Automatic pool covers are a money-making opportunity for builders

Selling savings, safety, and convenience

In addition to convenience, it is important pool professionals do not forget to promote the many other benefits automatic pool covers provide. For instance, they can help reduce the customer’s overall cost in maintaining their pool (e.g. retain heat when the pool is not in use, as well as prevent chemicals and water from evaporating). These additional benefits contribute to the reduction
of a pool’s operational costs over a three-to-five year period.

“We sell an automatic pool cover on half of the pools we build and renovate each year,” says Michael Dominici of Long Island Pool and Patio in Coram, N.Y. “An automatic pool cover is expensive initially, but we explain to the homeowner they can save money in the long run.”

Safety benefits are another selling feature, as many homeowners do not want to leave their pool open when it is not in use.

“They feel better knowing it’s closed when they are away or not supervising the pool and that the automatic cover (depending on the make and model) requires a code to reopen,” says Hill.

Many professionals agree automatic covers are an easier sell compared to other pool cover options.

“For many, the main reason for wanting a cover is for safety and, as a result, pool owners started using traditional mesh safety covers on their pools,” says Dominici. “While safe, installation and removal of mesh safety covers can be laborious.

“Automatic pool covers not only offer homeowners the same security, but also the advantage of one-touch open/close functionality. Customers are willing to spend the extra money for this convenience.”

Wlodarczak agrees, pointing out the number one reason his company has had success selling safety covers is the fact the homeowner does not have to manually remove it when they want to use their pool. The other reason is safety, which is actually a close second to convenience.

“The fact it only takes 30 to 45 seconds to open or close the pool is intriguing to customers,” he says.

When they discover the added security of being able to key in a four-digit code, which makes the cover more secure, the thought of installing one on their pool becomes more compelling. Further, by installing the keypad in a location that provides the homeowner with full visibility of their pool, they can be certain no one is using it when they close the cover.

Selling esthetics

When opened, an automatic pool cover does not detract from the backyard’s esthetics, as it essentially disappears. This is another feature that helps pool professionals sell these products. Even though there are multiple colours to choose from, many retailers say colour options are not important to closing a sale. Customers generally pick a cover colour that matches or co-ordinates with their house.

“The biggest deterrent to purchasing an automatic pool cover is the price, at least for our customers,” says Hill. “We build many pools for families who have strict budgets; therefore, in some cases, the additional $13,000 to $14,000 for an automatic cover is too much for them.”

In this case, Hill says his staff tells customers who are contemplating an automatic cover that it is advantageous to put it in during the construction of the pool, as this allows for the installation of a hidden track under the pool edge.

“If they decide to add the automatic cover later, the homeowner will need to contend with an on-deck track system and cover box, which may not be appealing for those homeowners who are concerned with the esthetics of their pool space and backyard.”