Quick Takeaways
- Initial Equipment Investment: $25,000-$75,000 for 8-12 table venue (tables are 60-70% of total)
- Quality Tier Strategy: Mix premium and mid-grade equipment based on customer segments
- New vs. Used: Used tables save 40-60% but require inspection expertise
- Essential Beyond Tables: POS system, seating, lighting, and cue racks are non-negotiable
- Maintenance Budget: Reserve 5-8% of equipment cost annually for repairs and replacements
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Introduction
Opening a pool hall without understanding commercial equipment costs is like playing 9-ball blindfolded. You might get lucky, but you’re probably going to lose.
I’ve consulted on 40+ pool hall openings over the past 15 years. The most common mistake? Underestimating equipment costs by 30-50%. Owners budget for tables and think they’re done. Then reality hits: What about cue racks? Chairs? Ball sets? Chalk? Tip replacement inventory?
This guide breaks down every piece of equipment you need, what it costs, where to source it, and which items justify premium investment vs. budget alternatives.
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Core Equipment Categories
Category 1: Pool Tables (60-70% of Budget)
Decision #1: Table Quality Tier
Premium Tables ($3,500-$6,000 each):
- Brands: Brunswick Gold Crown, Diamond, Olhausen
- 1-inch slate, tournament-grade cushions
- Best for: 2-3 “showcase” tables, tournament hosting
- ROI: Attracts serious players, justifies premium table rates
Mid-Grade Tables ($2,000-$3,500 each):
- Brands: Legacy, Imperial, mid-tier Olhausen
- 3/4-inch or 1-inch slate, good cushions
- Best for: Bulk of your table fleet (60-70% of tables)
- ROI: Solid durability, acceptable maintenance costs
Budget Tables ($1,200-$2,000 each):
- Brands: Entry-level options, bar tables
- 3-piece slate, basic cushions
- Best for: Family-oriented or casual venues only
- Risk: Higher maintenance, shorter lifespan (5-7 years vs. 15-20)
Recommended Mix for 12-Table Venue:
- 2 premium tables (showcased, tournament use)
- 8 mid-grade tables (main floor)
- 2 budget tables (beginner/family area if applicable)
Total Table Investment: $26,000-$42,000 for 12 tables
Category 2: Seating and Furniture (8-12% of Budget)
Essential Items:
High-Top Tables ($150-$300 each):
- Quantity: 1 per 2 pool tables
- Purpose: Spectator seating, drink placement
- Budget: $200 average Γ 6 tables = $1,200
Bar Stools ($60-$120 each):
- Quantity: 4 per high-top table
- Commercial-grade with footrests
- Budget: $80 average Γ 24 stools = $1,920
Wall Seating/Benches ($100-$200 per 6-foot section):
- Optional but recommended
- Maximizes spectator capacity
- Budget: $600-$1,200 depending on venue size
Total Seating Investment: $3,500-$5,000 for 12-table venue
Category 3: Lighting (6-10% of Budget)
Table Lighting:
Premium Table Lights ($200-$500 each):
- Focused illumination, minimal glare
- Adjustable height
- Professional appearance
Budget Table Lights ($80-$150 each):
- Acceptable for mid-tier and budget tables
- Adequate illumination
Recommended Approach:
- Premium lights over premium tables (2): $800
- Mid-grade lights over standard tables (10): $1,200
- Total: $2,000-$2,500
Ambient Lighting:
- LED overhead for walkways and seating: $800-$1,500
- Emergency/exit lighting (code required): $300-$600
- Total ambient: $1,100-$2,100
Total Lighting Investment: $3,100-$4,600 for 12-table venue
Category 4: Cues and Accessories (5-8% of Budget)
House Cues:
Quantity Needed:
- 6-8 cues per table for commercial venue
- 12 tables Γ 7 cues = 84 cues minimum
- Factor 15% replacement annually
Quality Tiers:
- Premium house cues ($50-$80): 10-15% of fleet for VIP or tournament tables
- Standard house cues ($25-$40): 70-80% of fleet
- Budget cues ($15-$25): 10-15% of fleet for backup/replacement
Recommended Purchase:
- 12 premium cues: $720
- 60 standard cues: $1,800
- 15 budget cues: $300
- Total: $2,820
Cue Racks:
- Floor racks ($80-$150): 1 per 2 tables = 6 racks = $600-$900
- Wall racks ($40-$80): Supplemental = $200-$400
