Pool Scouts

Since launching in 2016, <a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=pool-scouts-targets-atlanta-due-to-continued-success-and-expansion-in-the-south-2707241" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Pool Scouts</a> has seen a great deal of success opening franchise locations in warmer climates due to the year-round seasonality and the high concentration of pools. The brand prides itself on expert pool cleaning, maintenance and a high-level of customer service accompanied by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

&ldquo;As a brand, we look at markets and ask ourselves what would make our business successful in this particular territory. Atlanta seemed like the perfect fit,&rdquo; said Michael Wagner, President of Pool Scouts. &nbsp;&ldquo;There is an abundance of single family homes with pools in the greater Atlanta DMA who are looking for a quality pool cleaning service that are reliable and trusted.&rdquo;

Atlanta has a DMA of nine different territories and each territory has a minimum of 6,000 target households, meaning there are roughly 3,000 households with an outdoor swimming pool. 

&ldquo;Another thing that&rsquo;s so appealing about the Atlanta market is the year-round seasonality. Many residences have outdoor swimming pools to enjoy year round thanks to the warm climate, and residents end up using these pools 9-10 months of the year. This is a great opportunity to expand our business for an eager franchisee,&rdquo; said Wagner.

Thousands of pool owners throughout Atlanta are challenged to keep their pools clean and swim-ready. Pool Scouts is actively scouting franchisees in the area that want to dive into this opportunity and allow homeowners time to enjoy their pools without the hassle involved with keeping them clean. &nbsp;The brand is excited about what Atlanta has in store, and the path to success is clear. 

The brand prides itself on a low franchise fee of $12,500, with a total initial all-in cost between $54,500 and $105,000. And, with an average cost of about $75 per week per service, it&rsquo;s an affordable concept for both franchisees and their customers.

&ldquo;Atlanta is a fast-growing market with so much opportunity for Pool Scouts. Ideally, we&rsquo;d like to have 3-5 franchisees spread out through each of the different territories. This allows for ample synergy between franchisees and the Pool Scouts brand ultimately sets everyone up for success,&rdquo; said Wagner.

 
To learn more about franchise opportunities, please click<a href="https://poolscouts.com/about-us/franchise-opportunity/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=pool-scouts-targets-atlanta-due-to-continued-success-and-expansion-in-the-south-2707241" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank"> here.</a>

Pool Scouts Targets Atlanta Due to Continued Success and Expansion in the South

1851 Franchise

A go-to maintenance company for a perfect pool has scouted Atlanta as their top market for expansion in 2018, due to a high volume of homes with in ground swimming pools and a healthy environment for entrepreneurs

