Start a Pool Scouts Franchise in 2024

2024 Franchise 500 Rank: #497 Ranked #490 last year

Initial investment: $103K - $135K

Units as of 2024: 93 97.9% over 3 years

Launched in 2016, Pool Scouts was born out of a dire need for a professional, high-quality pool cleaning service provider.

A branch of their parent company, Buzz Franchise Brands, Pool Scouts promises "perfect pools, scout’s honor.” Although a relatively new company, Pool Scouts has exploded and now has locations spanning 10 states.

If you’re ready to join this company and make a ‘splash’ in the pool cleaning industry, read on to learn everything you need to know about opening a Pool Scouts franchise.

Why choose Pool Scouts?

Guaranteeing more than just a clean pool, Pool Scouts prides itself on clear communication and always providing a professional and reliable service that pool owners can trust.

Armed with a detailed checklist, the pool technicians have everything they need to ensure every pool is cleaned correctly and effectively. Utilizing the newest technology and treatment options, Pool Scouts is a leader in the pool servicing industry.

A few ways Pool Scouts stand apart from their competitors is their digital water testing and post-service reports that effectively communicate what was done with the homeowners.

What services do they provide?

Pool Scouts is more than just a pool cleaning service. Whether a customer is looking for a one-time cleaning or wants to be put on a regular cleaning schedule, Pool Scouts can accommodate just about any customer request.

Recurring pool cleaning

Offering weekly and bi-weekly cleaning options, Pool Scouts is always ready to make sure their customers have a clean pool to enjoy.

Utilizing the latest water testing technology and pool treatment options, the technicians can deal effectively with any issues. The water test results are then shared with the customer so that they are informed about what is going on.

Their weekly and bi-weekly services include:

Removing leaves and debris from the surface of the pool.
Cleaning the tile surface at the waterline.
Cleaning the skimmer basket(s) and the pump strainer basket(s).
Filter cleaning or backwashing.
Filter pressure check.
Review all the equipment to ensure everything works correctly and check for leaks.
Vacuuming the bottom of the pool.
Water testing.
Balancing the pool water with necessary chemicals.
Blowing off the pool deck.

One-time pool cleaning

For customers who just want a once-a-year, thorough pool cleaning, Pool Scouts also has them covered.

Equipped to handle even the dirtiest of pools, the technicians will have the pool properly cleaned and operational in no time.

Pool maintenance service

On top of cleaning, Pool Scouts also offer a pool maintenance service that keeps residential pools running productively throughout the entire season and helps eliminate issues that may arise.

Regular pool maintenance is always recommended to help ensure the water is clean and safe and the pool components work effectively.

A few of the regular maintenance services Pool Scouts provides are:

Filter cleaning.
Minor repairs, dependent on pool location.
Replacement of salt cell.
Inspection of the pool.

Specialty services

Pool Scouts go above and beyond the services listed above. Their goal is to provide any pool service their customer may need.

A few of their specialty services include:

Seasonal opening and closing services.
Kickstart pool service (includes water testing, shocking, balancing and cleaning)
Green pool service (this involves shocking the pool using specialized chemicals to remove the algae, which is unsafe to swim in).
Saltwater conversion.
Pool cover replacements.

What steps are there to owning a franchise?

When you think about becoming an entrepreneur and starting a Pool Scouts franchise opportunity, you need to ensure it is the right fit for you.

Pool Scouts wants you to be successful and has a proven business model to help ensure your success. The path to ownership consists of four steps, mainly done online or over the phone for your convenience.

Initial contact and intro call

After filling out the Initial Interest Form, potential franchise owners will receive a call from the franchise development team to discuss the franchise opportunity.

The conversation will mainly focus on your personal and professional experience and discuss the market you are interested in.

Dive deeper through calls and webinars

During this in-depth phase, you will learn about all the different parts of the business by watching webinars and talking with the Pool Scouts team.

