During my time as a public pool health inspector in Florida, I checked pool operator certification two times per year. Once, I inspected a public pool that had many violations that resulted in pool closure due to lack of free chlorine and high pH levels. Upon checking the certification of the local pool company technician, it turned out that the technician was not certified. A lack of education for pool pros could have explained the many severe public health and safety violations that I saw. A phone call to the pool company resulted in enrollment of their pool tech in an approved pool operator certification course within 30 days.

How Does The CPO® Course Set You Apart From Other Pool Service Techs?

This certification is nationally recognized with a standardized curriculum on health and safety that is accepted by most regulatory authorities. Having this certification allows a pool service technician to clean and service public and private pools. It could help increase the customer base of the pool service company but also the quality of service given. In time, this will help the pool service tech to retain customers through thorough service that results from this training program. Uninformed pool techs can become informed pool techs if they are serious about completing pool industry training. However, it should be noted that this certification is not a state license and does not allow repair of any pool.

I have been a PHTA® CPO® instructor for the past thirteen years and have taught hundreds of pool service techs. My biggest enjoyment with the CPO® course is to instill education for pool pros based on real-world experiences during my 17 years with the Florida Dept. of Health as a public pool inspector.

What Should a Pool Service Tech Expect to Learn?

First, why would a pool professional get CPO® certified? Most pool pros initially get their certification so they can service and maintain commercial pools. What not that many pool pros realize is just how important proper training is for continued success. Risk management is one topic not often considered in the pool industry and sometimes the pool pro does it without even knowing that they are. Identification of risks and meeting OSHA standards in the pool industry is not something often followed or discussed. These topics are briefly covered in this course to minimize or eliminate safety hazards in the pool area. Also, recordkeeping is highlighted as one of the most important items for a pool service tech to do after training. Proper recordkeeping helps to legally protect a pool pro by showing that they were not negligent. Do not underestimate the usefulness of a detailed chemical and maintenance log. As in the case with many other industries, if you don’t document it, the inspector won’t believe that you did it!

What Can I Learn About Recreational Water Illnesses And Fecal Accidents?

A good pool pro should know what steps should be taken when there is a fecal accident in their pool. They would learn about these steps and what the negative impacts are if they do not follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) fecal guidelines, which are taught in this course.

Personal Experience

Health departments like the one I worked at monitor all reportable illnesses and interview ill people. Interviews were conducted to identify where the person might have swum while ill. Afterwards, the pool pro for that pool was contacted. This contact was documented by the inspector in the epidemiology medical records regarding the requirements of the pool pro to follow CDC Fecal Guidelines. These guidelines are taught as part of the CPO® Course. The pool pro also learns that they are negligent if more people get sick due to their lack of knowledge about recreational water illnesses and what actions to take for fecal accidents in pool water.

What Chemicals Can Be Used to Disinfect Pool Water?

A pool pro should learn what pool chemicals that they could use as a disinfectant against recreational water illnesses and oxidize other contaminants. This concept is very important to maintain a safe and healthy pool. Disinfectants are the main tool that any pool service tech can utilize to keep algae out of the water and to prevent recreational water illnesses. The CPO® course details all the chemical tools available to the pool professional.

What is Pool Water Balance and How Important is it to a Pool Service Tech?

The most important concept taught in the CPO® Course is water balance. This is the one concept that a pool pro should take away from this course. Pool water balance takes all the individual puzzle pieces of total alkalinity, pH, calcium hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS) and temperature and put them together. These water balance parameters are connected to each other to determine if the water is corrosive(hungry) or scaling(overstuffed) water. The ideal result is to have the pool water balanced. The pool pro learns about the consequences of unbalanced water on the pool surface and all other pool system components that the water touches. These consequences can be financially devastating to the pool customers and ultimately lead to loss of customers.

Water balance is a great tool for private pools too. A vast majority of newly constructed private pools are on salt chlorine generators. Pool water imbalance has a negative effect on a salt chlorine generator and its ability to properly generate free chlorine into the water. In turn, this affects how recreational water illnesses are killed and algae is destroyed.

What Amount of Chemicals Should Be Added to the Pool for Water Imbalances?

