the quote (one click vs separate flow), operator workflow (one tool vs two).
Section 6
Pricing and economics
Pricing is being finalized. Reach out for current pricing and a TCO walk through that includes payment processing economics.
Section 7
Who picks which
Pick Pooly if
card volume material; sell upgrade jobs and want financing in the quote with no handoff; fast iterating beta is a feature; want direct founder access; can use web on mobile until native app ships.
Stay on Skimmer if
need native mobile day one; do not process much card volume; do not sell upgrade jobs; need fully mature platform; not interested in beta relationship.
Where Skimmer wins
- Maturity (since 2017). Customer base. Mobile app (iOS/Android mature vs Pooly web at beta). QuickBooks integration depth. Brand recognition.
Section 8
Migrating from Skimmer to Pooly
We do not make migration hard. Pooly comes with a 30 day free trial. During the trial, we import your customer records, route assignments, service history, and chemical readings. Run both systems through the trial if you want.
At the end of 30 days, you decide. If Pooly works for your business, cancel Skimmer and you are fully running on Pooly. Setup is done. No cutover weekend. No double billing period. If it does not work, walk away. No charge.
Most operators are fully set up on Pooly within the first week of the trial and use the rest of the time to stress test it against their current workflow before committing.
Talk to the founders directly
Real reply, no auto responder. Same people who build the product.
Section 9
FAQ
Is Pooly cheaper than Skimmer?
Pricing is in finalization. Native embedded payments change the TCO math. Reach out for current pricing.
Can Pooly import my Skimmer data?
Yes. Records, routes, service history, and chemical readings are imported during the 30 day free trial. Run both systems through the trial. Do not lose continuity on active routes.
Does Skimmer offer customer financing?
Yes, through a partner integration. Pooly financing is native (in the quote and portal).
Embedded payments comparison?
Skimmer is partner routed. Pooly is native. Native gives the operator control over funding timelines, rates, and auto pay enrollment.
Mobile app?
Pooly is web at beta. Native iOS/Android is coming.
How long does it take to switch from Skimmer to Pooly?
Pooly comes with a 30 day free trial. During the trial we import your customer, route, and service data. Most operators are fully set up within the first week. At the end of 30 days, if Pooly works for your business, cancel Skimmer and you are done. No cutover weekend. No double billing.
Beta safety?
Iterating, not unstable. Direct founder access. Migration designed to reduce risk.
International availability?
US only at beta.
Want the short version?
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