FAQs: Selling a Pool Service Route

selling a pool service routeIn the current market, selling a pool service route is a great option for owners nearing retirement, relocating or just ready to move on to new opportunities. Residential pools have been a mainstay in American backyards since the 1950’s, but inground pools and baths date back to the Greeks and Romans.

The Swimming Pool Cleaning Services industry was hit particularity hard by the Recession, but recent studies offer hope. IBISWorld predicts that growth over the next five years will include almost 93,000 jobs and $7 billion in industry revenue. The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance reported that in 2022, there were more than 10.4 million residential pools in the United States.

Pools are historically popular, and thus, service routes are attractive to buyers as a solid business investment. If you’re interested in selling a pool service route, it may be better to do so now rather than later. Below are some frequently asked seller questions.

What Is My Pool Service Route Worth?

Determining the worth of your pool service route depends upon many different factors. Things like the number of clients on your route, the quality of your equipment, and the location of your business will affect its overall value.

In warm climates (including states like California, Florida, and Texas) where pool owners are more prevalent, pool cleaning routes will draw a higher price point. In the same way, a pool route in an affluent neighborhood would attract a higher bid than a route in a rural, middle-class town.

Before you sell your pool service route, it’s important to have a formal business valuation done by an established brokerage, like Sunbelt Business Brokers. A professional broker will help you organize your records and finances to maximize the value of your pool service route business.

When Is the Best Time to Sell a Pool Service Route?

Any time of the year is a good time to sell a pool service route. Seasons don’t have an impact on potential pool route sales. However, you’ll need some time to devote to the sales process. Between organizing paperwork, reviewing deals, training new owners, and other tasks, selling your pool cleaning service route could end up being a lengthy process, so chose a slow season when you have extra time to spare.

If you don’t want to wait, consider hiring a certified business broker to assist you. Established companies, like Sunbelt, have experienced brokers ready to walk you through the sales process, step-by-step. Brokers have local market knowledge and advanced software programs to assist in the process.

Who Are the Interested Buyers?

In the pool and spa industry, potential buyers can be hard to spot. Pool routes are lucrative because training is minimal, and established routes don’t require new owners to build a business from the ground up. Potential bids could come from novices trying to break into the business or experts looking to expand. Other interested parties could include:

• Franchised pool route companies
• A competitor service
• An independent pool service technician

With extensive networks and vast databases, listing your business with an experienced business broker will help you find interested parties and move the sale along quickly.

Sunbelt Business Brokers is here to answer any other questions you may have about selling a pool service route.  If you are interested in buying or selling any other type of business, contact Sunbelt. With offices nationwide, a local Sunbelt office is often closer than you may think.

Article statistics updated on July 28, 2023.

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