Pool water levels are not always going to be properly balanced, and changes have to be made to correct these imbalances. Pool chemical dosage, or the amount of chemicals to be added to a pool to correct imbalanced pool water levels is heavily covered in this course. Pool pro should leave this course with an improved understanding of what chemicals to use in the proper amount. Improper training can result in chemical overdoses or not adding enough chemicals to correct imbalances. Overdoses can cause harm to pool users, such as burns. The lack of proper education for pool pros can ultimately lead to people being harmed.

How Does a Pool Service Tech Test the Pool Water?

Proper water testing procedures are covered in the CPO® Course. Hands-on pool water testing occurs at many in person CPO courses. Many pool pros are amazed at some of the small mistakes they make on water testing after the completion of the course. The pool pro will even learn about the proper method to store their pool test kit. As an instructor, proper test kit storage is a small topic but one of the biggest mistakes made by pool pros. Typically, they do not realize how improper test kit storage affects obtaining accurate water test results.

Personal Experience

I conducted countless inspections where the pool pro had improperly stored their pool test kit on their trailer, in the bed of their truck, on their pool vacuum tray, or in the pool equipment area. Temperature would significantly affect the accuracy of the water test results.

What is Suction Entrapment?

Entrapment involves a person getting stuck on a suction outlet, mostly the main drain outlet. Suction entrapment is a very important topic covered in the CPO® Course. It tackles the two main types of pool circulation designs and how they impact entrapment. The course details prevention as the best line of defense. Most pool codes require the use of a main drain cover that meets the Virginia Graham Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2008. Pool pros are taught how important it is for them to do their visual safety inspections of these main drain covers to ensure they are intact and not loose or missing.

Furthermore, the course also shows that a vacuum line cover is also on direct suction and that those vacuum line safety covers must also be compliant. Children can still get their arms entrapped even if the vacuum pump is inoperable.

Missing vacuum line covers were a very common violation on inspection reports.

What are the Working Parts of a Pool?

Pool pros shall understand what the different parts of a pool system are that control circulation, filtration, chemical treatment and heating. The CPO® course highlights each section of the pool equipment and how it works in the pool. The course details basic maintenance and problems with the equipment that can be handled by a certified pool operator. Remember, any repairs still must be completed by a licensed pool contractor.

Stuck flow meters or holes in vacuum DE filter grids are common violations that are noted by health inspectors. These pool violations could have been prevented through better education.

What About Local Regulatory Public Pool Code?

Pool pros should be taught about the local public pool rules and how they apply to their facilities. As an inspector, I would inspect public pools and come across so many poorly trained pool pros that did not even know how a public pool was defined or how it was regulated. In these instances, the pools would usually be closed due to lack of proper training on Chapter 64E-9, F.A.C. CPO® Instructors are required to educate on the local regulatory code with their students.

Final Reflection

In my experience of conducting pool inspections, I have truly seen the implications from the lack of formal training like the CPO® Course can have on a pool service business. Education is one item that a pool service tech can do for themselves to stay in compliance, but to also to just keep the pool healthy and safe. Many public pool closures can be prevented through proper education.

Skimmer recently released its 2025 State of Pool Service report, which covers emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the pool service market. 

According to the report, the industry is evolving rapidly. But despite economic pressures like inflation and labor shortages, pool service businesses are proving their resilience by adopting more strategic approaches to growth, pricing, and customer engagement. The 2025 State of Pool Service report is based on a survey of over 2,000 pool professionals and examines how the industry responded to challenges in 2024 and the strategies pool pros are implementing to succeed in 2025.

“The pool service industry is undergoing significant change, but the resilience and adaptability of pool professionals stand out,” said Jack Nelson, CEO of Skimmer. “This report provides actionable insights to help businesses navigate these shifts and thrive in 2025.”

