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Big Blue Swim School Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A leading learn-to-swim franchise with a proprietary, level-based curriculum for children ranging from three months to 12 years.
LAST UPDATED:
November 2026
FRANCHISE WEBSITE:
https://bigblueswimschool.com/franchising
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS:
55
REPORTED COST TO GET IN:
$1,898,350 - $3,478,100
REPORTED ROI (Item 19):
$1,636,545 (average gross revenue for 42 locations operating for the entirety of 2025)
Big Blue Swim School offers swimming lessons to children three months and older, with the Big Blue Progress Program that measures each swimmer’s progress and encourages continual improvement.
1. What Is the Brand Overview for Big Blue Swim School?
About the Brand
Big Blue Swim School got its start in 2009, when Chris DeJong and John Lonergan, both competitive swimmers, decided to pursue their shared dream of offering swimming lessons. The first location opened in Wilmette, Illinois.
Mission: To build kids’ confidence and skills in the water through progressive instruction in a comfortable environment.
Vision: To be the nation’s premier swim school for families, offering life-saving swim skills and a larger confidence-building journey.
Unique Selling Points (USPs)
- Proprietary Curriculum: Big Blue Swim School’s lessons are built on a structured pathway that systematically assesses each child’s development and celebrates each milestone.
- Ultra-Warm Water: Pools are maintained at a consistent 90 degrees to keep kids relaxed and engaged.
- Flexible Scheduling: With a mobile app and digital booking system, Big Blue Swim School makes it easy for parents to register their children. With overlapping class times, multiple children with different skill levels can be accommodated in a way that’s convenient for the parent.
2. What Are the Franchise Opportunity Details?
Why Franchise With Big Blue Swim School?
- Semi-Absentee and Investor-Friendly: While owners must complete the initial training and onboarding process, they can hire professional managers and staff to handle daily operations.
- Proprietary Software: Owners have access to a custom, integrated platform to manage booking, billing, scheduling, instructor capacity and student progress.
- Centralized Member Services Support: Big Blue Swim School offers a central customer care platform to handle inbound inquiries, trials and customer relations.
Available Territories
Big Blue Swim School is looking to grow in many states across the country.
Investment Overview
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Big Blue Swim School franchise ranges from $1,898,350 to $3,478,100. The 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Real Estate Site Investigation | $0 | $5,000 |
| Rent/Security Deposit | $0 | $70,000 |
| Professional Fees | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Insurance (3 Months) | $2,500 | $4,500 |
| Market Introduction Program | $40,850 | $83,600 |
| Pre-Opening Operations & Labor | $75,000 | $95,000 |
| Management Training Expenses | $0 | $10,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $55,000 | $145,000 |
| Architect & Engineering Fee | $60,000 | $100,000 |
| Utility Upgrades & Tap Fees | $0 | $100,000 |
| Business Licenses & Permits | $20,000 | $70,000 |
| Construction/Net Leasehold Improvements | $1,455,000 | $2,400,000 |
| Pool Equipment, Lighting, HVAC & Related | $135,000 | $250,000 |
| Project Management Fee | $0 | $75,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The initial franchise fee for Big Blue Swim School is $50,000, due when the franchise agreement is signed.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2026 FDD, Big Blue Swim School franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | 6% of gross revenue/calculation period, as defined by the franchisor Minimum royalty requirements begin after 12 weeks of operations, making the royalty fee the greater of $5,500/four weeks or 6% of gross revenue/calculation period |
| Software License Fee | 1.3% - 2% of gross revenue/calculation period Minimum software license fees of $1,500/four weeks begin after 12 weeks of operations |
| Brand Fund Contributions | 2% of gross revenue/week |
| Podium (mandatory customer relations software) | $285/month |
| Uberall (mandatory social posting and listing management software) | $20/month |
| Local Marketing Spend | 2% - 6% of gross revenue, calculated depending on a school’s aggregate gross revenue during a trailing 12-month period, paid as specified by the franchisor |
ROI Potential: According to the 2026 FDD, the 42 swim schools operating for the entirety of 2025 reported the following gross revenue data:
| Location Type | Average | High | Low |
| All Affiliate-Owned Swim Schools (20) | $1,677,992 | $2,707,122 | $430,514 |
| All Franchised Swim Schools (22) | $1,598,867 | $3,371,295 | $692,436 |
| All Swim Schools (42) | $1,636,545 | $3,371,295 | $430,514 |
3. What Franchisee Support Does Big Blue Swim School Provide?
Pre-Opening Support
Big Blue Swim School will evaluate potential real estate sites using local market expertise and tailored demographic data. The franchisor will also review lease terms and provide a prototype and specifications for the facility.
The franchisor leads a dedicated market introduction campaign before opening to generate early awareness for franchisees.
Training Programs
Owners complete about 100 hours of classroom and on-the-job training covering sales, marketing, operations and management.
An opening team is on-site with franchisees for at least three days prior to launch to help train supervisory employees.
Operational Support
Big Blue Swim School conducts routine evaluations and safety audits to ensure franchisees uphold brand standards. The franchisor also manages a national brand fund to support marketing, public relations and promotional materials.
Technology and Tools
Big Blue Swim School uses proprietary software to manage scheduling, billing, reporting and student progress. Owners also use third-party platforms to support customer relations, business listings and social media presence.
4. What Are the Franchisee Requirements for Big Blue Swim School?
Eligibility Criteria
- Liquid Assets: $1 million
- Net Worth: $2.5 million
Big Blue Swim School recognizes the school’s role in the community and what it means for the students and families it serves. Because of this, the franchisor looks for candidates who believe in the mission, lead with positivity and energy, and focus on building an inclusive, consistent atmosphere.
Operational Commitments
For the first six months, Big Blue Swim School requires each location to have two fully trained Certified Managers. After that, only one must be on staff at any given time. Franchisees don't have to manage the business themselves, however. The brand allows semi-absentee and executive ownership, provided an approved Managing Owner and full-time Certified Managers and General Managers are responsible for daily operations.
Funding Assistance
Big Blue Swim School does not offer direct or indirect financing for franchisees.
5. Are There Franchisee Success Stories?
“Not only has Big Blue been great as a franchise to work with, but it’s also connected me with a lot of the other owners. I’m very appreciative that Big Blue continues to want to grow and expand as much as we do.”
- Erica Kowal, Pennsylvania
Visit the Big Blue Swim School franchise website for more franchisee testimonials and success stories.
6. What Is the Market Potential for Swim Instruction?
The swim instruction industry continues to see steady growth, driven by rising demand for water safety education, increased participation in aquatic activities, and a growing focus on structured, professional training programs.
The global swimming training and lessons market was valued at approximately $5.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $9.5 billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of about 7.5% over the forecast period.
Competitor Analysis
Big Blue Swim School differentiates itself with large facilities, warm pools and proprietary technology.
Its primary competitors include Goldfish Swim School, Aqua-Tots and urSwim.
7. What Is the Application Process for Big Blue Swim School Franchisees?
- Initial Inquiry and Introduction: Complete the initial form on Big Blue Swim School’s website to express interest and connect with the development team. You will complete the ownership questionnaire to share more about yourself, and you’ll have an opportunity to learn more about the business opportunity and review the FDD.
- Education and Planning: Complete multiple calls that cover key aspects of ownership and the development process. Review the financial model, develop the business plan and confirm your intended territory.
- Pre-Approval and Executive Discussions: Complete the financial pre-approval process and have additional conversations with members of the leadership team to prepare for next steps.
- Commitment: Attend Dive-In Day with the leadership team. This stage includes final approvals and background checks. If all parties agree, proceed to sign your franchise agreement and officially become an owner.
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Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.
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