IPSSA

What IPSSA does

IPSSA (Independent Pool & Spa Service Association, Inc.) is a non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association founded in 1988 through the merger of IPSA and Cal-IPSA, both of which trace their roots to a 1961 association formed by pool service technicians to support each other during illness or disability. The organization serves approximately 2,700 self-employed and employed pool and spa service professionals across 12 US regions (Northern and Central California, North and South LA County, Orange County, Inland Empire, San Diego County, Arizona/Nevada, Texas North and South, Bay Area South, and Florida/Georgia). Members are required to derive more than 50% of their income from pool and spa service and repair.

The core product is IPSSA Membership, which bundles several benefits: Techs-4-Techs Sick Route Coverage (a mutual aid program where chapter members cover each other's service routes during illness or injury), the IPSSA Education Fund (scholarships up to $500 per qualifying class including CPO, AFO, trade school, and manufacturer-sponsored training), free online certification exams covering Water Chemistry, Equipment, and Intermediate training, and access to the IPSSAN newsletter. The organization maintains an exclusive 30+ year endorsement relationship with Arrow/HUB Insurance Service for group liability coverage and a tiered Industry Partner program with 29+ manufacturer and distributor partners including Pentair, Hayward, Fluidra, Pool Corp, Bio-Dex, and HASA, which provide rebates and exclusive offers to members.

Revenue is generated through three streams: national membership dues, chapter-level dues (varies by chapter, described as affordable), and industry partner sponsorship fees across Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Standard tiers. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; prospective members are directed to contact IPSSA directly. The go-to-market model is community-led: prospective members must attend a local chapter meeting before joining, growth occurs through member referrals, and the organization maintains a public "Find a Pool Service Professional" directory for consumer lead generation. IPSSA is headquartered at P.O. Box 254645, Sacramento, CA, with 11-50 employees, and is led by President Adam Morley and CFO David Hawes.

Name

IPSSA

Legal name

Independent Pool and Spa Service Association, Inc.

Website

https://ipssa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

IPSSA is a non-profit trade association serving 2,700 self-employed pool and spa service professionals across 12 US regions with chapter-based mutual aid (Techs-4-Techs sick route coverage), certification exams, education scholarships, and group insurance through Arrow/HUB.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Rocklin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues (National): National membership dues are collected by IPSSA headquarters to support organization-wide initiatives, certification programs, insurance partnerships, and the IPSSAN newsletter.
2. Chapter Dues: Local chapter dues vary by chapter and fund chapter activities, meetings, and local support initiatives. The website notes chapter dues vary and are described as affordable (comparable to 'two Chocolate Mochas' per month).
3. Education Fund: IPSSA provides scholarships up to $500 per class instruction for qualifying educational courses. This is a member benefit funded by the organization rather than a revenue stream.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

IPSSA is a non-profit trade association that sells annual membership to approximately 2,700 pool and spa service professionals across 12 US regions. Its core deliverables are member-driven mutual-aid route coverage during illness or injury (Techs-4-Techs), free online certification exams, education-fund scholarships up to $500 per class, access to group liability insurance, manufacturer rebate programs, and a public-facing directory of member technicians.

Product overview

IPSSA (Independent Pool & Spa Service Association) is a membership-based trade organization—not a software product company—offering professional association services to 2,700 self-employed pool and spa service technicians. The core offering is IPSSA Membership, which bundles Tech-4-Tech Sick Route Coverage (mutual aid route coverage during illness), the IPSSA Education Fund (scholarships up to $500/class), and IPSSA Certification Exams (Water Chemistry, Equipment, and advanced training). Members also receive the IPSSAN Newsletter, access to group insurance through Arrow/HUB, Pentair rebates, and exclusive partner offers. The organization operates through 12 regional chapters across the US with a map-based Find a Pool Service Professional directory. No proprietary software product, API, or AI capabilities were identified.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IPSSA Membership Annual membership in IPSSA, the world's largest pool service industry organization, providing 2,700 self-employed and employed pool and spa service professionals with networking, mutual aid route coverage, education scholarships, certification, group insurance access, and member discounts.
• Tech-4-Tech Sick Route Coverage Mutual aid program in which IPSSA chapter members cover each other's pool service routes during illness, injury, or emergencies, protecting members' income and client relationships at minimal cost (chemicals plus time).
• IPSSA Education Fund Scholarship program providing up to $500 per class instruction to qualifying IPSSA members for certified pool operator (CPO), aquatics facility operator (AFO), contractor license schools, manufacturer-sponsored courses, trade-school courses, and college-level courses in bookkeeping, accounting, computers, or chemistry.
• IPSSA Certification Exams Free online certification testing for IPSSA members covering Basic Training 1 Water Chemistry (required within first year), Basic Training 2 Equipment, Intermediate Training Water Chemistry, and Pool Chlorination Facts, delivered through the SpeedExam testing platform.
• IPSSAN Newsletter Monthly industry newsletter containing important updates, technical tips, and educational articles, delivered via email subscription to IPSSA members and available for advertising.
• Find a Pool Service Professional Directory Geographic, map-based directory on IPSSA's website that enables consumers and businesses to locate IPSSA-certified pool service professionals in their area by region.
• Arrow/HUB Group Insurance Program Group general liability and related insurance products (Commercial General Liability, Life, Accident/Medical, Workmanship, Remodeling, Janitorial, Continuation, Business Loss Income, and Group Rating) available exclusively to IPSSA members through Arrow Insurance/HUB International, IPSSA's Exclusive Endorsement Partner.
• Pentair Rebate Program Industry rebate program available to IPSSA members through Pentair, providing rebates on Pentair pool equipment purchases.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,700 members make IPSSA the largest pool service industry organization in the world
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered titanium, gold, platinum, silver and standard.