Key takeaways from this year’s report:

1. Economic pressures persist: Inflation, labor shortages, and rising material costs were top challenges in 2024 and will continue into 2025.
2. Optimistic outlook: Pool pros remain confident about 2025, planning moderate price increases to offset costs.
3. Strategic growth approaches: More businesses are leveraging technology, diversifying services, and focusing on operational efficiency.
4. Private equity impact: Industry consolidation is growing, generating mixed reactions from independent service providers.
5. Marketing shifts: Businesses are focusing more on customer engagement rather than traditional lead generation.
6. Slow adoption of plus chems pricing: Despite fluctuating chemical prices, many businesses have yet to transition to a plus chems pricing model.

In this article, we briefly explore each key trend covered in the 2025 State of Pool Service report. For more in-depth analysis, download Skimmer’s free report here.

The economy remains the biggest challenge for pool pros

Throughout 2024, economic factors were the primary concern for pool professionals, with rising labor, chemicals, and equipment costs squeezing profit margins. Inflation has also driven up wages, while supply chain disruptions have kept material costs volatile. Looking ahead to 2025, pool businesses are focusing on cost efficiency and strategic pricing adjustments to maintain financial stability.

Industry response to economic pressure:

• Increasing service prices: Most businesses plan to raise prices moderately in 2025 to keep pace with inflation.
• Efficiency improvements: Pool pros are streamlining operations, reducing waste, and using technology to improve scheduling and billing.
• Hiring & retention strategies: With a persistent labor shortage, businesses are offering better wages and training programs to attract and retain talent.

There is optimism for 2025 thanks to strategic pricing adjustments

Despite economic uncertainty, pool pros remain optimistic about their business prospects. A key strategy for navigating financial pressures is the implementation of strategic price increases.

Pricing trends:

• Incremental price adjustments: Businesses are adjusting rates by 5-10% rather than making drastic increases.
• Value-based pricing: Many pool pros are shifting to pricing structures that highlight the quality and reliability of their service.
• Transparent communication: Customers are more likely to accept price increases when businesses clearly explain rising costs and added value.

Smarter growth strategies are taking root

In 2025, pool pros are prioritizing sustainable, long-term growth. Instead of relying solely on new customer acquisition, many are improving efficiency and expanding their service offerings.

2025 growth tactics:

• Finding internal efficiencies: Pool pros are moving away from just packing on more business at all costs. 60% of survey respondents said that in 2025, they’re planning on prioritizing internal efficiencies to support profitability.
• Diversifying services: Expanding into other lines of business gives pool pros the opportunity to upsell to their existing customer base and find new business. 
• Increasing marketing budgets: 40% of survey respondents said a bigger marketing budget is on the table for 2025. This makes sense, given the relatively low barrier to entry in the pool service market. Established companies always have new competitors to contend with, and marketing beyond word of mouth will be increasingly important for pros to find new business.

Private equity is playing a growing role in the pool service industry

The pool and spa service industry has seen a surge in private equity (PE) investment, driving consolidation and expansion. PE firms are acquiring companies to create larger, more efficient entities and focus on expanding product distribution.

Several factors drive this trend, including growing consumer demand, market fragmentation, and the appeal of recurring revenue. For pool and spa service business owners, PE investment can provide access to capital, operational expertise, increased valuations, market stability, and partnership opportunities. 

However, challenges exist, such as loss of autonomy, cultural misalignment, financial pressures, short-term profit focus, employee disruption, and legal risks.

Despite the prevalence of this kind of investment activity, pool pros themselves are split on what this means for the market. Some view PE investment as an opportunity for growth, higher service pricing, and easier business exits. Others worry about declining service quality, aggressive expansion strategies, and the negative impact on the industry’s reputation.

The marketing landscape has shifted in the past 12 months

Marketing strategies in the pool and spa service industry have evolved significantly over the past year, with more professionals investing in paid marketing. Only 35 of last year’s survey respondents reported doing paid marketing, with that number increasing to 41% this year.

Survey results also show an overall increase in marketing activity, particularly in paid search, SEO, referrals, direct mail, cold calling, and events. Conversely, reliance on lead suppliers has dropped by over 55%, likely due to cost concerns, competition from shared leads, and inconsistent quality. With over 42% of respondents working with a marketing budget of $5,000 or less, many are shifting to strategies that provide better control over lead quality and ROI.