The Pool Scouts business model will be discussed, and you will review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) with the development team. You can ask any questions regarding this home-based business opportunity at this stage.

Meet The Team in Virginia Beach

The next step is to attend Meet The Team Day at Pool Scout’s office in Virginia Beach, VA. During the day, you can tour the space and meet with Pool Scouts' corporate team members.

This helps you better understand the company and the franchise opportunity itself.

Sign on and become a Scout

This is the final step in the ownership process once both the franchisor and the franchisee have agreed. Now you are officially a member of the Pool Scouts family.

What startup costs are involved?

The associated costs are among the most significant deciding factors in opening a franchise business. Pool Scouts understands this and is proud of being able to keep their franchise fees significantly lower than most franchise opportunities out there.

Being a home-based business, there is no need for a dedicated retail location which helps keep this a low-cost franchise opportunity.

New franchisees can expect to have a total investment starting at $87,490, with a breakdown of the costs as follows:

Initial franchise fee: $35,000
Professional fees, insurance, and licenses: $2,300
Marketing fees: $25,960
Computer devices, software, and systems: $1,580
Initial training fees: $1,000
Additional funds: $20,000
Vehicle: $1,650

Are there any franchise discounts available?

A proud member of VetFran, Pool Scouts offers a couple of discount franchise opportunities to specific individuals who meet certain criteria.

VetFran program

Pool Scouts is a member of VetFran, a program that offers financial discounts to honorably discharged veterans.

For individuals who meet the criteria, you simply need to contact Pool Scouts to discuss the program. They will assist you in moving forward as a franchise owner.

Community Heroes Discount program

The Community Heroes Discount program, similar to the VetFran program, is offered to current or former full-time law enforcement officers or firefighters as a way of saying thank you for your service.

What training is included?

Pool Scouts understands that business ownership can be intimidating, and they are there to help.

When you open a pool cleaning franchise with Pool Scouts, you are backed by more than 80 years of combined experience with skills and knowledge in marketing, operations, finance and customer service.

Before opening your Pool Scouts franchise, you will receive complete training at the Pool Scouts headquarters in Virginia Beach, VA.

This training covers everything from how to operate the equipment, regulatory compliance, digital and print marketing strategies and current business protocols.

As a franchise owner, just a few of the benefits you will have access to are:

A solid brand

Pool Scouts is a leader in the pool cleaning and maintenance industry. The name “scout” promotes a trustworthy, honest image to the customer, and that is precisely what Pool Scouts delivers.

Marketing expertise

Every Pool Scouts franchisee has access to all the company's promotional products, such as signage, vehicle wraps and letterhead.

Along with the actual physical materials comes a support team to help you use them effectively to help grow your Pool Scouts business.

Call center

Each franchise comes with a 24/7 customer call center so that customers are guaranteed to speak to a human and not a recording.

Best-in-class business management tools

Utilizing state-of-the-art software that simplifies the customer experience Pool Scouts also offers training in accounting to their franchise partners.

Start a Pool Scouts franchise today

Ranking on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list, with exponential growth since its conception in 2016, you can’t go wrong considering partnering with this franchise company.

If you are looking at starting a successful business, make sure to ‘dive’ into the world of becoming a Pool Scouts franchise owner.

Check out Entrepreneur’s other articles for more information about Pool Scouts and other franchise opportunities.

Company Overview

About Pool Scouts

Industry	Maintenance
Related Categories	Pool Maintenance, Miscellaneous Maintenance Businesses, Miscellaneous Services, Home Improvement
Founded	2016
Parent Company	Buzz Franchise Brands
Leadership	David Mele, President
Corporate Address	2829 Guardian Ln., #100 Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Social	Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube

Jump to Franchise Overview

More from Pool Scouts

Dive into Success - Pool Scouts takes pool care to the next level.