This brand page has been paid for by POOL SCOUTS. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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BIRMINGHAM, AL–&nbsp;Today, the&nbsp;U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)&nbsp;Alabama District Office&nbsp;announced local honorees for the 2026&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week">National Small Business Week</a> (NSBW), May 3-9, 2026. Each year during&nbsp;NSBW, the SBA recognizes exceptional small businesses across all 50 states, U.S. districts, and territories.&nbsp;<h2>2026 Alabama District Winners</h2><ul><li>Alabama Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year</li></ul><a href="https://poolscouts.com/huntsville/">Pool Scouts of Huntsville</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rontario-hicks/">Rontario Hicks</a>, Huntsville, Alabama<ul><li>Alabama Small Business Person of the Year</li></ul>Lang Sims, Seabrook Solutions, Huntsville, Alabama<ul><li>Alabama Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year</li></ul>Mt. Moriah Farms, Mia Scott, Dothan, Alabama<ul><li>Alabama Small Manufacturer of the Year</li></ul>JIT Industries, Ginger and Matthew McComb, Hartselle, Alabama<ul><li>Alabama Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year</li></ul>Program Management &amp; Technology Services, Ruby Tuck, Montgomery, AlabamaSBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler will recognize the Alabama Small Business Person of the Year, and specialty award winners at a national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2026.&nbsp;Selected from among a competitive field of nominees from across the state, Lang Sims will represent Alabama&nbsp;at the national event&nbsp;in D.C. SBA’s Alabama District Office staff will also celebrate&nbsp;all&nbsp;the Alabama awardees who exemplify entrepreneurial success, create jobs, drive economic growth, and serve as leaders in their communities&nbsp;at awards ceremonies in Alabama in May.&nbsp;“During National Small Business Week, SBA is honored to recognize the job creators, builders, and innovators who fuel our nation’s economy and anchor communities across America,”&nbsp;said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler.&nbsp;“This year, as we celebrate our nation’s 250th&nbsp;anniversary, we are highlighting the historic America First agenda that is driving growth, opportunity, and strength for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Through tax cuts, fair trade, and deregulation, the Trump Administration is proud to stand with America’s small businesses – and to celebrate the strong comeback of Main Street.”&nbsp;Since 1963, the President of the United States has declared National Small Business Week to recognize small businesses as the job creators, builders, and innovators of America’s economy.&nbsp; “Through the leadership of President Donald Trump and SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler we have witnessed incredible changes, growth and opportunity for the entrepreneurs located across the Southeast Region,” said SBA Regional Administrator Tyler Teresa.&nbsp; “We are excited to celebrate the strength and commitment of this year’s National Small Business Week winners, and we look forward to honoring each of their contributions during celebrations occurring across the region during National Small Business Week. Congratulations to each of the selected winners and thank you for trusting SBA as a collaborator to scale your small business or organization to new heights.”&nbsp;Details on NSBW, award winners, and a Small Business Virtual Summit are featured on www.sba.gov/NSBW and will be updated as additional information and activities are confirmed.&nbsp;During NSBW, local events to connect entrepreneurs with resources, training, and opportunities to start, grow, and succeed will be featured on www.sba.gov/events and are identifiable by&nbsp;searching #SmallBusinessWeek.&nbsp;<h2>Additional Background on the Alabama Winners&nbsp;</h2>Alabama Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year<a href="https://poolscouts.com/huntsville/">Pool Scouts of Huntsville</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rontario-hicks/">Rontario Hicks</a>, Huntsville, AlabamaIn 2022, U.S. Army Veteran Rontario Hicks launched a luxury pool service and maintenance provider committed to customer service excellence. Hicks has also been recognized on television, magazines, and media platforms for sharing guidance on responsible pool ownership, safety practices, and has been recognized nationally within the franchise industry. For the business, Hicks has benefited from SBA resource partner counseling on a range of topics supporting the strategic growth of the business. While the business is still relatively young, Pool Scouts of Huntsville has achieved significant growth in web traffic, increased square footage from 400 to 2000 sq ft, added employees from 2 to 12, and grown sales by 380 percent in three years. Grounded in faith, purpose, and service, Hicks continues to strengthen and expand the company with long term sustainable growth in mind.<h2>Alabama Small Business Person of the Year</h2>Lang Sims, Seabrook Solutions, HuntsvilleSince becoming CEO of the 8(a) government contractor in 2014, Lang Sims has transformed Seabrook Solutions from a startup into a nationwide organization. Utilizing an SBA-backed loan for initial capital, the SBA Emerging Leaders Program for strategy, and the Mentor-Protégé Program to secure a multi-million dollar contract, Sims has led the firm to massive success. Under her guidance, the company grew from four to over 350 employees, saw revenues jump 282%, and expanded into a larger headquarters.<h2>Alabama Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year</h2>Mt. Moriah Farms, Mia Scott, DothanFounded in 2009, this family-owned dairy goat farm evolved when Mia Scott began breeding Nigerian Dwarf goats and producing handcrafted soaps. With support from the University of Troy SBDC and SBA technical assistance for marketing and e-commerce, Scott transitioned the farm into a formal business in 2022. The farm now employs two part-time staff, offers apprenticeships, and supplies 11 local retailers. Scott is currently planning for expansion beyond Alabama.<h2>Alabama Small Manufacturer of the Year</h2>JIT Industries, Inc., Ginger and Matthew McComb, HartselleLaunched in 2001 with a single facility, JIT Industries has grown into a multi-state manufacturer of hydraulic cylinders. Supported by early SBA 504 and 7(a) financing, the company expanded into CNC machining, engineering, and repair services. Today, JIT employs 50 people and serves heavy industries—including aerospace and mining—across the Southeast and in over 15 countries.<h2>Alabama Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year</h2>Program Management &amp; Technology Services, Inc., Ruby Tuck, MontgomeryFounded in 2013, Ruby Tuck has built PMTS into a competitive woman-owned 8(a) business providing IT and medical staffing. After using COVID-19 relief to maintain stability, Tuck utilized the SBA T.H.R.I.V.E. program to develop a strategic growth plan. These efforts allowed PMTS to increase employee capacity by 70%, expand its office space significantly, and leverage SBA certifications to win contracts across nine states. &nbsp; About the U.S. Small Business Administration&nbsp;The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.UpXcrDeHBUH-2Brr-2BNwf-2BDfHa4LFLpTI1jAzfPDXr3tEI-3DMm8k_bf4JG6rVotaFp8XsYJMcbOtd2cgZCsBIXsO2ylmjGoqi-2B4PrtmalICyTcUp-2FD5wb5dopzZ-2FjiqAnfpID0iFO52MmuQqFIrwBVyomYi4ZlMe99eeMDeVMq0DIRqlTSuAC6yLO9XHCZgtEsjNrnuETutgiA-2BxKXkLHqQALVonRjIBgbhG08HY86YdSOljA3O5MtVRxdGc4IXoR4i-2FFDC6AVbJukfR7cIy14xyHaz9jUA2WMgCrYX0HwnpEa2fA7rZZPdIb86p6ehgGrTHTLhbtG73vVIhz8UezulQhnFu0hnBOE08RuWDdKCsTmWhmuJUXyCatJzySSunbHzRE1BZtwKX96Lk4PhlGq76WYmcmMJ0-2BOwm4ClYtD3mPOFqX8AuI&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cdavid.glasgow%40sba.gov%7Cea042e249a1143b8572208de8c3803d5%7C3c89fd8a7f684667aa1541ebf2208961%7C1%7C0%7C639102369392200169%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=DeGj2h%2BulJzN96bg69yP4gKW8LeiIsQbsRrfYiETOYs%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.sba.gov</a>.&nbsp;

