Pool Route Directory: Brokers, Marketplaces & Resources
Introduction
Finding the right pool route for sale requires knowing where to look. This comprehensive directory lists the major brokers, marketplaces, and resources for finding pool service routes across the United States.
Whether you're looking for a small route in your local area or a large acquisition to expand your territory, these resources can help you find opportunities that match your criteria. Each listing includes website information, geographic coverage, and key features to help you decide which sources are best for your search.
New to buying pool routes? Read our comprehensive How to Buy a Pool Route guide to learn about valuation, due diligence, financing, and transition strategies before you start shopping.
National Pool Route Specialist Brokers
These brokers specialize exclusively in pool service routes and typically offer retention guarantees, financing options, and transition support.
National Pool Route Sales (NPRS)
Website: poolroutesales.com
Coverage: Nationwide (emphasis on California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Nevada)
Services Offered:
- 60-90% retention guarantees (varies by route)
- In-house and third-party financing programs
- Escrow services and legal documentation
- Customer introduction support and transition planning
- Non-compete agreements included with all sales
Notes: One of the largest and most established pool route brokers. Known for extensive listings and comprehensive support throughout the buying process. Offers both small starter routes and large acquisitions.
Pool Route Sales USA
Website: usapoolroutesales.com
Coverage: Multi-state (California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida)
Services Offered:
- 80-90% retention guarantees on most routes
- Seller financing and lender partnerships
- Pre-vetted listings with documented service history
- Transition assistance and seller introductions
- Legal contract templates and escrow coordination
Notes: Strong reputation for quality listings and high retention rates. Focuses on well-established routes with proven customer bases. Known for transparent communication and detailed listing information.
SpringBoard Pool Routes
Website: sbpoolroutes.com
Coverage: California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas
Services Offered:
- Retention guarantees (typically 70-80%)
- Financing assistance and lender referrals
- Route evaluation and pricing guidance
- Customer transfer coordination
- Post-sale support and consulting
Notes: Emphasizes personalized service and buyer education. Often works with first-time route buyers. Provides detailed market analysis and valuation support.
Pool Route Pros
Website: poolroutepros.com
Coverage: Nationwide
Services Offered:
- Retention guarantees on select routes
- Variety of route sizes and price points
- Financing program partnerships
- Detailed listing information and photos
- Buyer and seller representation
Notes: Offers routes across a wide range of sizes and markets. Good resource for finding smaller, affordable routes. Frequently updated inventory.
Superior Pool Routes
Website: superiorpoolroutes.com
Coverage: California, Arizona, Florida, Texas
Services Offered:
- Customer retention guarantees
- Financing options and broker relationships
- Complete transaction management
- Transition planning and seller introductions
- Legal documentation and contracts
Notes: Focuses on high-quality routes with strong retention histories. Known for detailed vetting of both buyers and sellers. Emphasis on long-term buyer success.
Liquid Listings
Website: liquidlistingstx.com
Coverage: Texas
Services Offered:
- Pool route brokerage services
- Buyer and seller matching
- Texas market expertise
- Transaction coordination
Notes: Texas-focused pool route broker connecting buyers and sellers in the Texas market. Good resource for finding routes in the Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio areas.
Sealey Business Brokers - Pool Division
Website: sealeybusinessbrokers.com
Coverage: California (Southern California specialty)
Services Offered:
- Full business brokerage services for pool companies
- Route sales and complete business sales
- Business valuation and appraisal services
- Confidential marketing and buyer matching
- Transaction coordination and closing support
Notes: Full-service business broker that handles both route sales and complete pool service company acquisitions. Good resource for larger transactions and established businesses.
Calculate Route Value
Found a route you're interested in? Use our calculator to estimate its fair market value based on MRR, retention rates, and market multiples.
Try the Route CalculatorRegional & Local Business Brokers
General business brokers occasionally handle pool route sales, particularly in markets without specialized pool route brokers. While they may not offer the same level of industry expertise or retention guarantees, they can be a good source for finding local opportunities.
How to Find Local Business Brokers
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): ibba.org - Directory of certified business brokers nationwide
- BizBen: bizben.com - California-focused business broker network
- Business Broker Associations: Check state and regional business broker associations for members in your area
- Local Listings: Search for "business brokers [your city]" to find regional firms
What to Expect from General Business Brokers
Advantages:
- May have exclusive listings not available through pool-specific brokers
- Often handle complete business sales in addition to route sales
- Local market knowledge and relationships
- Professional transaction management and documentation
Considerations:
- May not offer retention guarantees (you'll need to negotiate directly with seller)
- Less specialized knowledge of pool service industry standards
- Typically don't provide industry-specific financing options
- May require more due diligence on your part
General Business-for-Sale Marketplaces
These large marketplaces list all types of businesses for sale, including pool routes. They can be a good source for finding direct seller listings and routes in markets without specialized brokers.
BizBuySell
Website: bizbuysell.com
Coverage: Nationwide
Features:
- Largest business-for-sale marketplace in the US
- Search filters for industry, location, price, and revenue
- Mix of broker listings and direct seller listings
- Detailed business profiles with financial information
- Buyer resources including valuation tools and guides
Search Tips: Search for "pool service," "pool maintenance," or "pool route" in your target location. Filter by price range and revenue to find routes that match your budget.
BizQuest
Website: bizquest.com
Coverage: Nationwide
Features:
- Large inventory of business listings across all industries
- Advanced search and filtering options
- Franchise and independent business listings
- Business broker directory
- Educational resources for buyers
Search Tips: Use category filters for "Services" and search terms like "pool service" or "pool maintenance." Set up email alerts for new listings in your area.
BusinessesForSale.com
Website: businessesforsale.com
Coverage: International (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.)
