Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 State of Pool Service Report?
The 2026 State of Pool Service Report is Skimmer’s annual industry study. It combines a survey of 1,600+ pool professionals with operational data from 35,000 Skimmer users who service 1M+ pools, offering insights on pricing, staffing, marketing, technology, and operational trends across U.S. pool businesses.
What are the report’s biggest findings?
Key findings: >80% of pool pros expect higher 2026 revenue; most plan <10% price increases. The industry is prioritizing operational efficiency, route density, higher-value repairs, and software as core infrastructure. Monthly billing dominates while itemized/hybrid chemical pricing is rising. Hiring is deliberate amid tight labor markets.
How should pool businesses act on these trends?
Focus on predictable cash flow and scalable operations: improve route density, trim low-margin accounts, expand repairs/services, standardize pricing, and adopt all-in-one software integrated with accounting. Use digital communication and proof-of-work to boost retention and technician consistency.
What does the report say about pricing models?
Monthly billing remains the most common model, but many operators are shifting to itemized or hybrid chemical pricing to protect margins. Most companies plan modest price increases under 10% rather than aggressive rate hikes.
Where can I download the full report and who published it?
The report is published by Skimmer, America’s #1 pool service software platform. Download the full 2026 State of Pool Service Report at https://www.getskimmer.com/stateofpoolservice. The report is in its third year and benchmarks independent operators, multi-location businesses, and enterprise teams.
Austin, TX — Skimmer, the leading software platform for pool service businesses, today released its 2026 State of Pool Service Report, an in-depth look at how pool service companies across the U.S. are pricing, staffing, marketing, and operating amid rising customer expectations and ongoing economic pressure.
Based on a survey of more than 1,600 pool professionals and operational insights from over 35,000 Skimmer users servicing 1M+ pools, the report shows an industry moving away from reactive growth and toward operational discipline. While demand for pool service remains strong, successful operators are prioritizing efficiency, consistent service delivery, and technology that supports predictable cash flow and scalable operations.
Key findings from the 2026 report include:
- Rising confidence, measured growth: More than 80% of pool pros expect higher revenue in 2026, though most plan modest price increases under 10%.
- Operational efficiency over pure expansion: Growth strategies are shifting from adding pools to improving route density, reducing low-margin accounts, and expanding higher-value services like repairs.
- Technology as standard infrastructure: Software adoption is now the norm, with all-in-one platforms paired with accounting tools forming the backbone of modern pool businesses.
- Pricing models evolving: Monthly billing continues to dominate, while more companies move toward itemized or hybrid chemical pricing to protect margins.
- Hiring with intention: Most businesses plan to hire or hold steady, reflecting tight labor conditions and a focus on consistency over rapid headcount growth.
“This year’s data shows an industry that’s growing and maturing,” says Jack Nelson, CEO of Skimmer. “Pool service demand is steady, but the businesses pulling ahead aren’t chasing growth at all costs. They’re building structure—clear pricing, better systems, stronger communication—so they can deliver consistent service and run healthier operations. The future belongs to operators who combine craftsmanship with operational discipline.”
The report also highlights rising customer expectations around digital communication, proof of work, and technician consistency, reinforcing the role of modern systems in building trust and long-term retention.
Now in its third year, the State of Pool Service Report serves as a benchmark for independent operators, multi-location businesses, and enterprise pool service organizations looking to understand where the industry is headed and how top performers are adapting.
The full 2026 State of Pool Service Report is available for download.
About Skimmer
Skimmer is America’s #1 pool business software platform. The company is on a mission to modernize the pool and spa service and repair industry through easy-to-use software and best-in-class support. Over 35,000 pool service professionals servicing over 1M pools in North America use Skimmer to get organized, get paid faster, and grow their businesses. For more information about this report, Skimmer, or our products and services, please visit www.getskimmer.com.
