We get asked these questions every week. Here are honest answers from James Lunnay, Regional Franchisor and working franchisee at Jim’s Pool Care South Australia, about common Jim’s Pool Care franchise questions. This article covers 14 of the most common questions about running a Jim’s Pool Care franchise.
Watch the video above, or keep reading for the full Q&A.
How long have you been with Jim’s?
James Lunnay has been with Jim’s for 21 years as a franchisee and 20 years as a franchisor.
That matters because he is not speaking from theory. He has worked inside the Jim’s Pool Care system for more than two decades, both as someone running his own pool care business and someone supporting other franchisees.
James says the journey has changed a lot from what he first expected. He has enjoyed the work, travelled overseas, involved his wife in the business, and watched his children grow up while building the business.
What’s some misconceptions about Jim’s?
One common misconception is that Jim’s operators “don’t really know anything”.
James says that is not how the system works. Jim’s Pool Care franchisees go through training, qualifications, and preparation before they go on the road. The aim is to make sure they are ready and capable before they start serving customers.
That is important for anyone comparing a pool care franchise with starting from scratch. The value is not only the brand. It is also the training, standards, and support behind the person turning up to the job. You can learn more about Jim’s Pool Care franchise training and start-up support.
Where do you need more franchisees?
James needs more Jim’s Pool Care franchisees across Adelaide, especially in the eastern suburbs, Adelaide Hills, north, and south.
He currently has seven franchisees in Adelaide. He says there is a lot of pool work available, particularly as more pools are being installed in growth areas that people may not realise are expanding.
For a prospective franchisee, the point is simple. Territory demand matters. If there are pools, repeat maintenance needs, repair work, and customers who want reliable service, there may be room to build a local business. You can also explore broader options to own a Jim’s franchise.
Do you have some good clients?
Yes, James has built strong long-term relationships with good clients, including Mark.
James says Mark, a 312-game Adelaide Crows player and Brownlow medallist, started as a customer and became more like a friend. James has worked with him and his family for about 12 years.
That is a good example of what long-term service work can become. In pool care, the job is not always one-off. When customers trust the person doing the work, the relationship can become personal, consistent, and valuable over many years.
Do you have commercial client?
Yes, James looks after commercial clients, including the Adelaide Crows football club and Adelaide Oval.
He says the Adelaide Crows have their pool and spas, and he also looks after Adelaide Oval. Many people do not realise what sits beneath the grandstands, but James has worked with Adelaide Oval for about 13 years.
The commercial work includes regular maintenance, weekly servicing, fixing products, and repairing equipment when something breaks. For a Jim’s Pool Care franchisee, this shows how the work can extend beyond backyard pools into larger and more technical commercial jobs.
Jim’s VS Independence
The main difference James sees is the personal touch.
Customers often ask, “Are you going to be doing my pool?” That question matters because people want to know who is turning up, who understands their property, and who they can trust over time.
James says good communication is one of the key traits they look for. He knows his clients personally. He has been invited to birthday parties, including a client’s 90th birthday, where he was introduced simply as “the pool guy”. For James, that is part of why he loves the work.
What’s the secret of staying in a business for 20 years?
The secret is good communication.
James says he enjoys being outside and seeing different parts of Adelaide, but communication is the biggest thing. If he is going to be five or 10 minutes late, he sends a message to let the client know.
That may sound simple, but it is a serious business habit. Customers remember whether someone shows up, communicates clearly, and respects their time. In a service business, consistency can be just as important as technical skill.
A Jim’s Pool Care franchise can suit people who want outdoor work, repeat clients, technical service work, and a local business built on communication. James Lunnay’s answers show that pool care is not just cleaning pools. It can include repairs, equipment advice, commercial work, training, and long-term client relationships.
What are some advices for new franchisees?
James says new franchisees should be open, honest, and able to communicate.
When James speaks with a new prospect, he does not expect them to answer every call straight away. But he does want them to call back. To him, that shows whether they are likely to return a client’s call as well.
He also says a little mechanical understanding helps, but people do not need to know everything before they start. The technical side can be taught. The bigger issue is whether someone is reliable, honest, and willing to communicate properly.
Your favorite part of the job?
James’s favourite part of the job is meeting people and getting to know them.
When he first meets a client, he likes to have a general chat. He asks how they are going, whether they work in the area, what they do, and about their family life.
That helps him personalise the service. He says he has clients, but many of them are also friends. For people looking at Jim’s Pool Care, this is worth noting. The work involves pools, chemicals, equipment, and repairs, but the business is still built around people.
How technology change over these years?
Technology has changed immensely since James first started.
He says there is now a lot of automation, remote applications, and new product setups. That means franchisees need to keep learning as the industry changes.
Pool care is no longer only a manual cleaning job. Modern pools can involve automated systems, remote controls, robotics, pumps, heaters, chlorinators, and other equipment. That creates more to learn, but it also creates more ways to help customers solve problems. For a practical look at the work involved, see what a Jim’s Pool Care franchise day can look like.
Mobile Pool Shop
A mobile pool shop means James does more than simply clean pools.
He tells customers, “Did you know I service this, I sell this, I can fix this for you?” That opens the door to more work because many customers may not realise the same operator can help with equipment, products, and repairs.
James says they do solar heating, installations, robotics, and repairs. That matters because it positions the business as a mobile service and product solution, not just a pool cleaning round. Customers can also browse the wider range of Jim’s Group services.
What support do you provide?
James provides support for franchisees when they have technical or business issues.
He says the best thing is that his franchisees know they can call him. If they need help, he will answer and give them the support they need to get through the issue.
That kind of support is important for new operators. When someone is learning the business, they will face technical questions, customer questions, and business decisions. Having someone experienced to call can make the early stages easier to manage.
Camaraderie between your franchisees?
There is strong camaraderie between James’s franchisees.
He says his franchisees probably speak to each other as much as he speaks to them during the week. They are a close-knit group, and they help new people when they come on board.
That can include sharing advice, helping with jobs, or giving a new franchisee a chance to get involved. James says the existing franchisees remember what it was like to start, so they are helpful and thoughtful with the newer people.
Relationship with your franchisees?
James has a close relationship with his franchisees.
He says he has attended three of their weddings over the years, which shows the relationship can go beyond a basic business arrangement.
For prospective franchisees, that matters because the local culture can affect the experience of running the business. Training and systems are important, but so is being part of a group where people know each other, help each other, and stay connected.
Build A Jim’s Pool Care Business Around Trust, Service, And Local Relationships
James Lunnay’s story gives a practical look at what a Jim’s Pool Care franchise can become over time.
After 21 years as a franchisee and 20 years as a franchisor, James shows that pool care is not just about cleaning pools. It is about communication, repeat clients, technical problem-solving, commercial work, and building real relationships in your local area.
What stands out most in James’s story: the long-term clients, the Adelaide Oval and Adelaide Crows commercial work, the mobile pool shop model, or the close-knit support between franchisees?
📞 Call 131 546 or visit www.jimspoolcare.com.au to learn more about how Jim’s Pool Care helps franchisees build service-based businesses with training, practical support, local trust, and a recognised national brand behind them.