Undoubtedly, in the first minutes of conversation a pool builder has with a prospect, two questions will arise: “How long will it take?” and “What will it cost?” And though most can answer these quickly, they need to be contemplated before answering. Estimating price and time accurately is vital to the success of any pool…
In-ground spas built in conjunction with a swimming pool are beautiful. They share materials and aesthetics with the pool, and they can integrate with the rest of the environment. But there are downfalls: In-ground spas, with their typically straight walls and sometimes rough seating surfaces, may not be very comfortable, and the jets often provide…
“Plan, blow holes in the plan, revise the plan, and then execute and adapt to each situation as it presents itself.” That’s the pool building process for Scott Heusser, manager of Idaho Pool Remodeling in Meridian. Preparing your customers for this fluctuating plan and schedule can be difficult. Depending on the design, materials and details,…
In the last issue, Brett Lloyd Abbott, marketing strategist and president of MYM Austin in Austin, Texas, and Mike Logan, owner of Logan Pools in Brentwood, California, both named introduction videos as an important tool before visiting a client in their home. In-home selling can feel like hand-to-hand combat for many salespeople. It needn’t be,…
Making sales presentations in the home of potential customers is a different environment compared to the customer coming to your store. At their home, you’re on their turf. You’re probably also one of many salespeople the homeowner has lined up to make a pitch. This is wrought with minefields, unless you know how to set…
Surprises during construction are never good. No pool contractor wants to bid out and start a job, only to start digging and realize there are soil issues that will increase costs or impact the project’s schedule. The risky business of soil “You want to make sure you’re putting the pool structure into competent soil,” says…
For pool builders who deliver presentations to customers, virtual reality is, in a word, awesome. The technology fully immerses users in a digital environment that’s so lifelike they feel that they’re actually wandering through a backyard that doesn’t yet exist. The technology, however, is clunky and complicated, and it requires goggles, headgear and other expensive…
Rebar, or reinforced steel poles, are a vital structural element of a pool. They are used to support the concrete, which would move and break if set against soil alone. Pool construction crews must place each steel bar and drop of concrete with precision to avoid future structural problems. The tendency is to lay rebar…
When Scott Cohen began using drones for aerial photography in 2013, he was not aware of another pool builder using the technique in the entire United States. Three years later, drones have taken flight across the industry. The days of standing on barbecue grills and climbing on rooftops to get overhead pictures may be coming…
By Christina Blakeslee-Sexton, Zodiac Pool Systems Lights add drama and sizzle to any pool or spa. Most pool professionals are familiar with traditional niched incandescent lights that for swimmers can mimic the sensation of moving head-on toward a locomotive. Fortunately, advances in pool lighting technology mean pool builders can leave those eye- and energy-burning incandescent…
Have you ever made a big-dollar purchase and found yourself frustrated at the service provider’s or contractor’s lack of communication? Communication is a fundamental component toward customer satisfaction, more referrals and goodwill. Three industry veterans offer what works well for them — and what messaging paths to avoid — in the world of instantaneous communication….
My dad was a business owner. I clearly recall his reaction when the local police would call him at home to say his business was broken into, and equipment or inventory (or both) had been stolen. It’s more than a miserable feeling; it can halt your ability to make a living. Ryan Shepherd, who manages…