New Poolwerx Franchise Aims to Shake Up Riverside's Pool Service Market

RIVERSIDE, CA – January 19, 2026 – Global pool service giant Poolwerx is making a splash in Southern California, announcing the opening of a new franchise in Riverside led by husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Donald and Phyllis Lewis. The couple is transitioning from long-standing corporate careers to business ownership, driven by a personal mission to elevate the standard of pool and spa care for local homeowners. The move is a key part of the brand's ambitious national expansion strategy, bringing a structured, professional model to a market often characterized by fragmentation.

A Personal Mission to Professionalize Pool Care

For Donald and Phyllis Lewis, the decision to enter the pool service industry was born from their own experiences as consumers. Having faced the challenge of finding consistent and reliable maintenance for their own pool, they identified a significant service gap in their community. This firsthand frustration became the catalyst for their new venture.

"Pools are where some of life's best moments happen, and we're thrilled to bring Poolwerx to Riverside to help protect those poolside memories," said Phyllis Lewis, Co-owner of the new Poolwerx Riverside. Their goal is not just to run a business, but to build a lasting family legacy by providing the level of service they once sought themselves.

The couple brings a formidable combination of professional experience to their new roles. Donald Lewis leverages over 25 years in project management, a background that promises operational efficiency and consistent quality control for every client. His expertise in overseeing large-scale projects is expected to translate into reliable scheduling and meticulous service delivery. Complementing his operational focus, Phyllis Lewis contributes more than two decades of experience in human resources and residential real estate. Her deep understanding of customer service, team development, and the specific needs of homeowners provides a strong foundation for building a client-centric business.

Together, they aim to replace the uncertainty many pool owners feel with a guarantee of professionalism and care, a mission directly aligned with the core value proposition of the Poolwerx brand.

Tapping into a Demanding Local Market

The Riverside area, with its warm summers and mild winters, has a high concentration of residential pools, making professional maintenance not just a luxury but a necessity. The climate increases water evaporation and mineral concentration, demanding expert knowledge to maintain safe and clean water. The local market currently consists of a mix of small, family-owned operations and larger retail chains, creating a competitive but varied landscape.

While many local providers have strong reputations, the Lewis's experience with "inconsistent service" points to an underlying opportunity for a provider that can guarantee reliability and a uniform standard of excellence. This is precisely the niche Poolwerx aims to fill. By combining local ownership with a globally recognized system, the new franchise intends to address common pain points such as unreliable scheduling, inconsistent cleaning quality, and a lack of proactive communication.

The decision to partner with a franchise was a strategic one for the couple. "What stood out most was the level of support and the depth of expertise behind the brand," Phyllis Lewis noted. "Knowing we were entering business with proven systems, ongoing training, and a strong network of franchise partners made the decision an easy one." This support structure is designed to empower franchisees to focus on delivering superior customer service rather than building operational systems from scratch.

The Power of a Global Franchise System

Founded in Brisbane, Australia, in 1992, Poolwerx has grown into the world's largest pool and spa maintenance franchise network, with over 185 retail stores and 700 service vehicles operating across more than 350 territories. The company entered the U.S. market in 2015 and has been pursuing an aggressive growth strategy ever since, with its U.S. headquarters based in Dallas.

Since spring 2024, the brand has expanded into six new states and aims to grow its U.S. footprint from over 100 territories to 300 by the end of 2027. This rapid expansion is fueled by a model that attracts entrepreneurs from diverse professional backgrounds who are often, like the Lewises, frustrated former customers.

"At Poolwerx, we look for franchise partners who lead with integrity and a genuine desire to serve," said Blake Overduin, COO of Poolwerx USA. "Donald and Phyllis embody those values, and we're proud to support them as they introduce the Poolwerx experience to Riverside. We're excited to see the positive impact their team will have in helping local pool owners enjoy healthier pools."
The franchise's multi-stream revenue model, which combines mobile service with retail sales of chemicals and equipment, provides a robust foundation for growth and recurring revenue, making it an attractive proposition for what the company calls "empire builders."

Aligning with National Industry Trends

The launch of Poolwerx Riverside comes at a time of significant growth and technological evolution in the wider pool and spa industry. Valued at over $2 billion globally in 2023, the market is projected to expand significantly, driven by a growing emphasis on home-based wellness and leisure. Today's consumers are not just looking for basic cleaning; they demand convenience, expertise, and technologically advanced solutions.

Key industry trends include the adoption of smart pool automation, which allows for remote management of everything from filtration cycles to lighting via mobile apps. Energy-efficient equipment, such as variable-speed pumps and solar heaters, is also in high demand as consumers become more environmentally conscious. Poolwerx's structured training programs for technicians are designed to ensure they are well-versed in these modern systems, positioning the brand as a source of expert advice, not just manual labor.

By offering a professionalized, tech-savvy service backed by a trusted brand name, Poolwerx is positioning itself to meet the expectations of the modern pool owner. For Riverside residents, the arrival of this new competitor signals a potential shift in the local market, promising a higher standard of reliability and expertise for one of their most valued home assets.