Pool Supply Shop with Water Testing

Home pool owners, pool maintenance firms, cottage owners, condo and small motel pools.

Retail margin on chemicals and equipment, plus repeat purchases through the season. Trade accounts for maintenance firms add steady bulk orders.

• Pool water chemistry basics
• Retail stock control
• Friendly, patient customer advice

• Rules for storing and selling pool chemicals (such as chlorine and acids), including fire code and WHMIS training; check with your municipality and provincial regulator
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance
• Seasonal sales: cash flow can be tight in winter, so plan ahead
• Whether your municipality requires a business licence or zoning approval for your unit
• GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold; Quebec has its own rules and French-language requirements

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your premises, the range of chemicals, filters and accessories you stock, and your fit-out. Seasonal trade means you should also plan for a quieter winter.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on location, stock range and season. The estimate assumes at least about 35 hours a week. Trade is busiest from spring to late summer, so cash flow can be tight in winter.

Check the rules for storing and selling pool chemicals such as chlorine and acids, including fire code and WHMIS training, with your municipality and provincial regulator. Also check business licence or zoning needs, liability insurance, and GST/HST registration. In Quebec, check French-language requirements.