Pool service routes are among the most common small service businesses in South Florida, and they change hands regularly. Because value is tied to recurring monthly accounts, the way they are bought and sold is a little different from other trades.
How routes are usually priced
Routes are often priced as a multiple of monthly recurring revenue from service accounts, rather than a multiple of annual profit. The multiple varies with account quality, pricing and location, so treat any rule of thumb you hear as a rough starting point.
What makes a route more valuable
- Route density: accounts close together mean less drive time and more stops per day.
- Pricing: accounts billed at current market rates are worth more than legacy low-price accounts.
- Retention: long-tenured customers and low cancellations.
- Service agreements: written agreements, auto-pay and clear chemical terms.
- Add-on revenue: equipment repair, filter cleans, pump and heater replacement and leak detection.
- Commercial accounts: HOAs, condos and hotels can add stability.
Retention guarantees
Because some customers may cancel after a new tech shows up, route sales often include a retention period. If accounts leave during that window, the price may be adjusted or the seller replaces them. Negotiate this carefully.
Licensing
In Florida, routine pool cleaning and chemical service generally doesn't require a state contractor license, but repairs and equipment work can, depending on scope, and some counties and cities have their own requirements. Larger pool businesses that do construction or major equipment work operate under CILB pool/spa contractor licenses. Check your specific services.
Prepare before selling
- Account list with address, monthly price, start date and service day.
- Billing records showing collections.
- Equipment repair revenue history.
- Truck, equipment and chemical inventory.
Bigger pool companies
If you run a full pool service and repair company with techs, trucks and a large account base, it may be valued on earnings like other trades. See SDE multiples and our valuation estimator. We're glad to talk about pool service companies in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Consult your own attorney and CPA.