Pool Scouts

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 Brand, Pool Scouts promises to “Create perfect pools, scout’s honor.” Although a relatively new company, Pool Scouts has exploded and now has more than 350 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.

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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.

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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.

Related: Become a Franchise Owner in 5 Easy Steps | Entrepreneur

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 of $79,650, with a breakdown of the costs as follows:

• Initial franchise fee: $30,000.
• Marketing fee: $25,650.
• Computer devices and software: $2,975.
• Professional fees, insurance and licenses: $4,200.
• Initial training fee: $1,250.
• Additional capital: $12,500.
• Vehicle: $3,075.

Related: Top 10 Franchise Money Questions Answered

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.

Related: Exploring a Franchise Opportunity? 5 Key Questions to Ask. | Entrepreneur

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.