image of SBA winner Rontario Hicks, Alabama Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year 2026

Pool Scouts of Huntsville owner, Rontario Hicks, will be recognized during the National Small Business Week as a Honoree for his significant growth and work within the Huntsville business community.

SBA Awards Pool Scouts Owner as Alabama Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year

sba-pool-scouts-alabama-veteran-owned-small-business-award-rontario-hicks

<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/">Pool Scouts</a> is adding leak detection as a new service, giving franchisees another way to bring in revenue while helping customers solve a problem that often surfaces during routine maintenance. Because technicians are already keeping a close eye on pool conditions, the service is a natural extension of the work many operators are already doing.“We're in our fifth year this season, and in the past, we’ve started paying attention to just how many pools have leaks,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-hook-a58610a2/">Charlie Hook</a>, owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscouts.com/hartford/">Pool Scouts of Hartford</a> in Connecticut. “In November at our convention in Dallas, it all just clicked. You’re talking about something, and then suddenly the pieces are right in front of you and you make the decision. Within a couple of minutes, I said, ‘I’m interested,’ because I realized all we really needed to do was find where the leak is.”Leak detection fits seamlessly into&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/info">Pool Scouts’</a> day-to-day operations. Because pools are regularly serviced, the signs of a leak often appear quickly through abnormal water loss or increased chemical use. By adding leak detection, franchisees can respond proactively instead of directing customers to third-party providers.“Chances are if you have a pool and it has water in it, it is going to leak at some point, and our technicians are our first line of defense,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-rountree-504b96256/">Trent Rountree</a>, senior franchise technical coach for Pool Scouts. “They might not be the ones who are going to be performing the other service, but they are trained enough to notice when the water's low or if there's a leak or something going on. We look for all of these things.”<h2>Training, Tools and Confidence From Corporate</h2>To support the rollout, the Pool Scouts corporate team partnered with Anderson Manufacturing to provide hands-on training and access to professional-grade equipment. Franchisees were introduced to the service at the brand’s annual convention before participating in a two-day training session in Raleigh, North Carolina. The training combined technical instruction with real-world application, allowing franchisees to work on active leaks and see immediate results.“We spent two days working on a pool with an active leak, using all the tools,” Hook said. “We can already think of at least a dozen pools where we’ve suspected or confirmed leaks, and now we’ll be able to go in with confidence and have a technician handle it.”The training also focused on helping franchisees understand how to use the equipment, interpret results and follow a consistent process in the field. By pairing manufacturer guidance with hands-on experience on active leaks, the program gave operators the confidence to invest in the service and begin implementing it within their own territories.Pool Scouts is leading with leak detection and diagnosis rather than immediately promising repairs. This positioning allows franchisees to stay within their expertise while still opening the door for additional services when appropriate.“You don't just walk in and say, ‘I'm going to fix your leaks,’” Hook said. “You're committing to diagnose it. That, we can commit to.”The service also requires a meaningful investment in equipment and training. Hook estimated startup costs in the range of $10,000 to $11,000, along with dedicated time to properly train a technician. Still, he believes the return justifies the commitment.&nbsp;<h2>Driving Revenue While Strengthening Customer Relationships</h2>From a business standpoint, leak detection gives franchisees a new way to increase revenue while maintaining control over the customer experience. Instead of outsourcing repairs, operators can keep more services in-house and strengthen their role as a trusted provider.“Anytime we can capitalize on fixing the problem for a customer, keeping it in-house and also bringing in that extra revenue, it just grows the revenue of all of our locations that much faster,” Rountree said. Modern detection tools also help reduce time on the job, which can lower costs for customers and improve margins for franchisees.Beyond revenue, the service reinforces Pool Scouts’ broader strategy of becoming a one-stop solution for backyard care. “When we're back there, we want the customer to know that we have all of their needs under control and they can trust us,” Rountree said.As the brand continues to expand its service offerings, leak detection represents a practical step forward. It allows franchisees to solve a common problem, increase profitability and deepen customer relationships, all while building on the foundation they have already established in the field.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts">https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts</a>.&nbsp;The startup costs for a Pool Scouts franchise range from $115,445 to $152,920. To learn more about franchising with Pool Scouts, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/">https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/</a>.

