Big Blue Swim School Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Big Blue Swim School is an American franchise specializing in swim instruction for children as young as three months through age 12. Established in 2009 by former competitive swimmers Chris DeJong and John Lonergan, the very first location opened in Wilmette, Illinois.
The company is headquartered in Chicago and entered the franchise market in 2018. Since then, it has expanded quickly, establishing dozens of schools in different states. Its distance-based curriculum emphasizes water safety while gradually building swimming skills.
Each school operates with 90-degree heated pools designed for comfort, alongside family-oriented facilities that feature parent viewing areas.
To further enhance the experience, Big Blue has developed its own platform, LessonBuddy™, which streamlines scheduling and provides real-time progress tracking for students—making the process easier for families and more efficient for operators.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Big Blue Swim School franchise? It costs on average between $3,125,000 – $4,351,000 to start a Big Blue Swim School franchised center.
This includes expenses related to pool construction, facility build-out, equipment, and initial operating costs. The total investment can vary based on factors such as the size of the swim school, the local real estate market, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $80,000 |
| Real Estate Site Investigation | $0–$9,000 |
| Rent | $20,000–$42,000 |
| Security Deposit | $0–$42,000 |
| Professional Fees | $5,000–$20,000 |
| Insurance (3 Months) | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Market Introduction Program | $85,000–$135,000 |
| Training Expenses | $35,000–$90,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $55,000–$145,000 |
| Architect & Engineering Fee | $75,000–$100,000 |
| Utility Upgrades & Tap Fees | $80,000–$200,000 |
| Business Licenses & Permits | $30,000–$80,000 |
| Miscellaneous Costs | $80,000–$108,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements / Net Leasehold Improvements | $2,314,400–$2,978,000 |
| Pool Equipment | $89,000–$112,000 |
| Lighting | $25,000–$45,000 |
| HVAC | $148,000–$165,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $3,124,900–$4,351,000 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Big Blue Swim School franchise? A Big Blue Swim School franchised business makes on average $1,571,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many Big Blue Swim School locations are there?
As of the most recent data, Big Blue Swim School operates 7 company-owned locations and 11 franchise-owned schools across 14 states.
What is the total investment required to open a Big Blue Swim School franchise?
The total investment required to open a Big Blue Swim School franchise ranges from $3,125,000 to $4,351,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Big Blue Swim School franchise?
Franchisees of Big Blue Swim School are required to pay ongoing fees that include a royalty fee is 6% of gross revenue, while the advertising fee is typically 2% of gross revenue.
What are the financial requirements to become a Big Blue Swim School franchisee?
To become a Big Blue Swim School franchisee, applicants must typically demonstrate a minimum liquid capital of around $600,000 and a net worth ranging between $1.0 million and $1.5 million, depending on the source
How much can a Big Blue Swim School franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Big Blue Swim School franchise are approximately $1.57 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $1.57 million yearly revenue can result in $236,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Big Blue Swim School?
The Big Blue Swim School franchise is owned by L5 Capital, a private equity investment firm that partnered with the brand to accelerate its national franchise growth and expansion.
Disclaimer
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