Top 8 Affordable Pool Service Franchises to Consider in 2024

The $7.1 billion pool maintenance sector has witnessed remarkable growth in the past few years, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought on a massive 533% increase in the installation of residential swimming pools over 2020 alone. Today, a whopping 8% of the country’s 130 million households have swimming pools, and with more and more homeowners transforming their backyards into private oases post-pandemic, the pool service industry shows no signs of slowing down.

Here are some of the top opportunities for those interested in entering this market without breaking the bank.

Pool service franchises

Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Pool Scouts is part of the Buzz Franchise Brands, a company known for developing successful service brands. Since its inception in 2016, Pool Scouts has been focusing on professionalizing the pool cleaning and maintenance service industry. Pool Scouts emphasizes a home-based business model, which significantly lowers initial investment costs and operational overhead.

The brand also recently rolled out its PoolCare+ services, which gives owners the opportunity to offer their customers an expanded range of services, including vinyl liner replacements, pool resurfacing, tile repair and installation, coping services, safety cover replacements and screen enclosure repairs.

• Units: 78

• Total Initial Investment: $104,000 - $136,410

• Franchise fee: $50,000

• Royalty Fee: 8%

• Marketing Fee: 2%

• Liquidity Required: $250,000

• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 Years

Leading pool franchises

Founded in 2002, America’s Swimming Pool Company is one of the nation's leading franchises for pool cleaning, maintenance and renovation services. ASP offers significant support to franchisees, including extensive training and ongoing operational support, making it accessible even to those new to the industry. It also provides a veteran discount of 15% off the franchise fee, underscoring its commitment to supporting military veterans transitioning into civilian entrepreneurship.

With a growing demand for pool services and a strong support system, ASP represents a compelling opportunity for prospective franchisees?.

• Units: 100+

• Total Initial Investment: $84,395 - $207,368

• Franchise Fee: $40,000 - $90,000

• Royalty Fee: 5% to 7%.

• Marketing Fee: 1%.

• Liquidity Required: $50,000

• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years.

Poolwerx, founded over 25 years ago, is a leading pool and spa maintenance franchise operating across several countries, with a significant presence in the United States, Australia and New Zealand. The company provides a range of services including pool cleaning, maintenance and repair, as well as selling pool and spa equipment. With this “hub-and-spoke” model, Poolwerx offers a scalable business opportunity, allowing franchisees to start with a single van, tap into multiple revenue streams and expand to a retail store.

Poolwerx's purchasing power and established vendor relationships also provide a competitive edge in the market.

• Units: 70+ in the U.S.

• Total Initial Investment: $182,072 - $430,322.

• Franchise Fee: $49,500.

• Royalty Fee: 7%.

• Marketing Fee: 1% - 3%

• Liquidity Required: $50,000 - $150,000

Established pool brands

Founded in 1975, Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa is one of America's largest franchised retail pool supply and service companies. Pinch A Penny offers extensive pool and spa care products, pool cleaning, maintenance services and backyard essentials such as patio furniture and grills. With a focus on both retail and service, franchisees have the potential to achieve significant growth and profitability in the expanding pool and spa industry. Entrepreneur magazine has ranked Pinch A Penny on its prestigious “Franchise 500” list for three consecutive years.

• Units: 279

• Total Initial Investment: $471,425 - $745,200.

• Franchise Fee: $50,000.

• Royalty Fee: 6%

• Marketing Fee: 4%

• Liquidity Required: $150,000

• Franchise Agreement Length: 20 years

Premier Pools and Spas, founded in 1988, is known as the world's largest pool builder franchise, specializing in the design, construction and maintenance of residential in-ground swimming pools. With a reputation for high-quality construction within budget, Premier offers a strong franchise model and great brand recognition. The company is heavily involved in the media; most notably, it was featured on HGTV’s Pool Kings, where owners Paul Porter and Brian Porter served as the hosts for seasons 7 and 8.

• Units: 125

• Total Initial Investment: $58,950 - $119,000

• Franchise Fee: $45,000.

• Royalty Fee: 3.5 - 4%

• Marketing Fee: Up to 1%

Founded in 2018, Puddle Pool Services is an emerging franchise in the pool maintenance industry, known for its innovative approach and efficient service model. Puddle Pool Services specializes in the maintenance and cleaning of residential and commercial pools, hot tubs, and water features, focusing on recurring contracts and one-time maintenance. For franchisees, the company offers a home-based, recurring-revenue business model.

• Units: 18

• Total Initial Investment: $99,000 - $148,900

• Franchise Fee: $40,000.

• Royalty Fee: 7%

Emerging pool services

Premier Pool Service is a sister company of Premier Pools and Spas that focuses on the maintenance and service of pools. With the backing of a well-known brand, this franchise offers a solid opportunity in the pool maintenance market, focusing on regular and recurring service. Franchisees also don’t need to worry about investing in a brick-and-mortar facility or retail space, which keeps costs lower.

• Units: 25+

• Total Initial Investment: $50,000 - $125,000.

• Franchise Fee: $25,000

• Royalty Fee: 5.45%

Ultra Pool Care Squad, which was founded fairly recently in 2020, offers professional pool maintenance services, including cleaning, chemical balancing, equipment repair and installation. The brand’s commitment to quality has made them a reputable, up-and-coming name in the pool care industry. While the franchise is just getting started, it is owned by parent company Explore Industries, which has been manufacturing pools for over 20 years and provides franchisees with in-depth support and significant buying power.

• Units: 2

• Total Initial Investment: $74,305 - $152,630

• Royalty Fee: 7.5%

• Marketing Fee: 2.5%

• Liquidity Required: $35,000

• Franchise Agreement Length: 5 years.

Overall, diving into the world of low-cost pool franchises reveals a sea of opportunity for those ready to make a splash in the pool service industry. Whether you're looking to dip your toes or dive in deep, there's a franchise ready to help you navigate the waters of business ownership with ease.