Calculate your pool service route's fair market value using industry-standard formulas
Determining the fair market value of a pool service route requires understanding industry-standard formulas and the key factors that influence pricing. This calculator applies the same methods used by professional pool route brokers to give you an accurate estimate based on your specific business details.
The foundation of pool route valuation is the revenue multiple method. Industry brokers typically multiply your Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) by a factor of 8-12× for established routes. This multiple represents the market's assessment of your route's value based on its predictable monthly income.
For example, if your route generates $5,000 in monthly recurring revenue and sells at a 10× multiple, the base value would be $50,000. The actual multiple used depends on several factors including route size, market conditions, and the quality of your customer base.
Customer Retention: Routes with high retention rates (80% or higher) command premium multiples. Long-term, stable customers represent predictable future income, which buyers value highly. Low retention or high churn rates will significantly reduce your route's value since future revenue is uncertain.
Geographic Location: Location is one of the most significant value drivers. Routes in Sun Belt states (Florida, California, Arizona, Texas, Nevada) typically sell at 10-20% premiums due to year-round demand and thriving pool markets. Rural or northern markets with fewer pools generally command lower multiples.
Account Density: Routes with geographically concentrated accounts—all within one neighborhood or ZIP code—are more valuable because they minimize drive time and maximize service efficiency. Scattered routes with long distances between accounts may be discounted.
Seasonality: Year-round service routes avoid the risk of seasonal income gaps and can command premiums up to 10%. Highly seasonal routes (summer-only) typically face 5-15% discounts as buyers factor in off-season revenue loss.
This calculator provides an estimated valuation based on industry formulas. The result shows:
This calculator uses the same industry-standard formulas employed by professional pool route brokers including National Pool Route Sales, Clearwater Pool Routes, and others. However, actual sale prices can vary based on:
For the most accurate valuation, consider consulting with a professional pool route broker who understands your local market conditions and recent comparable sales.
While this calculator provides a solid baseline estimate, you should seek professional guidance if:
If you're planning to sell in the near future, focus on these value drivers:
Industry sources consistently cite 8-12× monthly recurring revenue for average pool routes. Smaller starter routes (under 20 accounts) may sell at 6-9×, while premium turnkey routes with extensive training and support can reach 13-18×. The 10× multiple is a conservative baseline for established routes.
MRR is the sum of all predictable monthly service fees from your maintenance accounts. Include regular weekly or bi-weekly pool service contracts, but exclude one-time repairs, equipment sales, or irregular income. If you have annual contracts, divide by 12 to get the monthly amount.
Yes. Industry practice is to value the customer list (goodwill) separately from physical assets. Equipment (trucks, tools, supplies) is typically appraised at 75-90% of replacement cost and adds 10-20% to the total deal value. Buyers often negotiate equipment separately from the route purchase price.
High retention (80%+ annually) means stable, predictable income for the buyer. Routes with proven customer loyalty can command 10-20% premiums. Conversely, high churn (losing 1 in 5 clients annually) creates uncertainty about future revenue, leading buyers to discount the purchase price significantly.
Focus on retention (improve service quality), documentation (organize financial records), contracts (move to auto-pay), pricing (raise rates to market levels), and route density (add nearby accounts). Brokers recommend preparing for sale 6-12 months in advance to maximize value.
Both follow the same revenue multiple method. Commercial accounts often have higher MRR per account but may require licenses and compliance. The valuation focuses on total MRR regardless of account type, though buyers scrutinize commercial contracts more carefully for stability and regulatory requirements.
For routes valued above $50,000, brokers typically provide value through access to qualified buyers, accurate local market knowledge, professional marketing, and transaction support. Broker commissions (10-20%) are often offset by higher sale prices and faster transactions. Smaller routes may be sold independently.
With a broker, properly priced routes typically sell within 30-90 days. Timing depends on local market demand, route size, asking price, and season. Spring and early summer (when buyers plan for peak season) tend to see faster sales. Overpriced routes can sit for months.
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