Pool Route Buying FAQ
Pool Pro X makes it easy to buy a pool accounts.
Buyers FAQ
Why Should I Buy Pool Accounts?
Buying pool accounts is a great way to:
1.) Get a good client base when your business is just starting out.
2.) Increase your overall clientele.
3.) Add clients to an existing area that you already serve.
4.) Consolodate accounts and service more accounts within a smaller area.
5.) Save time, gas and money.
How Do I Buy a Pool Account/Route?
1.) Click here to see a list of pool routes and accounts for sale.
2.) Use the search function to find accounts by State, City, # of Accounts and Sell Price.
3.) When you find an account or route you like, use the information provided to contact the seller.
4.) Do your Due Diligence and ask questions. See buyers due diligence below.
How Does a Pool Service Make Money?
A pool companies base income comes from the regular servicing/cleaning of pool accounts (semi-weekly, weekly or bi-weekly).
The pool accounts provide an opportunity to increase profits by providing other services that are not included in the routine servicing/cleaning cost that a client pays for servicing their pool.
Income opportunities may include the repair-servicing-replacement of:
Control Panels, Heaters, Filters, Pumps, Cleaners, Tiles, Interior Finish of Pool, Baskets and Extra Chemicals to name a few.
What Licenses or Certifications do I Need to Service Pools?
Whether or not you need a license or certificate to service pools will depend on the county and state.
Some counties and states require a certified pool operator license for servicing commercial pools and not for servicing residential pools.
Some counties and states require a health technicians permit, and/or pool operators license and/or a contractor’s license.
It is always best to check with your local county and state agencies for your specific requirements.
Do I Need Liability Insurance or Workman's Compensation Insurance?
In most instances, Liability Insurance is not required, but it is a good idea.
Liability Insurance can be as low as $75 a month for a million dollar policy and can be purchased through your local pool association or private insurance company.
If you have employees it is highly recommended to have some form of Workman’s Compensation Insurance.
This can help to keep you from being personally and financially liable.
Umbrella policies are another option to consider regardless of whether or not you have employees.
Is Financing Available to Purchase a Pool Route?
99% of all routes are sold for CASH ONLY, and sellers rarely offer financing.
Buyers may need to find financing from a trusted lender, savings, home equity loan, retirement funds, family or silent investor, to purchase a pool route.
Your local Small Business Association (SBA) may be a good place to start when looking for a loan.
SBA Loans
Will Pool Pro X Help me Find/Buy a Pool Route?
No, Pool Pro X does not assist with and/or officiate and/or coordinate any part of a transaction between Buyers and/or Sellers.
Pool Pro X only provides Sellers a place to list their accounts and charges them a low flat rate per account listed compared to brokers that charge a large commission on what a buyer pays.
We do this so that Sellers can list their accounts at lower prices and Buyers can find pool accounts and routes at discounted rates.
Buyers Due Diligence
Remember, this is a business transaction.
Do Your Due Diligence
Sellers and Buyers must do their due diligence before selling and buying a pool route.
Some items to consider and documentation to have prepared may include, but is not limited to; a a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), non-compete agreement on accounts for sale, verification of pool accounts, tax documentation, client payment history, financing options, training period (in-person and via phone) and legal documentation.
Due diligence and documentation exist to protect both the Buyer and Seller.
Will the Seller Sign a Non-Compete Agreement?
It is customary to ask the seller for a non-compete agreement on the pool accounts they are selling.
This will build confidence and is an added protection to prevent sellers from actively pursuing or accepting clients that have recently been sold.
Will the Seller Provide Training and Mentoring?
The Seller should provide some training and mentoring to ensure a seamless transition and the greatest success.
A good starting point is a minimum of 4 weeks to include in-person training as well as availability over the phone to answer questions during in-person training and after.
Confirm what type of training and support the Seller is willing to provide, and get it in writing when possible.
Will the Seller Provide Documentation (or Tax Documentation)?
There should always be some form of documentation that proves the service amount received for each account.
(Ex: bank statements, billing statements, cancelled checks, tax documentation).
Ask the Seller to Put all Agreed Upon Items in Writing.
All agreements made between the Buyer and the Seller should be in writing.
This serves to protect the Buyer as well as the Seller.
How Close in Proximity are the Accounts?
Look for accounts that are within close proximity of one another.
Close accounts = Less driving (vehicle wear & tear) = Less time = More serviceable pools per day = Reduced costs.
Are Accounts Mature with Proof of Consistent Payments?
A mature account that has a history of loyalty and for making payments is less likely to drop you.
This is also a better guarantee of payment for you as long as you continue to provide proper and consistent service.
Any Recourse on Un-Retained Clients?
The average attrition rate is 1% – 2% on new accounts.
It is not uncommon for Sellers to offer a replacement or refund for non-transferred accounts up to (x) number of days. This may be conditional.
What to Look for in Accounts and Routes.
Something to Consider: When choosing accounts, affluent clients and neighborhoods can make a difference.
A cheap client is a cheap client no matter where they live, but in our experience there is a greater chance of getting an affluent client to properly maintain their pool and pay for repairs than it is to have a client that is tight on cash.
For this reason, sellers may sell accounts in affluent areas at a premium.
What Forms of Payments are Accepted?
The type of payment accepted is entirely at the discretion of the Seller.
You won’t know, if you don’t ask. So, always ask.
Ex: Cash, Credit Card, Cashier’s Check, Financing
Be Professional
Maintain professionalism at all times between yourself and potential Sellers.
Trust Your Instincts
Trust your instinct and go with your gut.
If something does not feel right, it probably isn’t.