Pool Scouts
Pool Scouts Franchising, LLC offers pool maintenance services to homeowners. Known for reliable seasonal care, the company operates in the home service industry.
Pool Scouts franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The approximate total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a single POOL SCOUTS® franchise business is currently $96,662 to $133,787. This includes $65,445 to $66,885 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate(s). [p.2]
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for a single unit franchise is $50,000. If you qualify for the Community Heroes Program, your Initial Franchise Fee may be reduced to $47,500. [p.24]
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty fee is 8% of all Net Revenue, which includes various types of revenue from your Franchised Business [p.102]. Additionally, you must pay a marketing fee of 2% of Net Revenue for brand development, Internet marketing, and production of advertising and marketing materials [p.103].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The provided FDD excerpts do not mention the duration of the initial franchise agreement or the renewal process.
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
You can transfer your franchise, but there are conditions. For a typical transfer, you must pay a 50% fee of the current initial franchise fee to the franchisor [p.105]. However, transfers to other Pool Scouts franchise owners or to family members do not incur this fee [p.105]. Additionally, the franchisor can refuse to permit a transfer for good cause [p.82(g)]. This isn't specified in the excerpts.
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor can terminate the agreement on various grounds, including if the area developer or franchisee commits a default under any franchise agreement with the franchisor [p.87, p.151]. However, these termination provisions may not be enforceable if the grounds for default or termination do not constitute 'reasonable cause' as defined by Virginia law [p.202, p.90].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The provided FDD excerpts focus on the franchisor's financial condition and the potential for escrow of funds if the franchisor has a net worth below $100,000 but do not detail specific financial requirements for qualifying as a franchisee.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
Yes, you will receive an exclusive Territory. According to [p.45], when you sign the Area Development Agreement, you must also sign at least 1 Franchise Agreement and the boundaries of the Territories for each of your Franchised Businesses will be determined in accordance with standards then in effect.
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides an initial 8-10 day Operations Training program, which includes both classroom and field training [p.41]. Additionally, each owner and Designated Manager must complete a 4-hour online financial management training course [p.26]. Ongoing support includes budgeting advice and cost-free inspections of the Franchised Business to evaluate services rendered to customers [p.108]. The franchisor also collects Marketing Fees, currently 2% of Net Revenue, for system marketing efforts [p.36].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
As of December 31, 2025, there were 71 outlets operating, with 60 of those having been open for at least 12 months. The FDD mentions a high turnover rate among franchised outlets in the last year, indicating that many transferred or ceased operations, but it does not specify exact numbers [p.5].
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor, Pool Scouts Franchising, LLC, does not make any financial performance representations except for providing actual records of an existing outlet if you are purchasing one. However, they may include financial performance information in the disclosure document if there is a reasonable basis and it pertains to their franchised or franchisor-owned outlets [p.70, p.56]. This information should be reported to the franchisor's management, the FTC, and state regulatory agencies if received from any source other than the provided disclosure document [p.70].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are restricted to offering only the products and services defined in the Operations Manual, unless you receive prior written consent from the franchisor to offer different products or services. You must purchase all required products and services used in operating the franchise business from suppliers designated by the franchisor, as specified in the Operations Manual [p.28, p.50].