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Breakdown

Pool Scouts franchise unit economics

Pool Scouts franchisees run pool service territories that sell pool openings, recurring pool cleaning and maintenance, pool closings and equipment repairs to residential and commercial customers.

Mature outlets reporting34

Average revenue$384,197

Operating cash flow margin, affiliate13.8%The affiliate’s 2 territories in Virginia, before owner compensation

Total investment$96,662–$133,787

Pool Scouts franchise at a glance

The 2026 FDD from Pool Scouts Franchising, LLC reports 2025 revenue, customers and services by class year for 60 franchised outlets, and a line-by-line income statement for the affiliate’s two territories in Virginia.

Pool Scouts’ 34 mature outlets, opened 2017 to 2021, averaged $384,197 of revenue in 2025, at a median of $226,801, according to Item 19 of Pool Scouts’ 2026 FDD, issued 21 April 2026. The 34 in that group are 57%* of Pool Scouts’ 60 franchised outlets open 12 months or more.

A Pool Scouts franchise costs $96,662 to $133,787 to open as a single territory, including the $50,000 initial franchise fee, according to the 2026 FDD.
Pool Scouts’ affiliate reported 2025 operating cash flow of $186,780, 13.8% of revenue, across 2 territories in southern Hampton Roads, Virginia, before owner compensation.
Pool Scouts charges an 8% royalty and service fee and a 2% marketing fee on net revenue, plus required mailer, SEO, digital marketing, business management and chatbot charges.
Pool Scouts reports that 4,908 new customers cost an average of $254 each to acquire in 2025 across the system, and that revenue for each customer averaged $1,910.
Pool Scouts had 71 franchised outlets and 2 affiliate-owned outlets at the end of 2025, the same franchised count as at the start of 2023, after a peak of 80 at the end of 2023.

These figures come from Pool Scouts's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, as the brand reported them, and were read by Averan Advisors.

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By Scott Engler · Averan Advisors · Source: Pool Scouts Franchising, LLC, 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) · Updated 16 October 2026

The 34 mature outlets averaged $384,197 of 2025 revenue, at a median of $226,801. The median is 59.0%* of the average. Mature outlets ranged from $5,402 to $1,810,932, and 13 of them, 38%, were above the class average.
The 7 outlets in the 2023 class averaged $299,372, with a median of $304,648. That average is 77.9%* of the mature class average. The 2023 class ranged from $188,481 to $470,378, a highest-to-lowest ratio of 2.5* times, against 335* times in the mature class.
The affiliate’s two territories reported operating cash flow of $186,780, 13.8% of $1,351,879 of revenue. That figure is before non-itemised expenses and any owner compensation. The franchisor added an 8% royalty line that the affiliate did not pay, and states that the affiliate’s insurance, bought through the parent’s policies, may cost less than a franchisee’s own.
System revenue rose 8.6% in 2025 and the system customer count fell 1.7%. Across all 71 outlets open in 2025, 12,302 customers received 219,815 services, an average of 18 services each and a median of 9. Revenue for each customer averaged $1,910, at a median of $1,238.
The required fixed charges listed in the FDD come to $40,140* a year, before local marketing. They are the $10,000 postcard program, $3,600 of SEO fees, the $20,000 minimum digital marketing fee, $4,740* of business management fees and $1,800* of chatbot fees. At the mature class average they equal 10.45%* of revenue, in addition to the 10% royalty and marketing fee.

Revenue by class year

How much does a Pool Scouts franchise make?

2025 revenue by class year, 60 franchised outlets open 12 months or more (Item 19, Table 5a)
Class	Outlets	2025 average	Above average	2025 median	Highest	Lowest	2024 average	Growth
Mature, 2017 to 2021	34	$384,197	13 (38%)	$226,801	$1,810,932	$5,402	$366,780	5%
2022	15	$346,241	8 (53%)	$322,320	$852,666	$26,805	$289,181	20%
2023	7	$299,372	4 (57%)	$304,648	$470,378	$188,481	$222,005	35%
2024	4	$82,799	2 (50%)	$103,892	$138,133	$17,489	$57,009	45%

Source: Item 19, Table 5a, as printed; outlet counts from the notes to Table 5. The class year is the first calendar year an outlet operated for at least 6 months. Revenue includes out-of-territory ZIP codes. Growth is the change in revenue from 2024 to 2025.

