Skimmer, a leading software for pool service businesses, announced the release of its second annual State of Pool Service report. The report, based on survey responses from over 2,000 pool professionals and aggregated platform data from 30,000 users servicing 700,000 pools per month, provides a comprehensive look at the challenges, strategies, and opportunities shaping the pool service industry in 2025.
Key findings include:
- Economic Challenges Persist: Inflation and labor shortages were the top concerns for pool pros in 2024, and these challenges are expected to continue in 2025. Strategic price adjustments are helping businesses maintain profitability.
- Growth Through Innovation: Pool pros are adopting more sophisticated, data-driven approaches to business expansion, including diversifying services and investing in technology.
- Shifting Marketing Tactics: Over the past year, the industry has pivoted from lead buys to more customer-focused engagement strategies.
- Private Equity’s Mixed Impact: While private equity investments offer opportunities for scaling, they also raise concerns about autonomy and service quality among smaller operators.
“The pool service industry is undergoing significant change, but the resilience and adaptability of pool professionals stand out,” says Jack Nelson, CEO of Skimmer. “This report provides actionable insights to help businesses navigate these shifts and thrive in 2025.”
Read the executive summary of the 2025 State of Pool Service report below, and get the free report at https://www.getskimmer.com/stateofpoolservice.
2025 State of Pool Service Report Executive Summary
- The economy was the top challenge for pool pros in 2024, and this trend is set to continue in 2025. Economic pressures like inflation and labor shortages were the leading concerns for pool pros in 2024, and these challenges will persist into 2025. The good news is that pool service businesses are well-placed to remain adaptable and proactive in managing costs while maintaining service quality.
- Pool pros are optimistic about 2025 and will continue to leverage moderate price increases to stay ahead of rising costs. Despite ongoing economic challenges, pool professionals are approaching 2025 with optimism. Strategic price adjustments are a key tactic they plan to employ to balance rising material and labor expenses, ensuring they stay competitive while preserving profit margins.
- Pool pros are getting more sophisticated in their growth strategies. Pool industry professionals are adopting more nuanced and data-driven approaches to business expansion. From diversifying service offerings to investing in technology and employee training, many are prioritizing sustainable growth through innovation and operational efficiency.
- The influx of private equity in the market is generating mixed reactions. Private equity investments are reshaping the pool industry, providing opportunities for growth but also raising concerns among smaller businesses. While some view this trend as a chance to scale their operations, others fear losing autonomy and a drop in service quality.
- The industry marketing landscape has shifted considerably over the past 12 months. The past year has seen significant changes in how pool businesses approach marketing. From decreased reliance on lead buys to a growing focus on customer engagement, businesses are adopting savvier and more advanced marketing techniques.
- Despite price volatility, pros have been slow to adopt a plus chems pricing model. Although fluctuations in chemical prices have posed a challenge, many pool pros have yet to fully embrace the “plus chems” pricing model. Resistance to change, concerns about customer pushback, and a lack of industry-wide adoption have contributed to the slow transition.
