FAQs
Find Answers to Your
Aqua-Tots Questions
Interested in owning an Aqua-Tots franchise, launching your swim school, or learning about support and training that sets us apart? Our FAQ has all the answers!
Dive into our common questions, or contact us directly if you have something else in mind. We're here to help you discover what it takes to join the Aqua-Tots family!
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About Our Swim School Franchise:
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Aqua-Tots has been a trusted name in water safety education since 1991. For more than 30 years, we've been dedicated to teaching children essential swimming skills and water safety techniques. Our longevity in the industry reflects our commitment to making positive impacts on our communities and families across the globe.
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We seek franchisees with a passion for water safety and community impact. Our ideal candidates have a strong business background, entrepreneurial spirit, and financial resources to invest in and operate a franchise successfully.
They should be committed to our core values and ready to fully engage in the business, especially during the crucial first year of operations. While specific swimming experience isn't necessary, a dedication to excellent customer service and child development is essential.
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Financial Requirements and Earnings:
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To become an Aqua-Tots franchise owner, you typically need a minimum of $500,000 in liquid assets and a net worth exceeding $1,000,000. The initial investment range to open a location is $1.6-$2.6 million. This investment covers various start-up costs and ensures you have the financial stability to launch and operate your Aqua-Tots successfully.
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Because there are many unknown variables, such as sales, location, occupancy, operating costs, financing terms, your ability to manage and control the business, and other factors, we do not predict sales, costs, or profits for any of our locations.
However, we commit to working closely with you and do everything we can to help ensure that your franchise is successful. Once you receive our Franchise Disclosure Document, we encourage you to discuss this opportunity with our existing franchise owners, an attorney, and an accountant to better understand how much you could make with Aqua-Tots.
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Our fee structure includes:
- Initial Franchise Fee: $50,000
- Royalty Fee: 6% of gross revenue
- National Marketing Fee: 2%
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Financing and Approval Process:
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No. However, we work closely with several banks and can offer a list of financial institutions familiar with Aqua-Tots, including SBA programs, as we are an SBA-certified franchise.
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Securing financing for a franchise can be achieved through various methods, such as franchisor financing, SBA loans, traditional bank loans, and alternative financing options.
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The initial financial pre-approval process involves primarily submitting a Personal Financial Statement. We use this information to ensure potential franchisees meet our financial requirements and have the resources to launch and operate an Aqua-Tots Swim School.
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That’s up to you! We are in no hurry and don’t believe in pressuring potential franchise owners. The quality of individuals joining our family is far more important than the number of new schools we open.
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Territory and Location:
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Yes! Our Franchise Agreement grants each owner a protected territory. If a multi-unit development agreement is signed, it includes a development schedule for opening additional locations.
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Yes. Aqua-Tots is dedicated to supplying demographic data tailored to your market. Furthermore, our preferred broker will assist you in locating a site that perfectly suits your swim school requirements.
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No, you don’t need to find an existing pool. Our in-house broker knows exactly what type and size of location you’ll need in your market to build an Aqua-Tots location.
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Absolutely! You will have a dedicated construction consultant who will work with your contractor to ensure the buildout goes smoothly and meets our standards. There will be weekly status calls, and our consultant will be available whenever needed.
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Yes, we require franchise owners to serve as the general manager for the first 6-12 months. We seek owners who are committed to being actively involved in the business.
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Support and Training:
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In the months leading up to your swim school's opening, you'll spend a week at Aqua-Tots University in Mesa, Arizona, learning how to operate a successful school. As your opening date approaches, you will spend another week at our Mesa location learning about the daily operation of the school.
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We offer extensive training. Our Aqua-Tots University and our Training Team combine to provide all the resources necessary to train new franchise owners. No prior swim experience is required!
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The franchise fee provides a comprehensive support package and resources to help you launch and operate your Aqua-Tots successfully. This includes:
- Site selection assistance and guidance in finding a suitable location for your swim school
- Comprehensive new school launch support for construction, operations, and marketing
- Initial training programs:
- New Franchise Owner Training
- School Operations Training
- School Aquatics Training
- On-site Field Support during the new school opening
- Ongoing support and training:
- Frequent "School Connect" calls for the General Manager, Aquatics Manager, and Local Marketing Coordinator
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Operations and Management:
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Yes, during the first year in your first school, it is critical to your success that you become an “operational expert.” After this initial period, a skilled general manager is sufficient to manage the business, allowing you to concentrate on opening additional schools.
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Typically, you will need two full-time and 15-20 part-time team members to operate the business efficiently. Most team members at Aqua-Tots work part-time, allowing flexibility and balance.
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