Pool Scouts isn't just about skimming the surface – we're making waves in the pool care industry with an award-winning reputation. Splash into success with the franchise that's been making a cannonball-sized impact, our recent accolades across franchising include:

2023 Entrepreneur Franchise 500 (third year in a row)
2023 Entrepreneur Top Low-Cost Franchise
2023 Entrepreneur Top Home-Based Franchise
2023 Franchise Business Review Top Low-Cost Franchises

As a leader in our space, we leverage a proven franchising model to tap into the $7 billion pool service industry where pool owners have been craving a more professional approach toward their pool service. Pool Scouts professionalizes the maintenance and service of residential pools, taking pool services to a new level with our state-of-the-art technology and best-in-class customer service.

Pool Scouts is the franchise opportunity poised to make a splash in the industry.

Elevated level of service in $7 Billion pool care industry
Repeat customer base providing a recurring stream of revenue
Proven success in both seasonal and year-round markets
Backed by proven multi-brand franchisor, Buzz Franchise Brands
Low-cost, home-based business with fast start up

Pool Scouts - employee with company truck.

We don't just clean pools; we make them the life of the party!

Becoming a Pool Scouts franchise partner enables you to build a successful business serving residential customers. At Pool Scouts, our expansive list of services goes beyond mere pool maintenance – it positions your franchise as the ultimate one-stop shop for all things pool care. From recurring cleaning services to year-round repairs, renovations, and indulgent hot tub & spa services, you'll be equipped to meet every customer's unique needs.

Our list of services include:

Recurring Pool Cleaning Services: Weekly, Bi-weekly, Monthly
Pool Openings and Closings Services
Green to Clean Services
Vinyl Liner Replacements
Safety Cover Replacement
Pool Repairs & Maintenance
Pool Inspections
Hot Tub & Spa Service
Pool Renovations through “Scout Approved” Partners

Proven Success in Every Market

Join a franchise that excels in both seasonal and year-round locations. Benefit from our track record of success, where year-round markets enjoy continuous demand for our services, and seasonal markets experience significant surges during key periods – March to May (opening services), June to September (recurring cleaning services), and September to November (closing services).

Customer Service Excellence

Our customer service has our customers doing back flips! We prioritize customer satisfaction and build relationships that make a splash. Through our professional services, you will not only meet but surpass customer expectations, and build relationships that foster repeat business. At Pool Scouts, we prioritize customer service excellence, guided by our distinct Pool Scouts customer service standards and a plus-one service mentality.

Powered by Buzz

Buzz Franchise Brands, a multi-brand franchisor and winner of Inc. 500, backs Pool Scouts as we help franchisees hit the ground running with our onboarding and ongoing support including:

Comprehensive Training Programs:

All necessary training provided, no prior experience in the pool business is required.
Initial training programs provided to learn about both business operations and professional pool care techniques.
Ongoing training sessions to keep franchise owners fully-trained in best practices in pool care and learn new skills to provide additional pool services.

Operational Support:

Operations manuals and guidelines for consistent business practices.
Support from business coaches in implementing and managing day-to-day operations.
Assistance with financial planning and management.
Guidance on budgeting and financial reporting.

Marketing and Advertising Support:

National marketing campaigns to promote the brand.
Local marketing to drive customer recruitment.
Digital support including website, SEO, social media, digital ads, etc.
Marketing collateral including vehicle wraps, yard signs, polos, hats, brochures, business cards, and additional apparel, promotional giveaways and print items.

Technology and Systems:

Access to systems for managing business operations.
Ongoing technical support.

Franchisee Networking:

Opportunities for franchisees to connect and share experiences.
Annual conferences and periodic regional meetings for networking and learning.

Get Started Now!

Since you can start a Pool Scouts out of your home office, this business opportunity provides low start-up costs and can open quickly. We have territories available for motivated individuals looking to make waves in the pool care scene. If you are looking for an add-on or a full-time business, claim your territory today and take control of your future before it is too late! Don't just dream of success – dive in with Pool Scouts.