Item 19 does not print one average for the 60 outlets open 12 months or more. It reports each class year separately. Weighted by outlet count, the four class averages give $344,719* across the 60 outlets.

The 34 mature outlets averaged $384,197 in 2025, at a median of $226,801. The median is 59.0%* of the average. 13 mature outlets, 38%, were above the class average. The highest had $1,810,932 and the lowest $5,402.

Class averages rise with age: $82,799 for the 2024 class, $299,372 for 2023, $346,241 for 2022 and $384,197 for the mature class. Revenue growth from 2024 to 2025 ran the other way: 45% for the 2024 class, 35% for 2023, 20% for 2022 and 5% for the mature class.

Mature outlets averaged 200 customers and 3,809 services in 2025. Their medians were 136 customers and 2,693 services. Mature-class customers fell 2% and services fell 4% from 2024, while revenue rose 5%.

Repair work and parts were 22% of revenue for the 60 outlets in 2025, up from 20% in 2024. The FDD states that some franchisees first use third-party providers for repairs at the equipment pad.

Across all 71 outlets open in 2025, revenue for each customer averaged $1,910 and the median was $1,238. 4,908 new customers were acquired on $1,245,849 of marketing spend, an average of $254 each and a median of $261. System revenue grew 8.6% and the system customer count fell 1.7%.

Affiliate income statement

Affiliate income statement, 2025

Income statement for the affiliate’s two territories, VA-001 and VA-002, January 1 to December 31, 2025, as adjusted by the franchisor (Item 19, Table 1)
Line	Amount	Share of revenue
Total revenue	$1,351,879	100%
Technician labor	$368,163	27.2%
Materials costs	$250,328	18.5%
Total cost of goods sold	$618,491	45.8%
Gross profit	$733,388	54.2%
Royalty and service fee	$108,150	8.0%
Marketing fee	$27,038	2.0%
Advertising	$73,305	5.4%
Credit card fees	$5,294	0.4%
Automobile	$72,599	5.4%
Insurance	$29,307	2.2%
Fuel	$17,274	1.3%
Other expenses	$33,136	2.5%
Integrated business system fees	$4,740	0.4%
Rent and utilities	$19,800	1.5%
Wages and benefits	$155,964	11.5%
Itemized expenses	$546,608	40.4%
Operating cash flow before non-itemized expenses	$186,780	13.8%

Source: Item 19, Table 1, as printed. The affiliate paid no royalty in 2025; the franchisor added the 8% royalty line. The figures exclude any compensation to the owner. Revenue from ZIP codes outside both territories is included and split equally between them.

The affiliate’s two territories reported $186,780 of operating cash flow on $1,351,879 of revenue, 13.8%. That is $93,390* a territory. The figure is before non-itemised expenses, which the FDD says may include the owner’s salary or draw and discretionary costs such as meals and travel.

Technician labor was 27.2% of revenue and materials 18.5%, leaving a gross margin of 54.2%. Technicians earned an average of $20.50 an hour in 2025, at a median of $18.75. The affiliate ran an average of 7 trucks during the season and generated about $198,701 a vehicle.

Wages and benefits of $155,964, 11.5% of revenue, cover a full-time general manager, a full-time assistant and an office employee from March through August. The FDD requires the franchisee or a Designated Manager to oversee the business.

Automobile and fuel costs together were $89,873*, 6.6%* of revenue. Insurance was 2.2%. The FDD states the affiliate pays a share of general liability and workers’ compensation premiums under the parent’s policies, which may be lower than a franchisee would pay.

