Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I'm kicking around an idea for a health club focusing on swimming and fitness, but using endless pool type pools instead if your typical multi-lane pool.

The main reason for this would be not needing as much physical space as olympic size pools require, which comes at a premium in Brooklyn, NY.  I partly got the idea from all the gyms that open up in spots usually taken by small boutiques and shops.  And by requiring less space, the hope is that a location could be open in a convenient spot for some of the wealthier residents to sign up.

I haven't done much research into the available options as far as swimming, pricing, or what problems people have with the existing places.  What I am trying to figure out is the scheduling of customers.

Say I'm able to install 6 such pools, each taking a single customer.  How would I handle 8 customers wanting to swim at the same time?  It wouldn't be like a gym where you just resign to use whatever machine is available if it is crowded.  Would some sort of a scheduling system be the best -- or even only -- option?

What about limiting the amount of time an individual customer can continually spend in the pool.  They can get out of the pool, get in line, and use it again once their turn comes.  The idea would be not to have "hogs", and to allow some turnover so that without a scheduling system, someone could show up and have a decent chance of getting into a pool if they wait a few minutes.

Interested to hear others' ideas.

-------------------------

I would recommend having a time limit on how long they can swim.  Here's an idea about the scheduling, maybe you can offer 2 different levels of membership.  The higher level would allow them to schedule a time for their swimming.  The less expensive membership would not allow scheduling, so it would require someone to wait their turn and such.  That way, you are appealing to both types of customers.

 

Hope that helps!

 

---

Ashley Casey

www.BranchofSuccess.com

I say get out and talk with potential customers - see if 1) they would pay for somethign like this (as you are limited in your market area) and 2) How they would like to see it operated.

They are the ones who will be paying - thus, make sure youa re meeting their needs.

-------------------------

Business Money Today
Small Business Loans & Start Up Loans

Both replies great pieces of advice.  Thank you!  Yup, I'm sure I'll have to do some leg work, but I already know that starting and running a business is hard work, no getting around that.  Thanks again.

-------------------------

I think this type business spend more place. For great design of your pool and health club, you will need more space. If you do great invest in your business then you can have some expensive membership.

Health and fitness is something that we all require, how much ever we say that we are fit and healthy but deep down we know that there is great room for improvement. A swimming pool cum health club is a great venture, but you should also take into consideration that there is already enough competition. If there are no other health clubs in your vicinity then go for it.

Kimberly

how to treat hemorrhoids

-------------------------

Hi,

I  personally like the option of reserving time.  I would never join a place that only gave me a set amount of time, and then stopped me, made me get out and wait for my turn again which would essentially interrupt my workout.  I think that would end up irritating a lot people, especially today when people are on such tight schedules as it is, they simply want to get to the gym, get their workout in, and get out of the gym in the most efficient amount of time possible.

This is just my opinions.  Good luck with which ever way you choose to go.

I think membership is a great idea. You get a growing pool and recurring income.

-------------------------

Seo Consultant | Rattan | Microsoft Dynamics Nav | Autism Singapore | Industrial For Rent | Business Park | Gallbladder Surgery Singapore

They are definitely two good business to work well together. Especially if you health club is taking advantage of current health trends. Where I work, we have expanded to incorporate the popular use of a body wrap for weight loss and cellulite reduction. This has brought in more customers and tells the public that we are on top of current health trends.

-------------------------

Nothing makes you feel of look better than body wraps.

If you want your swimming pool health club to be successful you must have a lot of positive reviews, also invest a lot in advertising so people would know about this center. Making two kinds of memberships would solve the scheduling problem, I would go definitely on that idea.

-------------------------