Ernie vs Skimmer
Skimmer pioneered pool-route software, but the per-tech pricing punishes every hire. Ernie gives you the same LSI scoring, chemistry logging, and route management, at one flat $24.99/mo price for up to 5 techs, with QuickBooks-ready export and AI routing Skimmer doesn't offer at any price.
$24.99/mo covers up to 5 techs. $5/mo per additional seat. No per-visit fees, no per-truck fees, no percentage of revenue. Skimmer adds ~$50/mo for every tech you put in the field.
Download invoices and customers as a QuickBooks-compatible CSV. Upload to QBO via Settings → Import data in 30 seconds. No OAuth setup, no broken sync, no add-on fee. Skimmer's QuickBooks integration sits behind their higher tiers.
Ernie's AI re-sequences route stops automatically, cutting windshield time. Add a new customer mid-week and the rest of the schedule adapts. Skimmer doesn't offer AI routing at any price.
Skimmer charges roughly $50/mo per technician. At 5 techs that's $250/mo. Ernie is $24.99/mo flat for the same 5 techs, so you save $225/mo or $2,700/year.
| Team size | Ernie | Skimmer | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 users | $24.99/mo | ~$100.00/mo | $75.01/mo |
| 5 users | $24.99/mo | ~$250.00/mo | $225.01/mo |
| 10 users | $49.99/mo | ~$500.00/mo | $450.01/mo |
| 20 users | $99.99/mo | ~$1000.00/mo | $900.01/mo |
Skimmer est. ~$50/mo per tech. Estimates based on publicly listed pricing as of 2026.
| Feature | Ernie | Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
Per-tech pricing $24.99/mo flat for up to 5 techs, then $5/mo per seat | ||
AI route optimization AI re-sequences stops and adapts when customers are added | ||
QuickBooks-ready CSV export Skimmer: behind higher tiers. Ernie: included, one-click download | ||
In-app CRM with email automation Skimmer: basic email. Ernie: auto service reports, payment reminders, review-collection emails | ||
SMS notifications Skimmer: paid add-on. Ernie: included | ||
Offline tech app (works without signal) Ernie: photos, signatures, chemistry all save offline and sync on reconnect | ||
Pool-specific features (LSI, chemistry logging) | ||
Drag-and-drop route builder | ||
Invoicing + online payments | ||
Work orders + kanban | ||
Inventory / truck stock tracking Skimmer: basic tracking; Ernie: per-truck with shopping-list workflow | ||
Customer portal | ||
Free trial length Ernie: up to 60 days (30 free, plus 30 when you add a card). Skimmer: 14 days typically |
Skimmer's per-tech model means every new hire adds ~$50/mo to your software bill. Ernie's flat-then-seat model means your 5th tech is free, your 10th tech is $5/mo, your 20th tech is still $5/mo. A 5-tech business saves $225/mo. A 10-tech business saves $450/mo.
Download invoices + customers as a QuickBooks-compatible CSV. Open QBO → Settings → Import data → drop the file in. Books reconciled in 30 seconds. No OAuth setup, no broken syncs, no per-month integration fee.
Ernie's AI sequences stops to minimize drive time. Add a new customer in Plano on Tuesday and Wednesday's route re-optimizes automatically. Skimmer makes you drag-and-drop manually every time.
Service reports auto-send after each stop. Invoice reminders go out on schedule. Review-collection emails ask happy customers to leave a Google review. SMS skip notices when it rains. You can cancel your separate email tool.
Try the slider, see exactly what Ernie costs for your team.
Everything, one price
Unlimited service sites · 5 users included
No credit card required · First 30 days free, plus 30 more when you add a card
More than 5 users?
Contact us for enterprise pricing.
Up to 60 days free, no card required. Most pool service businesses are fully migrated in under a week.
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