I think a pool store based on TFP methodology would an interesting concept and possibly a differentiator. By encouraging personal testing and offering liquid chlorine, cal-hypo and tabs would cover the spectrum. From an equipment offering, being a distributor for Jandy, Pentair, Hayward for SWCG could be advantageous and put you in a position to show the differences and amount of effort needed by the pool owner to maintain proper sanitation. I would stress the need for proper sanitation, even creating a poster of the
FC/CYA Levels For the DIY it would tick all the boxes that they could purchase the needed supplies from you plus extra for play and relaxation items. For the hands-off person, then using tabs would suit their need if they do not want a SWCG and in store testing could monitor their CYA to indicate when water change is needed. Having the CYA/FC chart would show them the need to keep FC high as CYA increases and may even convert them to SWCG over time. I would target one of the electronic testers to provide greater versatility due to staffing issues. Just be transparent on your calibration timeline and ensure that things are cleaned after each test. That is probably easier than controlling how many drops they use for each test. That can be hectic during the swim season. I have seen 10 people in line for water test in some pool stores so quick and efficient testing is needed. Also posting the
Recommended Levels would provide every customer a view of what is needed for their pool.
Obviously, this is only some points of your business plan. Clearly you need to make a profit to stay in business, but since this is a private pool store, you or the owner is not pressured by corporate to meet certain metrics each month, quarter, etc. You can find other high margin products such as patio equipment, games, etc. that your loyal customer base could purchase. Also having a service group to install pumps, heaters, and even automation could be an additional profit maker. Knowing that a pool owner does not have to purchase $300 of chemicals upon each visit, may open other options for them to purchase things. I think about my local Ace Hardware. Half the store if for the "man", tools, paint, etc. The other half is gifts, even clothing, my wife purchased a $98 blouse the other day. So having a mixed profit model may be better than trying to push unneeded chemicals. Also, the less chemical you have in store, the easier is your inventory to monitor.
Just my thoughts. Good Luck.