Paid search has emerged as a top-performing channel, ranking second only to referrals in lead quality. Other high-ranking channels include SEO, paid social, and direct mail. The increased use of events, cold calling, and community engagement suggests a renewed focus on personal connections to drive business growth.

This year’s survey also indicates a more optimistic approach to marketing budgets. In contrast to last year’s split outlook, over 50% of respondents plan to increase their marketing budgets in 2025, with less than 10% expecting to cut spending.

The data highlights a shift toward strategic, high-ROI marketing efforts that prioritize sustainable growth, quality leads, and direct engagement over costly, low-return lead generation services.

Adoption of a plus chems pricing model is still sluggish

Despite ongoing chemical price volatility, most pool pros still favor an all-inclusive pricing model, with over 54% of survey respondents using a flat monthly rate that includes chemicals. Only 20% have adopted a “plus chems” model, where chemical costs are charged separately, and even fewer charge per stop.

There are several factors driving the preference for all-inclusive pricing. It simplifies billing for customers, improves satisfaction by providing predictable costs, and differentiates businesses from competitors. Additionally, it streamlines operations, allowing bulk chemical purchasing and reducing administrative work. Many pros also see it as a way to build customer loyalty, ensuring consistent service without disputes over added costs.

“We like to treat our clients the way we would like to be treated. No-nonsense pricing. In business, there is always a risk, and you can choose to put that risk on the client or your own business. We choose to take the risk off of our clients. It forces our entire team to become better and more mindful of their craft,” says Chancy Green of Cool Pool People in Frisco, Texas.

Thomas Walsh of Integrity Pool Service agrees, saying “It would be very hard to get most of my customers to accept anything less than all-inclusive. They like the predictability of the same amount each month, they can schedule the bill every month and not think about it”.

While including chems in pricing fosters trust and operational efficiency, it carries risks such as fluctuating chemical costs and the perception of higher base prices, which may deter budget-conscious customers. 

Conclusion

The pool service industry is evolving in response to economic pressures, increased competition, and changing consumer expectations. While challenges like inflation, labor shortages, and market consolidation persist, pool pros are adopting more strategic, data-driven approaches to growth and pricing. With a focus on efficiency, service diversification, and customer engagement, the industry is set for continued success in 2025.

By leveraging smart pricing models, investing in technology like Skimmer’s all-in-one pool service software, and maintaining strong customer relationships, pool businesses can stay ahead of industry changes and drive sustainable growth in the coming year.

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Jan. 9, 2025  — Premier Franchise Management, the fastest growing pool builder in the world, is excited to announce the addition of a new pool franchise. In 2014, PFM began offering franchise opportunities to like-minded entrepreneurs with the same standards for quality and value, the same standards that grew the Premier brand exponentially.

Ivan Nunez is the newest owner of the Inland Empire Premier Pool Service franchise. His journey in the pool industry began six years ago as a means to support himself and soon grew into a passion for serving others. In the summer of 2018, Ivan took on his first role as a pool technician in San Diego County. Initially a part-time job among two others, his dedication quickly became evident. Within a week, his supervisor recognized Ivan’s commitment and brought him on full-time, affirming his natural fit for the industry.

As an owner of one of the most prestigious names in the pool industry, Ivan is eager to apply his knowledge, experience, and values to uphold the Premier name and expand its presence nationwide. His goal is to make a difference by focusing on customer satisfaction, informed by years of hearing clients’ stories about poor experiences with other pool companies. This insight drives his commitment to a customer-centered approach that genuinely serves client needs.

Through his extensive experience with different types of pools and water conditions, Ivan aims to set Premier Pool Service apart from others in the industry. His focus on exceptional service, attention to detail, and dedication to keeping pools pristine are at the heart of his mission. Ivan is excited to provide a service that makes customers feel valued and well cared for.

“I chose to join the Premier Franchise [family] because it is a solid company with strong values. Many of the pools in my routes are built by Premier and those pools are the easiest to work on. Very well designed and built.”

To contact Ivan Nunez:

[email protected]
(760) 390-9389

Interested in joining the Premier family?

If you’ve ever thought about owning your own business, now is your chance! We’re also looking for passionate entrepreneurs to franchise with us in this growing community.