California Pools

California Pools

Information based on 2023 FDD

Home Services · Other Commercial and Home Services

Investment min
$98K
Total: $98K–$108K
Avg gross revenue
N/A
Unit-level, 2023
Franchise fee
$35K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
4.5%
of gross revenue
Locations
25
Franchising since 2018

Description

What is California Pools?

California Pools, established in 1952, stands as one of the most respected and longest-running pool construction companies in the United States. With over seven decades of experience, they have earned a sterling reputation for creating stunning aquatic environments that transform ordinary backyards into extraordinary outdoor living spaces.

The company's success is built on a foundation of exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design capabilities, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Their design process includes state-of-the-art 3D rendering technology, allowing clients to visualize their dream pools before construction begins. This attention to detail and customer-centric approach has resulted in thousands of satisfied homeowners across their network of locations.

What sets California Pools apart is their comprehensive service offering that goes beyond basic pool construction. They specialize in complete outdoor living solutions, including custom spas, waterfalls, fire features, outdoor kitchens, and sophisticated lighting systems. Their experienced design consultants work closely with clients to create personalized environments that perfectly balance aesthetics with functionality.

The company's commitment to quality is evident in their use of premium materials, advanced pool equipment, and innovative construction techniques. Their professional teams handle everything from initial design through construction and final finishing, ensuring a seamless experience for their clients. With an impressive track record of completing projects on time and within budget, California Pools continues to set the standard for excellence in the pool construction industry.

For entrepreneurs interested in the pool construction industry, California Pools offers an opportunity to join a well-established brand with a proven business model and decades of industry leadership.
  • 70+ years industry experience since 1952
  • Lower investment barrier entry point vs. sub-sector average
  • Established franchise system with proven longevity
  • Specialized pool construction and outdoor living expertise
  • Personalized franchisor support with smaller network
  • Historic legacy brand in swimming pool industry

Location Analysis

Where California Pools wins

California Pools demonstrates a concentrated West Coast presence across multiple states, showing particular strength in California and Arizona. This regional clustering suggests successful market penetration in areas with year-round pool-friendly climates and high-income demographics. The franchise maintains a strong average rating across numerous customer reviews, indicating robust operational performance and customer satisfaction, with notable excellence in their Scottsdale operations.

The franchise's strategic positioning in affluent markets like Scottsdale and various California locations reflects a focus on high-end residential areas with substantial disposable income. While the core business is concentrated in the Southwest, their presence in Pennsylvania suggests viability in seasonal markets, opening possibilities for strategic expansion in similar high-income, seasonal regions.

Ideal locations for new franchises should target affluent suburban areas with median home values above $500,000, large lot sizes, and year-round warm weather. The most promising expansion opportunities exist in Texas, Florida, and other Sun Belt states with similar demographics to their successful California and Arizona operations. However, potential franchisees should note the significant initial investment required and seasonal considerations in non-Southwest markets.
Total US locations
26
Franchise units
25
Corporate locations
1
Avg. sq. footage
N/A

Loading map...

Territory check

Is your territory available?

Let's find out.

try

We'll take you through a few quick questions, then California Pools confirms availability directly.

Availability

Financial Analysis

The numbers behind California Pools

Avg gross revenueN/A
Investment range$98,000 – $107,500
Investment midpoint$102,750
Brand fund$350/mo
Royalty4.5%
Franchise fee$35,000
Min. net worth
Min. liquid capital
California Pools presents an entry-level investment opportunity with total costs ranging $98,000-$107,500, positioning significantly below the sub-sector average of $111,770-$223,008. This lower barrier to entry makes pool construction franchising accessible to emerging entrepreneurs in the growing home services sector.

The swimming pool industry benefits from strong residential investment trends and increasing focus on outdoor living spaces, particularly following pandemic-driven home improvement spending. However, this business model typically requires substantial operational expertise in construction management, permitting, and seasonal demand fluctuations that can impact cash flow timing.

With 26 active units and 70+ years of operational history since 1952, California Pools demonstrates system longevity but maintains a relatively small franchise footprint compared to the 92 franchises in the sub-sector. This limited scale may impact brand recognition and purchasing power, though it potentially offers more personalized franchisor support and territory availability.

The construction-intensive business model demands significant working capital beyond initial franchise fees for equipment, materials, and labor management. Without available revenue data, prospective investors should conduct thorough financial due diligence through FDD review.

Ideal investors should possess construction or home services experience with substantial liquid capital reserves. Markets with higher disposable income, favorable climate conditions, and established residential communities present optimal opportunities for this specialized pool construction franchise.
Did you know? Did you know that diving into the lucrative pool construction and renovation industry with a California Pools franchise requires a total investment between $98,000 to $107,500, which includes your $35,000 franchise fee plus all the equipment, initial inventory, and working capital needed to start making a splash in your local market?

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$98K–$108K
Most common
$98,000
Minimum
$102,750
Midpoint
$107,500
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $98,000 to $107,500. The midpoint $102,750 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

-4% YoY
3024181260
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
26 units open as of 2023 FDD-1 in last 12 mo

2023 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for California Pools's 2023 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2023 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a California Pools franchise typically ranges between $98,000.00 and $107,500.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2023. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

California Pools
California Pools
N/A avg revenue · 25+ US franchises

Franchises for you

Other brands in the same vertical and investment band — recommendations based on what you've explored.

Spotlight

Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Waterloo Turf

Home Services

Gross Revenue$2,884,652
Min Investment$121,300
Founded2021
Franchise Units42+

Spotlight

Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Best Option Restoration

Home Services

Gross Revenue$782,625
Min Investment$186,484
Founded2018
Franchise Units72+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Floor Crafters

Home Services

Gross Revenue$2,501,091
Min Investment$147,405
Founded2014
Franchise Units6+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Buccos Roofing

Home Services

Gross Revenue$7,737,369
Min Investment$153,950
Founded2012
Franchise Units2+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Action Exteriors

Home Services

Gross Revenue$7,577,337
Min Investment$94,750
Founded2024
Franchise Units4+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Garage Up

Home Services

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$93,250
Founded2021
Franchise Units14+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

More Space Place

Home Services

Gross Revenue$1,144,664
Min Investment$150,050
Founded1987
Franchise Units32+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

ReCoat Revolution

Home Services

Gross Revenue$1,300,537
Min Investment$136,500
Founded2023
Franchise Units10+