• Bio-Dex LaboratoriestitaniumGTM or Marketing PartnerTitanium Partner. Bio-Dex is a trusted industry-leading manufacturer of chemicals for pools and spas. Their continuous dedication to developing and improving chemicals that make pool treatment and maintenance easier and more effective has made Bio-Dex the choice of pool service professionals for over five decades.
• HASA, Inc.titaniumGTM or Marketing PartnerTitanium Partner. HASA is a leading producer and distributor of high-quality water treatment solutions for recreational swimming pools and spas, water tanks, municipal drinking water, and commercial and industrial water systems. Founded in 1964, recognized as the premier source for sodium hypochlorite sanitization and shock solutions.
• Arrow/HUB Insurance ServicetitaniumGTM or Marketing PartnerTitanium Partner. IPSSA's Exclusive Endorsement Partner for insurance. Arrow Insurance/HUB International is one of the country's largest insurance brokers and IPSSA's endorsed insurance provider for over 30 years. Offers Commercial General Liability Insurance, Life Insurance, Accident/Medical Coverage, Workmanship Coverage, Remodeling Coverage, Janitorial Coverage, Continuation Coverage, Business Loss Income, and Group Rating.
• AquaStar Pool ProductsgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Partner. Global leader in safety, dependability, and innovation in swimming pool technology. Products are designed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA to assure the highest level of quality.
• Hayward Pool Products, Inc.platinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum Partner. Manufacturer of swimming pool equipment including pumps, filters, heaters, automation, lighting, cleaners, sanitizers, and maintenance products.
• Fluidra USAplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum Partner. Offers Zodiac, Jandy Pro Series, Polaris, Nature 2, iAquaLink, Cover Pools, CareTaker, Grand Effects and Blueriiot Products.
• AQUASALT, LLCplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum Partner. Provider of salt for chlorine generators.
• Easy Care ProductsgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Partner. Premium Pool, Spa and Fountain Care Water Solutions.
• Heritage Pool Supply GroupgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Partner. Network of the best independent distributors providing exceptional customer service while increasing value as a trusted growth partner to top manufacturers.
• Industrial Test Systems, Inc.goldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Partner. Manufacturers of water quality test strips and meters for the pool and spa service industry.
• King Technology/FROGgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Partner. Since 1979, partnered with pool and spa service professionals to deliver innovative water care solutions. Manufacturer of the FROG 4Pro lineup featuring Drop 'n Go Pod Technology, professional-grade algaecides, phosphate removers, and clarifiers, plus FROG @ease Floating System and SmartChlor technology.
• Periodic Pool & Spa ProductsgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Partner. Manufactures premium patented pool products for removal, elimination, and maintenance of metals and metal staining. Products include CuLator Metal Eliminator, FillFast Metal Pre-Filter, Super Start-Up Metal and Scale Control, and Mega Maintain Sequester. All products are phosphate free and manufactured in Sarasota, Florida.
• Pool CorpgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Partner. The world's leading distributor of swimming pool supplies, equipment and related outdoor products.
• Waterway Plastic, Inc.goldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Partner. Good quality pool and spa equipment, valves, fittings and custom OEM spa parts with good services and outstanding manufacturing.
• PentairsilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Partner. World's leading manufacturer of pumps, filters, heaters, automation, lighting, cleaners, sanitizers, water features and maintenance products for pools and spas. IPSSA members qualify for industry rebates through the Pentair Rebate Program.
• The Alpha GroupsilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Partner. Committed to establishing strong professional relationships that provide the highest possible level of customer service based on solid product knowledge and long-term customer relationships.
• Bettabot, Inc.silverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Partner. One of the leading brands in robotic pool cleaners with strong focus on surface skimmers. Betta solar-powered smart skimmer runs autonomously and cleans pool surfaces, catching debris before it sinks.
• CoverSafe, Inc.silverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Partner. One of the nation's leading providers of automatic pool cover installation, maintenance, and repair services with a growing network of experienced technicians serving customers across the country.
• Haviland USAsilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Partner. Manufacturer of Pool & Spa Chemicals.
• Merchant CompasssilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Partner. Provides tailored payment processing solutions for pool and spa service professionals including invoicing, payment links, mobile card readers, and Dual Pricing program to eliminate payment processing fees.
• Mizu Pool CoverssilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Partner. Exclusive factory service and sales company for Coverstar and Pool Cover Specialists brands in all Western States and Mexico.
• National Pool Route SalessilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Partner. The Original Pool Route Brokers and industry-leading business broker for pool service and repair, helping professionals drive more profitability.
• NC BrandssilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Partner. Chemical Manufacturer.
• Pacific Pool Covers, Inc.silverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Partner. Services all major brands of automatic safety pool covers and specializes in installation, repair, replacement covers, cleanings and maintenance across the Bay Area and Northern California. Family-owned since 1986.
• Raypak Pool & SpasilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Partner. For over 70 years has been leading innovative solutions for pool, spa, commercial hydronics, and water heating applications. Part of the Rheem family of brands.
• UltaPure Water Quality, LLCsilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Partner. Manufacturer of Ozone Generators, UV Systems and AOP Systems with primary objective to provide the clearest, cleanest water with the least effort and expense possible.
• UnicelsilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Partner. Nation's leading manufacturer of Swimming pool and Spa OEM filter replacement cartridges. Offers the industry's most complete line of replacement filter elements for cartridge and DE grid filter systems. Made in the USA for over 62 years.
• Wise SoftwaresilverTechnology or IntegrationSilver Partner. Pool service software platform designed for companies that need scheduling, billing, route management, accounting, inventory, and retail POS in one system.
• Pool Industry Expo (PIE Show)standardGTM or Marketing PartnerStandard Industry Partner. PIE has earned its reputation over 34 years with more than 130 exhibitors per show and attendance ranging as high as 5 to 6 thousand, many attendees and exhibitors still show up in Monterey for their 'Education Vacation'.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Genesis 3 Design Group: Genesis 3 is an invite-only pool industry education and networking organization that offers advanced certification courses for pool designers, builders, and service professionals. It overlaps with IPSSA's education and community-driven value proposition, but focuses on higher-end design/construction training rather than route-level service technicians.
• Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA): PHTA is the primary national trade association for the U.S. pool, spa, and hot tub industry, formed from the merger of APSP and NSPF. It is the most direct comparable to IPSSA in mission and business model (membership organization serving pool professionals), but operates at a broader industry-wide scope including manufacturers, retailers, builders, and service companies rather than IPSSA's service-technician focus.

