Franchise Deep Dive: Aqua-Tots Swim School Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

Aqua-Tots Swim School, with over 100 locations in the U.S. and an international presence in 14 countries, offers swimming lessons to folks of all ages and abilities.

By Erica InmanStaff Writer

Updated 12:12PM • 01/30/24

LAST UPDATED: January 2024

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.aqua-tots.com/franchise-requirements/

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 107

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $1,525,095 to $1,950,237

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): not publicly available

Aqua-Tots Swim School offers swimming lessons to infants, children, adults and people with special needs. The brand’s goal is to save lives by teaching water safety with progressive lessons in a supportive environment.

How Many Aqua-Tots Swim School Locations Are There?

Aqua-Tots Swim School got its start in Tempe, Arizona in 1991 when Co-Founder Ron Sciarro and his girlfriend Jane turned their lifeguarding gig into a mobile swimming lessons business. The two teenagers began offering lessons at hotel facilities and in backyard swimming pools. Sixteen years later, the couple, now married, teamed up with good friends Heather and Paul Preston to start Aqua-Tots, seeing the public desire for swim safety being taught from a young age.

The first location was opened in Mesa, Arizona, and the first franchise location was opened in 2007 in Peoria, Arizona. In 2011, the brand opened its first international location in Kuwait. Since then, Aqua-Tots Swim School has offered swim lessons in 14 countries around the world.

The brand has 107 locations across the U.S., one of which is company owned and the rest of which are franchised.

What Is Aqua-Tots Swim School’s Business Model?

Aqua-Tots Swim School offers swimming lessons to a variety of ages and abilities. The brand offers infant and toddler lessons, children’s lessons and advanced swim lessons.

Additionally, the brand has a special needs swimming program, a competitive swim club and adult lessons. All swimming activities take place in an indoor pool heated to 90 degrees.

How Much Can Aqua-Tots Swim School Franchise Owners Make?

The brand does not make this information publicly available. Prospective owners can access this information through the brand’s most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

How Much Does It Cost To Open Aqua-Tots Swim School?

The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of an Aqua-Tots Swim School franchise ranges from $1,525,095 to $1,950,237.

This includes the following costs as indicated below:

Initial Franchise Fee: $50,000
Initial Franchisee Travel Expenses during Training at Aqua-Tots Swim Schools University (ATU) in Arizona : $15,000 - $18,000
Rent or Real Estate: $30,000 - $85,000
Pool Design, Build, and Aquatic Supplies and Equipment: $300,000 - $350,000
Tenant Improvement: $1,000,000 - $1,200,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs: $16,000 - $19,500
Computer, Color Printer and Copier: $7,000 - $9,000
Signage: $23,000 - $27,500
Opening Inventory for Retail Lines: $15,000 - $18,800
Advertising (three months): $25,000 - $45,000
Aqua-Tots Swim Schools Preferred Software: $1,595 - $1,937
Insurance: $2,500 - $10,500
Additional Funds for Initial Three Months : $40,000 - $115,000

What Is the Franchise Fee for Aqua-Tots Swim School?

The franchise fee required to begin operation of an Aqua-Tots Swim School franchise is $50,000, which must be paid to the franchisor.

Who’s On Aqua-Tots Swim School’s Leadership Team?

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Aqua-Tots Swim School?

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