Pool Scouts…Perfect Pools, Scout’s Honor!

For more Pool Scouts videos, visit youtube.com/poolscouts

Business Overview

Franchising Since	2016 (8 years)
# of employees at HQ	69
Where seeking	This company is offering new franchises in the following US states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
# of Units	93 (as of 2024)

Information for Franchisees

Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Pool Scouts franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee Definition: The initial fee paid to a franchisor to join their system What you need to know: Found in Item 5 of the FDD, this may be a flat fee, or may vary based on territory size, experience, or other factors.The franchise fee is an up-front (one-time) cost that a new franchisee pays to the franchisor. This fee is usually due at the signing of the franchise agreement and covers the right to use the franchisor's trademarks, name, and related business systems.	$50,000
Initial Investment Definition: The total amount necessary to begin operation of the franchise What you need to know: The initial investment includes the franchise fee, along with other startup expenses such as real estate, equipment, supplies, business licenses, and working capital. This is outlined in a chart in Item 7 of the FDD, showing a range of possible costs from low to high.	$102,805 - $134,830
Net Worth Requirement Definition: The minimum net worth you must have in order to qualify to become a franchisee of this company What you need to know: Net worth is the value of a person's assets minus liabilities. Assets include cash, stocks, retirement accounts, and real estate. Liabilities include items like mortgages, car payments, and credit card debt.	$300,000
Cash Requirement Definition: The minimum liquid capital you must have available in order to qualify to become a franchisee of this company.	$75,000
Veteran Incentives Definition: A discount or other incentive offered to military veterans who buy a franchise with this company.	20% off franchise fee
Royalty Fee Definition: A ongoing fee paid to the franchisor on a regular basis. What you need to know: Most franchisors require franchisees to pay an ongoing royalty fee, which is detailed in Item 6 of the FDD. This fee is typically a percentage of weekly or monthly gross sales, but may also be a flat weekly, monthly, or annual fee.	8%
Ad Royalty Fee Definition: An going fee paid to the franchisor on a regular basis to support advertising or marketing efforts. What you need to know: This may also be called advertising fee, marketing fee, brand fund fee, and more, but the basic purpose is the same-- to support promotion of the brand systemwide. As with the royalty fee, it is detailed in Item 6 of the FDD, and can be a percentage of weekly or monthly gross sales or a weekly, monthly, or annual fee.	2%
Term of Agreement Definition: The length of time your franchise agreement will last. What you need to know: Franchise terms are typically anywhere from 5 to 20 years in length, but are sometimes instead dependent on factors such as the term of your lease. Once your term is up, you may have the option to renew your agreement, typically for a smaller fee than the original franchise fee.	10 years
Is franchise term renewable?	Yes

Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

Third Party Financing	Pool Scouts has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training	31 hours
Classroom Training	30 hours
Ongoing Support	Newsletter Meetings & Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Security & Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support	Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social Media SEO Website Development Email Marketing Loyalty Program/App

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed?	No
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Definition: The business can be run from your home and/or a vehicle, and it is not necessary to have a retail facility, office space, or warehouse.	Yes
Can this franchise be run part time? Definition: This business can be run by the owner on a part-time basis (less than 40 hours per week) and/or as a side business; it is not necessary for the business to be open/run full-time.	No
# of employees required to run	2
Are exclusive territories available? Definition: An exclusive territory is a fixed area in which you are given the right to operate and in which no other units of the same franchise may be opened. What you need to know: Territory size may be based on factors such as radius, population size, zip codes, and more. Details can be found in Item 12 of the FDD.	Yes

Franchise 500 Ranking History

Compare where Pool Scouts landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.

Additional Rankings

Curious to know where Pool Scouts ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.

Ranked #497 in 2024

Franchise 500

Ranked #127 in 2023

Top Home-Based & Mobile Franchises

Ranked #78 in 2024

Top Franchises for Less Than $150,000

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