Skimmer’s State of Pool Service 2026
“If there’s one lesson from this year’s report, it’s this: build systems that make your business reliable without relying on you. In 2026, the companies that thrive will be the ones that operationalize consistency — in service, billing, communication and customer experience.”
Jack Nelson, CEO, Skimmer
Pool service has always been a hands-on trade, but the business of pool care is changing fast. According to Skimmer’s newly released State of Pool Service 2026 report, the industry is entering a new phase with smarter growth strategies, rising customer expectations, tighter margins and an increasing reliance on technology.
Now in its third edition, the report is based on survey feedback from 1,600-plus pool professionals, as well as platform insights from over 35,000 Skimmer users servicing more than 1 million pools per month.
The result is a snapshot of an industry that is becoming more disciplined, structured and modern.
A more disciplined, more digital industry
confidence is climbing
Key findings:
64% expect to bring in more revenue than the previous year
17% expect revenue to remain about the same
8% expect to bring in less revenue
customer expectations
What customers are expected to demand more of in 2026:
63% say digital communication and photo/video reporting
63% say consistent technician assignments
45% say equipment upgrades and automation installs
24% say eco-friendly or low-chemical options
tariffs are a wild card
Tariff expectations:
18% expect significant cost increases
47% expect slight cost increases
20% are unsure
14% expect no impact
biggest business pressures
Key findings:
Economic conditions (inflation, interest rates, consumer spending) were ranked as the top concern, with nearly 40% calling it the No. 1 factor.
Hiring and retaining qualified technicians continues to rise in urgency.
Rising chemical and material costs remain a key margin threat.
growth strategy
Top growth strategies for 2026:
61% plan to find internal efficiencies and streamline services
47% plan to increase marketing spend
42% plan to expand into repairs, renovations or other service lines
24% plan to reduce customer count
to increase profitability per pool
15% plan to buy routes
3% plan to sell routes
marketing plans
Marketing spend outlook:
48% plan to spend more
43% plan to spend the same
9% plan to spend less
Annual marketing budgets among spenders:
39% spend $0-$5,000
24% spend $5,001-$10,000
13% spend $10,001-$20,000
11% spend $20,001-$50,000
7% spend $50,001+
Top marketing channels:
65% Referrals
51% SEO
48% Paid search
hiring plans and employment models
Staffing outlook:
60% plan to hire more employees
38% plan to keep staffing the same
Workforce structure:
55% rely on employees (W-2)
30% rely on contractors
14% use a mix of both
Ai adoption
Current AI stance:
16% actively using AI tools
31% testing or exploring AI
45% interested but not yet using
8% not interested
Top AI use cases:
39% Customer communication
29% Marketing
16% Water chemistry analysis
pricing and billing
Billing methods:
76% bill monthly
19% bill per stop
5% use other models
Chemical billing methods:
45% include chemicals
in monthly price
30% bill chemicals separately
25% use a hybrid model
Repair deposits are also becoming more common, strengthening cash flow and reducing risk.
The Industry Is Maturing — and the Opportunity Is Growing
Skimmer’s State of Pool Service 2026 report reinforces that pool service remains a strong, durable market, and one that continues to move in an exciting direction. Customer expectations are rising, but so is the industry’s ability to meet them, as more companies invest in better communication, stronger operations and more consistent service models.
The pool businesses best positioned for success in 2026 will be the ones that treat pool service not just as a trade, but as a scalable business, built on systems, technology, disciplined pricing and dependable service delivery.