The affiliate served 934 customers with 8,284 services in 2025. Revenue for each customer averaged $1,489, at a median of $931. It recruited 322 new customers on $62,286 of local marketing, an average acquisition cost of $193. Repair revenue was 19.5% of its 2025 revenue.

Item 19 prints two different 2025 revenue totals for the affiliate. Table 1 shows $1,351,879. Table 2, revenue by territory, shows $1,390,909, which is $39,030* more. The FDD does not explain the difference.

Seasonal and year-round

Seasonal and year-round outlets, 2025

2025 revenue by class year for 28 year-round outlets and 32 seasonal outlets open 12 months or more (Item 19, Tables 6a and 7a)
Class	Year-round outlets	Year-round average	Year-round median	Seasonal outlets	Seasonal average	Seasonal median
Mature, 2017 to 2021	19	$239,165	$177,886	15	$602,958	$452,472
2022	5	$329,981	$234,843	10	$353,632	$380,875
2023	1	$470,378	$470,378	6	$270,870	$284,210
2024	3	$85,876	$103,892	1	$138,133	$138,133

Source: Item 19, Tables 6a and 7a, as printed; outlet counts from the notes to Tables 6 and 7. Year-round outlets are in areas with a 12-month season; seasonal outlets are in areas with a season of less than 12 months.

The 15 seasonal mature outlets averaged $602,958 in 2025 and the 19 year-round mature outlets averaged $239,165. The seasonal average is 2.5* times the year-round average. The seasonal mature median was $452,472 and the year-round mature median $177,886.

Year-round mature revenue fell 2% from 2024 and seasonal mature revenue rose 10%. Year-round mature customers fell 8% and seasonal mature customers rose 3%.

The spread between the highest and lowest outlet is widest in the mature class. The highest mature outlet had $1,810,932 and the lowest $5,402, a ratio of 335* times. The ratio was 31.8* times in the 2022 class, 2.5* times in the 2023 class and 7.9* times in the 2024 class.

The lowest mature revenue, $5,402, is in the year-round table. The lowest seasonal mature outlet had $68,335. The lowest mature customer count, 4, is also in the year-round table.

For two classes, the seasonal and year-round tables do not combine to the Table 5 averages. Weighted by outlet count, the mature seasonal and year-round averages give $399,662*, against $384,197 in Table 5, and the 2024 class gives $98,940*, against $82,799. The 2023 class combines to $299,371*, within $1 of Table 5. The FDD does not explain the difference.

Brand charges

Recurring charges for a single territory (Items 5, 6, 7 and 11), with Averan’s totals at the mature class average *Averan calculation
Charge	Amount	A year
Royalty and service fee	8% of net revenue, monthly	8%
Marketing fee	2% of net revenue, monthly	2%
Mailer program postcards	$0.50 a postcard, 20,000 postcards a year	$10,000
Mailing list	$0.05 a targeted household on the list; $250–$500 for 5,000–10,000 households	Not totalled
SEO fee	$300 a month	$3,600
Digital marketing fee	Minimum, paid to the approved supplier	$20,000
Integrated business management fee	$395 a month	$4,740*
Chatbot fee	$150 a month	$1,800*
Local marketing	Minimum spend in the territory each year	$5,000
National or regional accounts	10% of collected monies on those accounts	Varies
Fixed charges, excluding mailing list and local marketing		$40,140, 10.45% of $384,197; 20.45%* with royalty and marketing fee

Source: Item 5, Item 6, Item 7 note 4 (digital marketing minimum), Item 11 (local marketing) and the franchise agreement (chatbot fee). Item 6 states increases to fees set by the franchisor will not exceed the equivalent of 3% a year. The mailer program also has a $1,000 setup fee for each territory.

Pool Scouts charges an 8% royalty and service fee and a 2% marketing fee on net revenue. Net revenue covers all services, products, materials and fees, less first-time customer discounts and returns. Both are paid monthly by bank draft.