Pool Scouts Launches Leak Detection Service to Help Increase Business for Franchisees

The brand’s newest service offering helps franchisees capture additional revenue while improving customer service and keeping more work in-house.

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The pool service business is benefiting from a simple reality: There are more pools to maintain, and more homeowners who do not want the hassle of doing it themselves. In many markets, that demand is being amplified by another factor — customers who are unhappy with their current provider and willing to switch for better communication, consistency and trust.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rene-burrows/">Rene Burrows</a>, a&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/">Pool Scouts</a> franchisee in&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscouts.com/southjersey/">South Jersey</a>, said demand in her market reflects both the post-COVID boom in pool construction and a service gap left by less responsive competitors.<h2>New Pool Owners Are Fueling Demand</h2>According to Burrows, the industry is still seeing the effects of the surge in inground pool construction that followed the pandemic. But growth is not just coming from new installations. It is also coming from homeowners who feel underserved.“The biggest thing that I see is the growth from COVID, with so many inground pools put into the system. So many people were building,” Burrows said. “But not only that, there’s also the poor service that people have received from other competitors out there and from some of the pool builder companies that are out there. Those companies are not as personal when it comes to needing things for your pool.”That combination has created a strong opening for pool maintenance and repair companies that can offer a more dependable experience. For many households, pool care has become one more responsibility they would rather hand off, especially in an economy where time feels tight and schedules are packed.<h2>Recurring Maintenance Drives the Model</h2>While repairs and equipment work can add meaningful revenue, Burrows said recurring service is what gives the business its foundation. Ongoing maintenance creates consistency for the operator and often leads to stronger customer relationships over time.“I would have to say that the recurring services are where that revenue is truly coming in,” Burrows said. “Getting that person in the door, having them understand what service we provide, where they’re very content with that service and they just want to continue it because we make it seamless, that’s really the key factor. Yes, there’s a lot of revenue that comes in from doing the repairs, but I feel like you have to have the commitment from the customer first, who feels like they can trust you in the process.”That trust can determine whether a homeowner calls for a one-time fix or stays on for weekly service. In a category built around repeat visits, reliability matters as much as technical skill.<h2>Customers Expect Speed and Transparency</h2>Homeowners are also asking more from service providers than they did a few years ago. They want quick communication, clear pricing and proof of what was done. Burrows said digital tools have become central to meeting those expectations.“A lot of them really do prefer the text messaging process. Sending them those notifications, letting them know, ‘Hey, we’re out here. This is what’s going on,’” Burrows said. “They really appreciate those reports that we send out, the before-and-after photos telling them what we did, so they know and they feel like, ‘Hey, I’m in the loop with this,’ and they don’t feel as though we’re trying to get one over on them. It’s a trust issue.”That kind of visibility helps turn routine service into a more professional, transparent customer experience. It also gives operators another way to stand apart in a fragmented market.<h2>The Winners Will Pair Service With Strong Execution</h2>As the category grows, Burrows said success will depend on more than just demand. Hiring reliable team members, maintaining quality in the field and marketing strategically all play a role in long-term growth.“I think advertising plays a key role,” Burrows said. “If you hit the market and you hit the right people, you’re not going to have a problem getting those customers in because you’re going to be out there in their face. But you have to play that strategically. If you put all your money into, ‘I’m going to advertise on so many different avenues,’ you’re never going to make all that back.”For pool service businesses, the path forward looks less like a race to offer everything and more like a push to do the basics exceptionally well. The companies that communicate clearly, show up consistently and earn trust week after week are the ones most likely to keep growing.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts">https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts</a>.The startup costs for a Pool Scouts franchise range from $115,445 to $152,920. To learn more about franchising with Pool Scouts, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/">https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/</a>.

Pool Scouts Franchise - The Growth of Pool  Services - 1851 Franchise

Demand for recurring maintenance, faster communication and reliable service is creating new growth opportunities for pool maintenance and repair companies.

Pool Scouts Targets Atlanta Due to Continued Success and Expansion in the South

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