Franchise 500 2023
2024 Franchise 500 Rank
#497 Ranked #490 last year
See the Full List
Initial investment
$104K - $136K
Units as of 2023
78 Increase 169.0% 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.

Related: To Make a Smart Franchise Purchase, Ask These 3 Contrarian Questions | Entrepreneur

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.

Related: Smart Questions to Ask When Evaluating a Franchise Company

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 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

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. 

Find Your Perfect Franchise

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 Michael Wagner, President
Corporate Address 2829 Guardian Ln., #100
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Social Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Sponsored Content

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.

Pool Scouts - employee with company truck.

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 65
Where seeking

This company is offering new franchises in the following US states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, 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, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming

# of Units 78 (as of 2023)

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 Information Circle
$50,000
Initial Investment Information Circle
$104,000 - $136,410
Net Worth Requirement Information Circle
$250,000
Cash Requirement Information Circle
$100,000
Veteran Incentives Information Circle
20% off franchise fee
Royalty Fee Information Circle
8%
Ad Royalty Fee Information Circle
2%
Term of Agreement Information Circle
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 26 hours
Classroom Training 29 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? Information Circle
Yes
Can this franchise be run part time? Information Circle
No
# of employees required to run 2
Are exclusive territories available? Information Circle
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.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022