Franchisees must buy the mailer program from the franchisor’s affiliate. The postcard fee is $0.50 a postcard, currently $10,000 a year for 20,000 postcards. The FDD states the mailer fees may include a mark-up over direct cost and the franchisor may make a profit on them.

The digital marketing fee is a minimum of $20,000 a year for each territory. It is paid monthly to the approved supplier for pay-per-click, social media and other online placement. SEO costs a further $300 a month, paid to Pool Scouts Services.

The listed fixed charges total $40,140* a year. At the mature class average of $384,197 that is 10.45%* of revenue, and 20.45%* with the royalty and marketing fee. At the mature median of $226,801 the fixed charges are 17.70%* of revenue. Franchisees must also spend at least $5,000 a year on local marketing.

Other charges include a transfer fee of 50% of the initial franchise fee, a renewal fee of $5,000 and an annual convention fee, currently $725. A franchisee who misses the annual convention pays $1,200.

Cost to open

Estimated initial investment, single franchise (Item 7)
Item	Low	High
Initial franchise fee	$50,000	$50,000
Mailer setup fee	$1,000	$1,000
Mailing list fee	$250	$500
Postcard fees	$10,000	$10,000
SEO fee	$3,600	$3,600
Digital marketing fees	$1,667	$1,667
Integrated business management fee	$395	$1,185
Chatbot fee	$150	$450
Vehicle	$1,950	$5,100
Decals	$3,500	$7,000
Financial management training	$200	$600
Initial training expenses	$1,000	$2,000
Insurance	$2,100	$4,200
Professional fees	$0	$2,000
Licenses	$500	$1,500
Computer, devices, phones and software setup	$0	$1,800
Bookkeeping service	$350	$1,185
Additional funds, 3 months	$20,000	$40,000
Total, single franchise	$96,662	$133,787

Source: Item 7, as printed. The vehicle line covers 3 months of leasing one or two approved trucks. The cover page states $65,445 to $66,885 of the total is paid to the franchisor or its affiliates.

A single Pool Scouts franchise costs $96,662 to $133,787 to open. The $50,000 initial franchise fee is the largest line, followed by $20,000 to $40,000 of additional funds for the first 3 months and the $10,000 of postcard fees paid before opening.

The initial franchise fee is $50,000, and at most one discount. Qualifying firefighters, law enforcement, emergency medical personnel and teachers can receive $2,500 off, and veterans 20% off, on a first franchise.

An area development agreement for 2 to 3 territories costs $162,179 to $316,321 in total. The cumulative franchise fee is $75,000 for two territories and $100,000 for three.

The FDD estimates 60 to 180 days from signing to opening. A territory contains up to 10,000 estimated targeted households, defined as detached single-family homes with an in-ground pool and household income above $100,000. The business can be run from home.

Locations

Locations, 2023 to 2025

Franchised outlets, 2023 to 2025 (Item 20, Tables 2 and 3)
Year	At start	Opened	Terminated	Ceased, other reasons	At end	Transfers
2023	71	14	0	5	80	11
2024	80	6	4	10	72	10
2025	72	10	7	4	71	9

Source: Item 20, as printed. The affiliate owned 2 outlets in Virginia throughout 2023 to 2025.

Pool Scouts had 71 franchised outlets at the end of 2025, the same number as at the start of 2023. Over the three years 30* outlets opened, 11* were terminated and 19* ceased operating for other reasons. The count peaked at 80 at the end of 2023.

Texas had the most franchised outlets, falling from 28 at the start of 2024 to 19 at the end of 2025. Texas recorded 10* terminations across 2024 and 2025 and 3 outlets that ceased for other reasons.

Transfers to new owners were 11 in 2023, 10 in 2024 and 9 in 2025. The FDD’s special risks page states that in the last year a high percentage of franchised outlets were transferred or ceased operations for other reasons.

