How to Successfully Launch a Swimming Pool Business
The UK is notorious for being a part of the world that doesn’t enjoy much in the way of sunshine – but we still like to occasionally go for a swim, even if we have to resort to an indoor pool. This reliable popularity means that swimming pool businesses are an attractive venture for many investors in the UK, backed by high-end firms like Avison Young.
But in order for your swimming pool venture to prove a success, you’ll need to take certain steps. This will ensure that you’re offering a high-quality, reliable service that will keep customers coming back for more, but also that you’re abiding by your legal responsibilities.
Choose the right site
When it comes to swimming pools, the location is paramount. The further your customers have to drive out of their way to reach your pool, the less inclined they’ll be to make the trip. Find out who your target market are and where they live, and site your pool accordingly.
Choose the right price
Similarly, you’ll need to select the right price from the outset, as fluctuations in price later on can irritate your would-be clientele. Set your prices according to the quality of the service being offered. If you’re opening in a wealthy area, you’ll be expected to provide luxury, and your clients won’t mind paying for it. If your clients value affordability, then the opposite may be true.
What security do I need?
Customers aren’t going to go swimming with all of their possessions in tow. That means that, alongside your pool, you’ll need to offer presentable changing and showering facilities, along with a secure locker room for swimmers to store their stuff. For your lockers to be truly secure, you’ll need to keep the master key stored somewhere safe, and have security cameras and doors between the entrance and the locker room.
What expertise do I need?
Maintaining a swimming pool requires that the water be kept safe and hygienic. This in turn means regular cleaning. A modern swimming pool takes care of a lot of this via the filters, which must be occasionally taken out and rinsed. The same applies to the acidity and chlorine levels, which must be monitored over time and adjusted accordingly. Occasionally, a deeper clean is required: this involves adding a ‘shock’ dose of cleaner overnight to get the water back to its original state.
All of this, naturally, relies on the input of a qualified person. This needn’t be a permanent member of your staff; it could be a consultant who arrives every so often to monitor the levels. If you’re opening a chain of swimming pools, then having your expertise travel from site to site can make things more viable.
The equipment you need to keep the pool clean should be viewed as a priority investment: all of the other niceties like wave pools and saunas aren’t going to hold much appeal if the water in the main pool has turned green.