- Total: $800-$1,300
Ball Sets:
- Premium Aramith sets ($120-$180): 2 sets per table = 24 sets = $3,360
- Budget: $2,880-$4,320 depending on quality choice
- Replace every 3-5 years depending on use
Chalk and Supplies:
- Initial chalk inventory (500 cubes): $200-$300
- Monthly replenishment: $50-$80
- Tip replacement inventory: $150-$250
- Miscellaneous supplies (cube holders, scoreboards): $200-$400
Total Cues and Accessories: $7,600-$10,000
Category 5: Point-of-Sale and Management Systems (3-5% of Budget)
POS Hardware:
- Tablet or touchscreen terminal: $800-$1,500
- Cash drawer: $100-$200
- Receipt printer: $150-$300
- Credit card reader: $50-$150 (or included with processor)
- Backup tablet: $300-$500
- Total Hardware: $1,400-$2,650
POS Software:
- Pool hall-specific or bar/restaurant POS
- Options: Square, Toast, Clover, specialized pool hall software
- Monthly fees: $50-$150/month
- Setup and training: $200-$500 one-time
Table Timer System:
- Automated timing system for table rentals
- Options: Dedicated hardware ($2,000-$5,000) or app-based ($20-$50/month)
- Recommendation: Start with app-based, upgrade if volume justifies
Total POS Investment: $1,600-$3,000 upfront + $70-$200/month
Category 6: Maintenance and Cleaning Equipment
Essential Tools:
- Pool table brushes (1 per table): $240-$360
- Pool table vacuum (1-2 commercial units): $150-$300
- Cue repair tools and supplies: $200-$400
- Felt spot cleaner and supplies: $100-$200
- Table leveling equipment: $150-$300
Total Maintenance Equipment: $840-$1,560
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Complete Equipment Budget Breakdown
Small Venue (6-8 Tables)
| Category | Budget Range |
| Pool Tables (7 tables) | $14,000-$24,500 |
| Seating & Furniture | $2,000-$3,000 |
| Lighting | $1,800-$2,700 |
| Cues & Accessories | $4,500-$6,000 |
| POS System | $1,600-$3,000 |
| Maintenance Equipment | $500-$900 |
| TOTAL | $24,400-$40,100 |
Medium Venue (10-12 Tables)
| Category | Budget Range |
| Pool Tables (12 tables) | $26,000-$42,000 |
| Seating & Furniture | $3,500-$5,000 |
| Lighting | $3,100-$4,600 |
| Cues & Accessories | $7,600-$10,000 |
| POS System | $1,600-$3,000 |
| Maintenance Equipment | $840-$1,560 |
| TOTAL | $42,640-$66,160 |
Large Venue (15-20 Tables)
| Category | Budget Range |
| Pool Tables (18 tables) | $42,000-$67,000 |
| Seating & Furniture | $5,500-$8,000 |
| Lighting | $4,800-$7,200 |
| Cues & Accessories | $11,500-$15,000 |
| POS System | $2,500-$4,000 |
| Maintenance Equipment | $1,200-$2,000 |
| TOTAL | $67,500-$103,200 |
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New vs. Used Equipment Strategy
When to Buy New
Always buy new:
- Felt and cloth (don’t inherit wear)
- Ball sets (used balls are false economy)
- POS equipment (technology changes rapidly)
- Lighting (LED efficiency pays off quickly)
Consider buying new:
- Premium showcase tables (warranty and condition matter)
- Cues for tournament or VIP areas
- Seating (commercial durability requirements)
When to Buy Used
Best used purchases:
- Mid-grade and budget tables (inspect carefully)
- House cue inventory (supplement with new)
- Furniture and seating (if in good condition)
- Cue racks and storage
Savings potential: 40-60% on tables, 30-50% on furniture
Inspection checklist for used tables:
- [ ] Slate condition (no cracks or chips)
- [ ] Cushion responsiveness (test ball rebound)
- [ ] Frame stability (no wobbling)
- [ ] Pocket condition (leather intact, no tears)
- [ ] Current felt quality (factor replacement if needed)
Where to source used equipment:
- Closing pool halls and bars
- Restaurant/bar equipment auctions
- Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace (inspect in person)
- Commercial pool table dealers (often have trade-ins)
Hidden costs with used:
- Moving and setup: $400-$800 per table
- Felt replacement if current is worn: $300-$500 per table
- Cushion replacement if dead: $200-$400 per table
Break-even analysis: Used table only saves money if total cost (table + moving + refurbishment) is <65% of new equivalent.
