How to Start a Pool Hall

Perhaps one day while shooting pool you thought you could do a better job of running a pool hall than most other people. Now that you have decided you want to open a pool hall, you still may have no idea where it's going to be located or what you're going to do with it. Not a problem. The following steps will put you well on your way to getting your own pool hall up and running.

Instructions

1. Find a good location. Like with any type of real estate property, the first thing you need to look for is the right place. If the city you live in already has four or five pool halls, you might want to consider a less saturated market or try purchasing an existing hall. If you decide to do the latter, don't forget--it's your hall now. Refer to your business plan and ask yourself: What is your clientele? Are you catering to college students, families, devout billiard experts?

2. Decide on table size. If opening a new hall, one thing you have to consider is how big your tables are going to be. Pool tables come in a variety of sizes: Most are 6 to 9 feet long and half that distance wide; standard pool tables typically are 8 feet in length. Many, however, are 7-foot "bar tables" that are often coin-operated. Most people prefer the challenge of an 8-foot table, whereas 9-foot tables can be used in tournaments.

3. Purchase the right cue sticks for your tables. A pool cue must be at least 40 inches long and weigh no more than 25 ounces; also the tip must be between 9 and 14mm wide. But cues come in a variety of sizes--48, 52, 57 or even 60 inches long. A 57-inch cue is considered the standard. Smaller cue sticks are good for smaller players or for making trickier shots, while larger cues are often used for breaks or by larger people. Determine the right array of cues for your hall.

4. Calculate the space needed. It would be ideal to allow enough space for the larger 57-inch sticks where people using them won't bump into the next table. It's O.K. to have the tables about 5 feet (60 inches) apart--a player will wait for another to make a shot as is typical courtesy.

   Also, you will want a cue-stick-length space between tables and walls so that customers don't bump into walls or windows when taking shots. Remember, though, that the size of the tables is slightly misleading: The size of the playable field is slightly smaller than the size of the table suggests; for example a 4' x 8' table actually has a playable area of 44" by 88". Therefore, the absolute minimum space you would need would be the size of the playable field, plus the length of the cue stick on each side. For example, a 4' by 8' table is actually 44 inches (table) + 57 inches (cue), or 101 inches for each table. Be sure to add another 57 inches for the last table in a row to allow players to take a shot near the wall. Do the same for the length of the tables; 57 inches + 88 inches = 145 inches, plus another 57 inches for the opposite end.

   Here are some handy required room-calculation formulas:

   For 7-foot tables:
   Length: 135 (78 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall
   Width: 96 (39 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall

   For 8 1/2-foot tables:
   Length: 149 (92 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall
   Width: 103 (46 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall

   For 9-foot tables:
   Length: 157 (100 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall
   Width: 107 (50 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall

5. Purchase the additional accessories. It's not a pool hall without the right equipment. You need balls, racks, and knowledge of different types of billiard games. For example, some people prefer the structured challenge of a game of nine-ball, and having a diamond-shaped rack would be much appreciated.

   Make sure you have enough balls and racks on hand to accommodate all of your tables being used at once. American Recreation is one company that sells complete kits--two-piece cues, balls and racks--for one low price.

Tips & Warnings

• You can charge more if your place looks more upscale, but a higher level of service will be expected. Purchase equipment that fits the theme you're going for. If you name the place 21st Century Billiards, be prepared with more modern tables. A retro-themed place or one that is like a home away from home might do better with classic-style tables. Map out where everything should go. Draw a blueprint or hire an architect or drafter if you must. Treat it like it's your ideal game room, only bigger. See what help is available through the Small Business Administration. The SBA can answer a lot of the more technical questions about starting a small business. Diversify your place with other games.Some dartboards, a handful of pinball machines, air hockey tables and maybe even a few arcade games would keep patrons in longer and perhaps bring in new ones, meaning more revenue. For example, the arcade games Golden Tee and Big Buck Hunter have kept older, mature players entertained for years and are still a staple in many bars. Increase your revenue with food and drinks. Most pool halls don't make a lot of money on the games themselves--they make most of their money on liquor and snacks. Obtain a liquor license and serve some appetizers or even offer lunch specials. The longer you keep people in your hall, the more money you stand to make.

References

• Small Business Administration
• Diamond Billiards
• Inside Pool Forum: Starting a Pool Hall

Resources

• How to Open a Pool Hall
• American Recreation's Pool and Billiards Buying Guide
• How to Select a Cue Stick
• Ozone Billiards