Item 19 states that 37 franchisees operated the 71 outlets at December 31, 2025. One franchise agreement was signed but not yet open, in Georgia, and the franchisor projected 3 new franchised outlets in the next year.

The special risks page also states that the franchisor’s financial condition, as shown in its Item 21 financial statements, calls into question its financial ability to provide services and support. The franchisor is owned by Pool Scouts Holdings, LLC, which is owned by Buzz Franchise Brands, LLC.

Questions we get asked

Questions owners ask

How much does it cost to open a Pool Scouts franchise?

The 2026 FDD estimates $96,662 to $133,787 for a single territory. That includes the $50,000 initial franchise fee, $10,000 of postcard fees paid before opening and $20,000 to $40,000 of additional funds for the first 3 months.

What fees does Pool Scouts charge?

An 8% royalty and service fee and a 2% marketing fee on net revenue, paid monthly. Franchisees also pay $10,000 a year for postcards, $300 a month for SEO, a minimum of $20,000 a year in digital marketing, $395 a month for business management systems and $150 a month for a website chatbot, and must spend at least $5,000 a year on local marketing.

How much revenue does a Pool Scouts franchise make?

Item 19 reports 2025 revenue by class year. The 34 mature outlets, opened 2017 to 2021, averaged $384,197 at a median of $226,801. The 2022 class averaged $346,241, the 2023 class $299,372 and the 2024 class $82,799.

Does the Pool Scouts FDD show profit?

It shows an income statement for the affiliate’s two territories in Virginia, not for franchised outlets. On $1,351,879 of 2025 revenue, operating cash flow before non-itemised expenses was $186,780, 13.8%, with an 8% royalty added and no owner compensation deducted.

How many Pool Scouts locations are there?

At the end of 2025 there were 71 franchised outlets and 2 owned by the affiliate. The franchised count was 71 at the start of 2023, 80 at the end of 2023 and 72 at the end of 2024.

How big is a Pool Scouts territory?

A territory contains up to 10,000 estimated targeted households: detached single-family homes with an in-ground pool and household income above $100,000. The FDD estimates 60 to 180 days from signing to opening.

Questions worth putting to Pool Scouts

These are questions the filing leaves open. An owner or a buyer can put them to the franchisor directly.

Is the revenue in Item 19 gross sales or collected revenue, and how many locations sit below the average?
Which factors does Pool Scouts see in its highest-selling locations, such as territory, years open and staffing?
How long does a new location take to reach the average you publish, and what does the build-up look like month by month?
At what level of sales do the minimum charges stop applying and the percentage take over?
How many Pool Scouts locations closed, were sold, or changed hands last year, and why?

Part of our Home and Commercial Services guide · Averan Franchise

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Where this sits

the franchise library, all 431 brands · how franchise unit economics work · running the books across several locations · what Averan does for franchise owners

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Questions owners ask next

The figures above raise these, and each one is answered on its own page.

At what level of sales does a minimum fee stop costing me more than the percentage?It works out the sales level where a minimum fee stops applying.
How much cash do I fund before a new location covers its own costs?It builds a 13-week forecast for the months before break-even.
What does this location earn on the money I put into it?It works out the payback period and cash-on-cash return for one unit.
How much of Item 19 can I rely on?It explains what an Item 19 financial performance representation tells you and what it leaves out.

Scott Engler

Founder & Principal, Averan Advisors

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Where these figures come from

Every figure here comes from Pool Scouts Franchising, LLC’s 2026 FDD and is unaudited by us. We are unaffiliated with the brand. Calculations of our own are labeled where they appear. The figures describe past performance at other businesses and are not a projection of yours. This page is an educational summary. It is not an offer to sell a franchise, and it is not financial, legal or tax advice. Pool Scouts is a trademark of its owner. How Averan reads a Franchise Disclosure Document.

These figures come from the brand's disclosure. They are not a forecast, an offer to sell a franchise or advice. Source: Pool Scouts Franchising, LLC, 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, issued 21 April 2026.