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Vendor and Supplier Guide
Pool Tables
Major Dealers:
- National billiard suppliers (Brunswick, Connelly, Legacy distributors)
- Regional commercial suppliers
- Direct from manufacturers for large orders (12+ tables)
Negotiation leverage:
- Multi-table orders (10+ qualify for 15-25% discount)
- Cash payment discounts (5-10%)
- End-of-year clearance (save 20-30% in December-January)
Furniture and Seating
Sources:
- Restaurant supply stores (commercial-grade quality)
- Online commercial furniture suppliers
- Bulk furniture liquidators (for used)
POS and Technology
Recommended providers for pool halls:
- Square or Clover (general-purpose, affordable)
- Specialized pool hall software (higher monthly fees, better features)
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Ongoing Equipment Costs
Annual Maintenance Budget
Felt replacement:
- Replace 20-30% of tables annually (high-traffic areas)
- Cost: $300-$500 per table Γ 3 tables = $900-$1,500/year
Ball set replacement:
- Replace 25% of ball sets annually
- Cost: $120-$180 Γ 3 sets = $360-$540/year
Cue replacement:
- Replace 15% of house cue inventory
- Cost: 12 cues Γ $30 = $360/year
Chalk and supplies:
- Monthly chalk: $50-$80 Γ 12 = $600-$960/year
- Tip replacement supplies: $200/year
- Cleaning supplies: $240/year
Equipment repairs:
- Cushion replacement: $400-$800/year (1-2 tables)
- Pocket repairs: $100-$200/year
- Miscellaneous: $300-$500/year
Total Annual Costs: $3,160-$4,760 (about 5-8% of initial equipment investment)
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ROI and Payback Analysis
Table Rates and Revenue Potential
Typical hourly table rates:
- Premium tables: $12-$18/hour
- Standard tables: $8-$12/hour
- Off-peak discounts: $6-$8/hour
Average utilization:
- Peak hours (evenings, weekends): 70-85% occupancy
- Off-peak: 20-35% occupancy
- Average across all hours: 40-50% utilization
Revenue per table calculation:
Standard table ($2,500 investment, $10/hour rate):
- Operating hours: 80 hours/week
- Average utilization: 45%
- Revenue: 80 hours Γ 45% Γ $10 = $360/week = $18,720/year
- Payback period: $2,500 / $18,720 = 1.6 months
12-table venue revenue potential:
- Gross table revenue: $224,640/year
- Add: Food/beverage, lessons, leagues, tournaments
- Realistic first-year gross: $280,000-$350,000
Equipment payback timeframe: 6-12 months for mid-grade equipment strategy
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Summary & Key Points
Equipment investment for pool hall success:
1. Budget $25,000-$75,000 for Equipment: Varies by venue size (6-20 tables) and quality tier strategy
2. Tables are 60-70% of Costs: Invest here firstβmix premium and mid-grade for best value
3. New vs. Used Strategy: Buy key items new (felt, balls, POS), consider used for tables and furniture
4. Annual Maintenance is 5-8%: Budget $3,000-$5,000/year for mid-size venue repairs and replacements 5. Payback in 6-12 Months: Quality equipment pays for itself quickly through consistent hourly revenue
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Implementation Checklist
- [ ] Finalize venue size and table quantity (based on space requirements)
- [ ] Create equipment budget (use ranges above as template)
- [ ] Decide new vs. used strategy by category
- [ ] Source 3+ quotes for major purchases (tables, POS, lighting)
- [ ] Negotiate multi-item discounts (10-25% possible)
- [ ] Schedule delivery and setup (allow 2-4 weeks lead time)
- [ ] Purchase maintenance equipment before opening
- [ ] Stock initial supplies (chalk, tips, cleaning supplies)
- [ ] Test all equipment before grand opening
- [ ] Establish vendor relationships for ongoing supplies
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Related Articles & Resources
Continue Learning:
- Pool Hall Business Plan: Complete Startup Guide
- Pool Room Design: Professional Layout Guide
- Pool Table Room Size: Space Requirements Guide
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About the Author
Tommy Vasquez
Tommy Vasquez has owned and operated three successful pool halls over 20 years, with hands-on experience in every aspect of venue setup and management. He’s consulted on 40+ pool hall openings, specializing in equipment selection, vendor negotiation, and cost-effective setup strategies. Tommy’s no-nonsense approach focuses on profitability and avoiding the common mistakes that sink new venues in their first year.
Expertise: Pool hall operations, equipment sourcing, business strategy, cost management
Experience: 20+ years pool hall ownership, 40+ venue consultations, 3 successful venues opened Specialties: Budget optimization, vendor negotiation, equipment ROI analysis