Why Pool Cleaning and Pool Retail Is a Sexy Franchise Opportunity in 2024

Diving into the deep end of the franchise world, the pool industry is making quite the splash in the entrepreneurial waters. This sector, often considered the unsung hero of the service industry, has been riding a tidal wave of growth. With an ocean of opportunities for those ready to jump in and make waves, brands like Poolwerx, one of the world’s largest swimming pool repair, maintenance and retail franchises, are not just staying afloat but swimming laps around the competition. 

"Our franchise partners come from diverse backgrounds — from Amazon to landscaping, healthcare and beyond,” said Andrew Kidd, the CEO of Poolwerx North America. “The one commonality between them all? They've all identified a gap in the pool industry for qualified providers and see Poolwerx as a lucrative pathway to fill this void."

The industry for pool maintenance, currently valued at $7.2 billion, has experienced significant expansion in recent years. A 2020 survey revealed that the installation of home swimming pools surged by a staggering 533% within a single year, buoyed by a surge of homeowners seeking to turn their backyards into personal retreats following the pandemic.

Despite its growth, the sector is still very underserved, with the number of homeowners purchasing pools outpacing supply. “Many mom-and-pop businesses are struggling to meet the technology and customer service expectations of contemporary consumers,”said Kidd. “Because customers need their new pools to be fixed and maintained, reliable businesses like Poolwerx are in greater demand than ever.”

Since its inception in 1992, Poolwerx has grown into the largest pool and hot tub maintenance network in Australia and New Zealand, expanding into the U.S. in 2015. Poolwerx’s journey of expansion and success is not merely a tale of financial gains but a narrative of filling a critical market gap with quality and consistency. The brand boasts an impressive average annual revenue of $2.1 million per Franchise Partner, per their 2023 FDD, underlining the financial viability of this opportunity.

“The pool industry often goes unnoticed until an issue arises, leading to significant costs,” Kidd said. “Our growing pool population in the U.S. presents a massive opportunity for entrepreneurs, with every pool requiring a range of maintenance, products and services.”

Poolwerx, with its “hub and spoke” model combining service and retail, addresses the fragmentation in the industry. This model provides Franchise Partners with multiple revenue streams, ensuring resilience in various economic climates.

“The pool service sector is limited in representation, with a notable divide in service quality,” Kidd said. “Our model allows us to cover all gaps for the homeowner.”

The comprehensive array of services and products, from maintenance to e-commerce retail sales, offers Franchise Partners a multitude of avenues within the pool industry. In addition, Poolwerx’s focus on both service and retail ensures a constant market presence.

Empowering Franchise Partners is a cornerstone of Poolwerx’s success. With extensive training in water chemistry, hydrology and business processes, Franchise Partners from all walks of life can be transformed into proficient pool care experts. Plus, for existing business owners already in the pool industry looking to scale, Poolwerx offers an efficient conversion program to tap into its proven business model, comprehensive support system and emphasis on franchise partner success.

Looking ahead to 2024, Poolwerx is poised for even greater growth, hoping to achieve U.S expansion to 120+ stores, including multi-site Franchise Partners with multiple locations, adding 30 new franchises annually in the U.S. The team has identified several markets primed for growth, including Texas (Houston, San Antonio and Austin), North Carolina, Georgia, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The ideal Poolwerx Franchise Partner is someone with leadership experience who is eager to tap into the thriving pool industry. “Our Franchise Partners appreciate Poolwerx’s structured model, allowing them to scale efficiently,” said Kidd. “We offer a holistic solution to the pool industry's fragmented state, providing a lucrative and rewarding business opportunity.”

For more details on franchising with Poolwerx, visit 1851franchise.com/poolwerx/info.