Inside the Poolwerx Franchise Training Facility: A Comprehensive Tour with Andrew Walker


Inside Poolwerx Training Facility

Wrap your head around the scale and commitment to preparing franchise partner for success at Poolwerx with their training facility tour.

The success of any franchise depends largely on the quality of its training and support systems. For those interested in the pool service and maintenance industry, the Poolwerx franchise offers a standout example of how comprehensive training can empower franchise owners and technicians alike. 

Andrew Walker, Head of Franchise Development ANZ at Poolwerx, provides an insightful tour of the Poolwerx Training Facility in Brisbane, Australia, revealing the extensive resources and hands-on learning environments designed to equip franchisees for success.

Introduction to the Poolwerx Training Facility

Located at the Poolwerx Support Centre in Brisbane, the training facility is a hub of activity and learning. It not only supports new franchise owners but also provides ongoing technical training for existing technicians. 

The facility is thoughtfully designed to cover all aspects of pool operation, retail management, and mobile servicing, ensuring that franchisees develop a deep understanding of every facet of the business.

Andrew Walker warmly welcomes visitors and takes them through the various areas of the centre, highlighting how each space contributes to a well-rounded training experience. From the offices upstairs to the practical workshop and even the operational retail store, every element is geared toward fostering technical excellence and business acumen.

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The Cafe Area: A Space for Connection and Refreshment

One of the first stops on the tour is the cafe area, a communal space designed for trainees to relax, connect, and recharge. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, having lunch, or casually discussing training topics, this area plays an important role in building camaraderie among Poolwerx franchisees and technicians.

This welcoming environment encourages networking and informal learning, which are essential components of any successful franchise culture. It’s here that trainees can share experiences and insights while enjoying a break from the more intensive hands-on sessions.

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Operational Retail Store: Real-World Training in a Controlled Environment

One of the unique features of the Poolwerx training facility is a fully operational retail store set up within the centre. While franchise owners typically receive training in their own stores, this dedicated retail space offers a controlled environment for newcomers to learn the ins and outs of daily store operations.

Franchisees get hands-on experience with the point-of-sale systems, inventory management, and customer service processes. This practical retail training ensures that new business owners are fully versed in the IT systems and operational procedures before managing their own locations.

By simulating real store conditions, the retail training area reduces the learning curve and builds confidence, helping franchisees hit the ground running when they open their own Poolwerx stores.

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The Technical Workshop: Hands-On Learning for Pool Equipment Mastery

Moving beyond the retail environment, the tour reveals the technical workshop, a vital component of the Poolwerx franchise training. This is where practical skills are honed, and technical knowledge is brought to life.

Prospective business owners and technicians engage in hands-on activities such as dismantling and reassembling pool pumps and robotic cleaners. This tactile approach to learning helps trainees understand the mechanics and maintenance of essential pool equipment, which is critical for delivering high-quality service to customers.

Andrew Walker emphasises the importance of this workshop, noting that this is where “the practical work happens.” The ability to physically interact with equipment not only builds competence but also fosters problem-solving skills that technicians will need in the field.

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Mobile Van Training: Preparing for On-the-Go Service Delivery

Poolwerx franchisees often operate mobile businesses, servicing pools directly at customers’ homes or commercial sites. To prepare for this, the training facility includes a fully fitted LDV van that simulates the mobile service environment.

Trainees learn how the van is organised and equipped, gaining insights into the logistics of mobile servicing—from tools and parts storage to workflow optimisation. This training ensures that mobile franchise owners understand how to maximise efficiency and deliver professional service on the move.

LDV, a key partner, supports Poolwerx by providing loan vehicles during training programs, facilitating easy transport for candidates between their accommodation and the training centre. This partnership highlights Poolwerx’s commitment to supporting its franchisees every step of the way.

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Innovative Training Pools: Visualising Water Flow and Equipment Balancing

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Poolwerx training facility is the inclusion of two raised swimming pools. These pools are uniquely designed to be elevated off the ground, allowing trainees to walk underneath and observe the plumbing and water flow systems.

This innovative setup provides a rare opportunity to visualise the directional flow of water and understand the intricacies of pool hydraulics in a way that classroom learning alone cannot offer. The pools are deliberately unbalanced during training sessions, requiring trainees to diagnose and correct issues such as water chemistry and equipment performance.

By constantly replacing equipment and introducing challenges, the facility simulates real-world scenarios that franchisees will face. This hands-on experimentation builds confidence and technical expertise, ensuring that Poolwerx technicians are well-prepared for any situation.

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Conclusion and the Innovation Hub: Looking Ahead

As the tour concludes, Andrew Walker points out the Innovation Hub located just behind the training pools. This space is dedicated to collaboration and brainstorming, where new ideas and improvements for the business are developed.

The Innovation Hub represents Poolwerx’s forward-thinking approach, combining practical training with continuous innovation to keep the franchise competitive and responsive to industry trends.

For those interested in exploring the Poolwerx franchise opportunity, the training facility is a testament to the brand’s commitment to supporting franchisees with comprehensive education and resources. Prospective franchise owners are encouraged to visit the Poolwerx website to learn more about the brand and submit inquiries to begin their journey.

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Why the Poolwerx Franchise Training Facility Stands Out

  • Comprehensive Learning Environment: From retail operations to technical workshops and mobile servicing, the facility covers every aspect of running a successful pool service franchise.
  • Hands-On Technical Training: Practical sessions with real equipment and pools ensure franchisees gain confidence and skill.
  • Innovative Pool Design: Raised pools allow trainees to understand water flow and hydraulics in a unique, visual manner.
  • Supportive Infrastructure: With a dedicated cafe area and innovation hub, the facility fosters community and continuous improvement.
  • Strong Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with companies like LDV enhance the training experience and operational support.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a Poolwerx franchise means more than just owning a pool service business—it means joining a community with access to world-class training and support. The Brisbane training facility exemplifies this commitment by providing an immersive, practical, and innovative learning environment that prepares franchisees for long-term success.

Whether you are a technician looking to deepen your technical knowledge or a prospective business owner eager to learn the ropes of retail and mobile operations, the Poolwerx training facility offers everything needed to thrive in the competitive pool service industry.