ProValet vs Skimmer 2026: Which Is Better for Pool Service?
Choosing between ProValet and Skimmer for your pool service business? Both platforms serve field service professionals, but they take different approaches to scheduling, invoicing, and mobile tools.
This comparison breaks down everything pool service professionals need to know: pricing, features, mobile apps, and which platform is better suited for your specific needs.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ProValet | Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Capterra Rating | 3.0/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Best For | Route management software | Pool service management platform |
| Mobile App | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Route Planning | Available | Available |
| Invoicing | Built-in | Built-in |
What Sets ProValet Apart
ProValet has built its reputation on specific strengths that matter to field service businesses. Here's what users consistently highlight:
ProValet Strengths
- Unique homeowner app with Uber-like experience
- Customers can rate, tip, and pay through the app
- "On The Way!" alerts improve customer experience
- Quick onboarding—most launch within days
- US-based support team with coaching included
- QuickBooks Online integration reduces admin work
- Offline mode for field technicians
- Guided migration from Skimmer, ServiceTitan, etc.
- Saves 6-8 hours per week according to users
What Sets Skimmer Apart
Skimmer differentiates itself with features that appeal to businesses looking for specific capabilities:
Skimmer Strengths
- Excellent customer support with live phone help
- Easy to use, intuitive interface
- Pool-industry specific (not generic FSM)
- Professional service emails impress customers
- Offline mode works without internet
- Unlimited users (no per-tech fees)
- Route optimization saves time
- Strong chemical tracking features
ProValet Limitations
No software is perfect. Based on user reviews and our analysis, here's where ProValet falls short:
Areas for Improvement
- Per-technician pricing adds up quickly for larger teams
- $149/month base is higher than some competitors
- Still improving based on user feedback (has glitches)
- Limited ability to create custom forms
- Less pool-specific features than dedicated pool software
- No chemical tracking or LSI calculator
- Newer platform with less market presence
Skimmer Limitations
Similarly, Skimmer has some weaknesses to consider:
Areas for Improvement
- Recent 100% price increase upset many users
- Android app has stability issues (crashes, freezes)
- Pushing users toward Skimmer billing vs QuickBooks
- Some features locked behind higher tiers
- Photo quality issues reported by some users
- Time tracking can be unreliable
Mobile App Experience
For pool service professionals, the mobile app is critical—you're in the field all day. Here's how both platforms stack up:
- Unique homeowner app with Uber-like experience
- Customers can rate, tip, and pay through the app
- "On The Way!" alerts improve customer experience
- Excellent customer support with live phone help
- Easy to use, intuitive interface
- Pool-industry specific (not generic FSM)
Looking for Pool-Specific Software?
PoolDial is built specifically for pool service professionals with chemical tracking, water testing integration, and a 24/7 AI receptionist included at no extra cost. Simple $2/pool pricing with no contracts.
See How PoolDial ComparesWho Should Choose ProValet?
ProValet is likely the better choice if you:
- Unique homeowner app — Unique homeowner app with Uber-like experience
- Customers can rate, — Customers can rate, tip, and pay through the app
- "On The Way!" — "On The Way!" alerts improve customer experience
- Quick onboarding—most launch — Quick onboarding—most launch within days
Who Should Choose Skimmer?
Skimmer might be better if you:
- Excellent customer support — Excellent customer support with live phone help
- Easy to use, — Easy to use, intuitive interface
- Pool-industry specific (not — Pool-industry specific (not generic FSM)
- Professional service emails — Professional service emails impress customers
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for pool service, ProValet or Skimmer?
It depends on your priorities. ProValet excels at unique homeowner app with uber-like experience, while Skimmer is stronger for excellent customer support with live phone help. For pool-specific features like chemical tracking and water testing, consider dedicated pool software like Skimmer or PoolDial.
Can I switch from ProValet to Skimmer (or vice versa)?
Yes. Both platforms allow data export. Customer records, service history, and basic job data can typically be migrated. The complexity depends on how much historical data you need to transfer.
Do either have pool-specific features like chemical tracking?
Most general field service software doesn't include pool-specific features like chemical tracking, LSI calculations, or water testing integration. If these features are important to your business, look at pool-specific platforms like Skimmer or PoolDial.
Which has better customer support?
Both platforms generally receive positive feedback about their support teams. Check recent reviews for the most up-to-date information about response times and helpfulness.
Our Verdict
Choose ProValet if: You prioritize unique homeowner app with uber-like experience.
Choose Skimmer if: You prioritize excellent customer support with live phone help.
For pool service specifically: Consider pool-specific software like Skimmer or PoolDial that includes chemical tracking, water testing integration, and pool industry features that general FSM software lacks.
For deeper reviews, read our complete ProValet review or Skimmer review. Or explore our Best Pool Service Software guide for a broader comparison.