Broad incumbents

• Pentair: Pentair is a leading global manufacturer of pool and spa equipment (pumps, filters, heaters, automation), and an IPSSA Silver Industry Partner with a rebate program for IPSSA members. It is comparable to IPSSA only at the customer-ecosystem level, addressing the same service professionals with products and rebates rather than community and education.
• Pool Corporation (Pool Corp): Pool Corp is the world's largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool supplies and related outdoor products, and an active IPSSA Gold Industry Partner. It serves the same pool service professional customer base that IPSSA organizes, but operates as a publicly traded distribution business rather than a membership association.
• Leslie's Pool Solutions: Leslie's is the largest direct-to-consumer pool and spa care retailer in the U.S., with a national store footprint and a growing pool service offering. It competes for the same residential pool service dollar that IPSSA members operate in, but through a corporate retail/service model rather than an independent-technician association.
• America's Swimming Pool Company (ASP): ASP is the largest franchised pool service brand in the U.S., providing residential pool maintenance and repair through franchisees. It targets the same small-business pool service professional pool as IPSSA, but competes for the same customer wallet via a centralized franchise model rather than a membership association.
• Pinch a Penny Franchise: Pinch a Penny is a U.S. franchise chain of retail pool supply stores offering pool maintenance products, equipment, and free in-store water testing. It serves the same end customers (residential pool owners) and competes for the same pool service technician relationships, but does so through a retail/franchise model rather than a service-membership model.

Regional players

• Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA): FSPA is the Florida state trade association for pool and spa professionals, providing education, certification, and industry advocacy in a major pool market that overlaps with IPSSA's Region 11. It mirrors IPSSA's education-and-community mission but operates regionally with a builder/retailer tilt.
• Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA): NESPA is a regional trade association serving pool and spa professionals across the Northeastern U.S., providing education, certification, networking, and a regional trade show. It shares IPSSA's core model of chapter-based membership, education, and trade events but operates in a complementary geography.
• California Pool & Spa Association (CPSA): CPSA is the California state-level trade association for pool and spa industry professionals, offering education, advocacy, and networking. It overlaps geographically with IPSSA's strongest markets but focuses more on builders/retailers and legislative advocacy than on the service-technician mutual-aid model IPSSA was built around.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/IPSSA
• Instagraminstagram.com/ipssanational

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about IPSSA