Pool & Spa Franchise FDDs:
2025 Analysis & Downloads
Independent analysis of Franchise Disclosure Documents for the five major pool and spa franchise systems
Evaluating a pool or spa franchise requires understanding the full financial picture, operational requirements, and long-term obligations. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is your most important resource—a legally required document that reveals everything from initial investment costs to ongoing fees, performance data, litigation history, and territorial rights.
We've analyzed the 2025 FDDs from the five major pool and spa franchise systems, extracting hard data and highlighting the critical differences between service-focused, construction-supervision, and hybrid retail models. Whether you're an independent pool professional considering franchise ownership or a prospective entrepreneur evaluating the industry, this resource provides the detailed comparison you need to make an informed decision.
Important Disclaimer: This analysis is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Prospective franchisees should conduct their own due diligence, consult with qualified franchise attorneys and accountants, and independently verify all information before making any franchise investment decision. Franchise performance can vary significantly based on market conditions, operator skill, and numerous other factors.
Why Franchise Disclosure Documents Matter
Every franchisor in the United States is required by the Federal Trade Commission to provide prospective franchisees with a Franchise Disclosure Document at least 14 days before signing any agreement or accepting payment. The FDD contains 23 specific items covering:
- Investment Costs: Total estimated initial investment, franchise fees, working capital requirements, and financing options
- Ongoing Fees: Royalty percentages, marketing fund contributions, technology fees, and mandatory local advertising spend
- Territory & Competition: Territory definition, exclusivity protections, and franchisor's rights to compete
- Performance Data (Item 19): Average unit volumes, revenue statistics, and earnings claims (if disclosed)
- Obligations & Restrictions: Required suppliers, approved equipment, operational standards, non-compete clauses, and data ownership
- Legal History: Litigation, bankruptcy, and regulatory compliance issues
Below, you'll find detailed analyses and full FDD downloads for each major franchise system, organized by business model to help you compare like-to-like opportunities.
Understanding the Business Models
Pool and spa franchises fall into three distinct operational categories, each with different capital requirements, revenue potential, and risk profiles:
- Service & Maintenance: Mobile route-based businesses focused on recurring pool cleaning, chemical balancing, and routine maintenance. Lower initial investment, exclusive territories, steady monthly revenue.
- Construction Supervision: High-ticket project management where franchisees market, sell, and supervise pool construction/remodeling but hire licensed contractors for the actual work. Higher revenue potential but nonexclusive territories and significant liability exposure.
- Hybrid Mobile + Retail: Dual-model requiring both a mobile service unit and a physical retail location. Higher total investment but diversified revenue streams from service, maintenance, and product sales.
Compare All Five Franchise Systems
ASP - America's Swimming Pool Company
Service & MaintenanceMobile service model focused on pool cleaning, maintenance, and renovation services. Strong conversion incentives for existing independent operators with financing up to 100% of franchise fee with potential forgiveness.
Key Facts
- FDD Issued: April 15, 2025
- Investment: $84,395 - $210,121
- Franchise Fee: $40,000 - $90,000
- Territory: Exclusive (pool count-based)
- Min Performance: $225,000 annual revenue (Year 3+)
- System Size: 391 outlets, 121 franchisees
California Pools
Construction SupervisionSwimming pool and spa construction/remodeling supervision model. Franchisees do not perform construction—they hire licensed contractors. Requires achieving $1M annual revenue to maintain territorial exclusivity.
Key Facts
- FDD Issued: June 27, 2025
- Investment: $72,940 - $126,340
- Franchise Fee: $45,000 (new), $0 (conversion)
- Territory: Exclusive (conditional on sales quota)
- Min Performance: ~$1,000,000 annual revenue (Year 1)
- Item 19 Data: 21 covered businesses (2024)
Poolwerx
Hybrid Mobile + RetailMandatory dual-model requiring mobile service unit initially, then retail location within 24 months. Highest total investment but diversified revenue streams. Strict performance enforcement including forced sale provision.
Key Facts
- FDD Issued: May 1, 2025
- Mobile Investment: $94,400 - $142,400
- Retail Investment: $153,000 - $350,500
- Territory: Exclusive Marketing Area (conditional)
- Avg Gross Revenue: $1,244,222 (2024, 16 locations)
- Median Revenue: $961,184
Premier Pools & Spas
Construction SupervisionHigh-volume construction supervision model under Premier Pools & Spas and Pinnacle Pools & Spas brands. Nonexclusive territory with affiliate competition risk. Highest average gross revenue but significant litigation history.
Key Facts
- FDD Issued: March 31, 2025
- Investment: $58,950 - $119,000
- Franchise Fee: $45,000
- Territory: Nonexclusive (limited protection if MAPR met)
- Avg Gross Revenue: $3,744,777 (2023, 104 outlets)
- Median Revenue: $2,528,852
Puddle Pool Services
Service & MaintenanceFocused residential and commercial pool cleaning/maintenance services. Early-stage system with only 2 total units as of 2024. Highest ongoing royalty structure (7% or $600/month minimum) but exclusive territory protection.
Key Facts
- FDD Issued: March 24, 2025
- Investment: $98,100 - $122,800
- Franchise Fee: $49,500 - $343,500 (territory count)
- Territory: Exclusive (Alternate Channels reserved)
- Royalty: Greater of 7% or $600/month
- System Size: 1 franchised + 1 corporate unit (2024)
Which Model Is Right for You?
Service models offer steady recurring revenue with lower investment and exclusive territories, but face high ongoing fee loads and strict data ownership. Construction supervision promises multi-million dollar revenue potential with low initial investment, but requires meeting aggressive sales quotas in nonexclusive territories with litigation exposure. Hybrid models diversify revenue streams but demand the highest total capital and dual operational expertise.
How to Use These Resources
Each franchise has two dedicated pages:
- Analysis Articles: 800-word comparative analyses examining the franchise model, investment structure, performance requirements, operational controls, and competitive positioning relative to other systems. Perfect for understanding the strategic trade-offs.
- FDD Download Pages: Comprehensive FAQ format extracting all critical data from the FDD including investment breakdowns, ongoing fees, territory definitions, performance data, technology requirements, and legal disclosures. Includes direct PDF download links to the complete 2025 FDD.
Important Disclaimer: This analysis is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Prospective franchisees should conduct their own due diligence, consult with qualified franchise attorneys and accountants, and independently verify all information before making any franchise investment decision. Franchise performance can vary significantly based on market conditions, operator skill, and numerous other factors.