Pool Service Franchise vs. Independent
Everything you need to know about franchise vs. independent for pool service businesses. Data-driven insights from HedgeStone Business Advisors, based on real pool service M&A transactions.
SDE Multiple Range
3x–5.5x
EBITDA Multiple Range
4.5x–8.5x
Average SDE Multiple
4x
Avg. Time to Close
90–150 days
Pool Service Business Overview
Pool Service businesses currently sell for 3x–5.5x SDE and 4.5x–8.5x EBITDA in today's market. The franchise vs. independent aspects of pool service valuations are driven by recurring revenue percentage, owner dependency, market position, and buyer type.
Key Considerations
For pool service business owners, understanding franchise vs. independent is critical to maximizing your sale price. Most sellers leave money on the table because they don't fully understand how buyers evaluate this aspect of their business. The difference between a 3.0x and a 4.5x deal is often in the details that savvy sellers address before going to market.
Working with a Business Broker
Pool Service business sales require a broker who understands your vertical — the specific buyer pool, current market conditions, and how to structure a process that creates competition. HedgeStone Business Advisors has represented pool service business owners across multiple states, with deep relationships in the PE and strategic buyer community.
Pool Service Business Valuation Multiples (2025)
| Method | Low | Mid (Typical) | High (Premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDE Multiple | 3x | 4x | 5.5x |
| EBITDA Multiple | 4.5x | 6x | 8.5x |
| Revenue Multiple | 0.6x | 0.9x | 1.3x |
Source: BizBuySell, IBBA, Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Report, DealStats (2024–2025)
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