Building and renovating pools requires a great deal of material that not only takes up space in
your warehouse, but also needs to be transported to and from jobs. And keeping inventory on
hand of the products you need, both for regular and specialized use, can become costly. With
inflation and all of the other economic burdens hitting the pool industry considered, how can
you streamline your operation while ensuring your customers still always receive the best end
product possible?
Where can you start?
Conduct An Inventory
Review all on-hand supply inventory. It’s time to dust off the cobwebs, get into the nooks and
crannies, and truly determine what you have in storage, in the warehouse and in your yard.
Though it is one of the most tedious tasks, having a true understanding of all consumable
supplies on-hand will help you be mindful of what materials are available to you. Once you
have the inventory documented, thoughtfully review what you have. Ordered some materials
you didn’t end up using all of? Didn’t enjoy using others? Realize you’re running short on your
go-to’s? Use this information to earmark the types of supplies you want and need most, and, if
possible, sell off or toss what is no longer of use to you.
Cost & Usage Analysis
Based on the previous step, it’s now truly time to dig into your preferred products and usage
patterns. Pull the last year’s invoices and, based on your current project schedule, determine if
you anticipate needing more or less of the foundational products you use versus the last year –
sand and other aggregates, rebar, plaster, etc. Based on this, can you order more volume at
once to save on unit pricing? Are there new suppliers or distributors that might be offering
products of like quality at a lesser rate or any incentives? Additionally, drill down into your
project schedule and determine if there are any like projects coming up where you might also
be able to save with bulk purchasing. Are there multiple pools using the same coping, stone,
or tile? Purchase in higher volumes, where work permits, to add to your profits.
Consider Multi-Purpose Products
Take the time to review the specs of the products you use – and other products of like quality.
Can they be used in multiple applications? If so, consider how ordering these products can
allow you to more efficiently manage your inventory, spend, and warehouse space, eliminating
any product and cost redundancies. Basecrete Flexible Waterproofing Bondcoat is a great
example of this. With the exact same formulation and preparation, the product is able to act in
two different capacities: use one coat of Basecrete as an effective bond coat for various
applications, or use two coats to create a solid and durable waterproof barrier. And with
various application methods and other cementitious usages, Basecrete can take you from the
pool, to landscaping, and beyond!
Taking the time to understand your inventory and usage patterns, and using that knowledge to
thoughtfully select your materials, will help keep your pool building operation as lean as
possible, encouraging further profits and longevity in your company.