Features:
- International reach for buyers seeking opportunities outside the US
- Industry-specific search categories
- Franchise opportunities and independent businesses
- Broker directory and buyer resources
- Confidential inquiry system
Search Tips: Filter by "Maintenance & Cleaning" or search for "pool" to find relevant listings. Good for finding opportunities in vacation markets and international locations.
BusinessBroker.net
Website: businessbroker.net
Coverage: Nationwide
Features:
- Network of certified business brokers
- Searchable database of business listings
- Broker matching service
- Buyer resources and educational content
- Confidential browsing and inquiry
Search Tips: Browse by state and industry category, or contact brokers directly in your target market to inquire about pool service listings.
Important Note: When buying through general marketplaces or direct from sellers, you may not have retention guarantees or broker support. Be extra diligent in your due diligence and consider consulting with an attorney familiar with service business acquisitions. See our Due Diligence Guide for details.
Franchise & Franchise-Resale Marketplaces
If you're interested in buying into a pool service franchise or purchasing an existing franchise location, these resources can help:
Franchise Gator
Website: franchisegator.com
Features: Directory of franchise opportunities across all industries. Search for pool service franchises and read reviews, compare investment levels, and request franchise information.
Franchise Direct
Website: franchisedirect.com
Features: Comprehensive franchise directory with pool service and maintenance categories. Includes franchise profiles, investment requirements, and territory availability.
BizBuySell Franchise
Website: bizbuysell.com/franchise-for-sale
Features: Franchise opportunity listings including resale franchises. Good for finding existing franchise locations that are for sale along with their customer bases.
Major Pool Service Franchises
Consider these established pool service franchise brands:
- Poolwerx: International franchise with locations across the US and Australia
- America's Swimming Pool Company: Comprehensive pool service franchise with full support
- Aqua Pools: Residential and commercial pool service franchise
- Pinch A Penny: Pool service and retail franchise (primarily Southeast US)
Note: Franchise purchases involve different considerations than independent route purchases, including ongoing royalties, branding requirements, and operational standards. Research franchise disclosure documents (FDD) carefully before investing.
Community & Informal Channels
Some of the best route deals are found through industry networking and informal channels. These sources often have listings that never make it to brokers or marketplaces.
Pool Trader
Website: pooltrader.net
Description: Marketplace designed to help pool service companies buy, sell, and trade accounts to build tighter, more efficient routes. Features pool routes for sale listings across Texas, Florida, Arizona, California, and other states, plus a parts marketplace and job listings. Free platform focused on connecting pool technicians to minimize travel time and maximize profits.
Facebook Groups
Several Facebook groups serve as informal marketplaces for pool routes:
- Pool Service Route Buyers & Sellers: Dedicated group for route transactions
- Pool Service Professionals: General industry group with occasional route listings
- Regional Pool Service Groups: Search for "[Your State/City] Pool Service" groups for local opportunities
Industry Associations & Trade Shows
- IPSSA (Independent Pool & Spa Service Association): ipssa.com - Regional chapters often have members looking to sell routes
- PHTA (Pool & Hot Tub Alliance): phta.org - Industry association with networking events and trade shows
- Regional Trade Shows: Attend local pool industry events where operators network and discuss opportunities
Supply Store Networks
Build relationships with local pool supply stores and distributors. They often know which operators are considering retirement or selling routes. Major suppliers include:
- SCP Distributors (Superior Pool Products)
- Pool Corporation (Pinch A Penny, Superior Pool Products)
- Leslie's Pool Supplies
- Local independent pool supply stores
Direct Outreach
Consider proactive strategies for finding unlisted routes:
- Cold Outreach: Contact established pool service companies in your area to inquire about potential acquisitions
- Networking: Attend industry events and let people know you're looking to buy
- "Looking to Buy" Posts: Post in industry forums and groups that you're actively seeking routes
- Referrals: Ask other pool professionals, suppliers, and business contacts for referrals
Pro Tip: The best deals often come from direct seller negotiations before routes are publicly listed. Building relationships in your local pool service community can give you first access to opportunities before they hit the open market.
How to Use This Directory
Getting the most from these resources requires a systematic approach:
1. Define Your Criteria First
Before you start searching, establish clear parameters:
- Geographic area (ideally overlapping your existing territory)
- Budget range and maximum price
- Minimum ROI or payback period requirements
- Service type (weekly maintenance, chemical-only, full-service)
- Route size (number of accounts and MRR)
2. Monitor Multiple Sources
Don't rely on just one broker or marketplace:
- Set up accounts with 3-5 major brokers and request listing updates
- Create saved searches on marketplaces like BizBuySell
- Join relevant Facebook groups and industry forums
- Check back regularly as new listings appear frequently
- Build relationships with local brokers and suppliers
3. Evaluate Listings Systematically
When you find a potential route:
- Calculate the multiple (asking price ÷ MRR)
- Review key metrics: retention rate, route density, service mix
- Identify any red flags or concerns
- Compare to other routes in similar markets
- Use our Pool Route Calculator to estimate fair value
4. Ask the Right Questions
Initial inquiry questions for brokers or sellers:
- What's the current MRR and how is it calculated?
- What's the historical retention rate?
- How many accounts and what's the service mix?
- What geographic area do the accounts cover?
- What retention guarantees or warranties are offered?
- What documentation is available (service records, invoices, etc.)?
- What's included in the sale (equipment, customer list, etc.)?
- What transition support does the seller provide?
5. Conduct Proper Due Diligence
Once you've identified a promising route:
- Verify all revenue and customer information
- Review service history and customer retention data
- Ride along with the seller to observe operations
- Verify account locations and route density
- Have an attorney review purchase documents
See our complete How to Buy a Pool Route guide for detailed information on valuation, negotiation, financing, and transition planning.