Pool Planet.

Located at the Paulino Business Hub near the Maruti Mandir in Aquem lies one of Margao’s most popular indoor recreational hubs called “Pool Planet''. The centre was started in 1999 by the Late Mr. Sebastian Rodrigues along with his two sons Savio Rodrigues and Allwyn Rodrigues. Pool Planet was originally located in Comba-Margao. However, due to the high number of foot falls that it received, it had to shift to its present day location in Aquem.

In a brief chat with Its Goa, Mr. Savio Rodrigues, coowner of Pool Planet, provided a much deeper insight into his venture, the various facilities it provides, his expansion plans and much more…

Give us a brief description about the founders of Pool Planet.

We come from a business family which deals in natural stones. The business was established in 1907. Pool Planet is just another business venture we got into. My grandfather, the late Mr. Paulin Rodrigues, apart from having a drive for business, was also very passionate about sports and recreation. It was in his memory that my father Mr. Sebastian decided to start Pool Planet.

What prompted /inspired you to start Pool Planet?

What was the idea that you had in mind when you decided to start this venture?

As I mentioned, it was established in remembrance of my grandfather and his love for sports. In addition, it is also a nice way of entertaining the youth and keeping them engaged in a nice indoor game during the monsoons. Currently, we see around 1000 new players every year. Thanks to my grandfather's love for sports, we hear a lot of our regulars telling us that what started off as a hobby has turned into a full time passion for them.

What are the rates for using the pool tables? Do you have any membership scheme for people who are regular visitors of Pool Planet?

At present, the rates are Rs.100 per hour for billiard tables and Rs.150 for the snooker table . As of now, we don't have a membership scheme but we do plan to start a membership and group scheme very soon.

What are the few things offered at Pool Planet that makes it stand out from other pool parlours? Do you have an on-site cafe and music at your pool parlour?

We have an on-site music system along with a privately owned restaurant and superstore in the Pauline Business Hub, which do entertain the needs of our clientele. I think what makes us stand out from our competitors would be the fact that we have 4 pool tables and 1 snooker table, making us the only establishment in Goa catering to so many clients at once. Apart from this, we also run seasonal tournaments so individuals can show their skills and even enhance them further.

What was the response from the public like when Pool Planet just started off?

We all know the effect the pandemic had on us. Having Pool Planet shift to a new location with ample parking and in the heart of the city was really an advantage, we’ve been told. Another important feature I'd like to highlight is that we have kept our premises a no smoking, no drinking premises, so we can play a small part in looking after the health of our Goan youth and create an experience you'd always remember.

Do you plan to open more branches of Pool Planet in other parts of Goa?

Yes. We are doing very well right now, so we definitely plan to conquer the rest of Goa in due course of time.

Finally, any message that you would like to share with our readers? Come visit us, enjoy the experience, develop a new hobby and find a passion.