Adding fibreglass pools helps with labour shortages

by arslan_ahmed | February 2, 2023 10:00 am

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By Annie Brock

One of the biggest challenges in today’s marketplace is the shortage of labour. When it comes to the current marketplace, many companies need to find new ways to service and install more pools in less time using smaller crews. As a result, pool professionals are no longer limiting themselves to a single construction type. Even long time inground pool installers of other types are adding fibreglass pools to keep their repertoire competitive.

Another reason for adding a fibreglass pool option is because some companies can install more of these pools over the season to meet the demand, while using smaller crews, and still maintain high-profit margins.

More installations in less time

Fibreglass pools do not require the same skills or nuances found in other types of inground pool installation, nor do they command quite as high of a price tag. Further, today’s fibreglass pools virtually offer all the features a consumer could ask for—including large tanning ledges, beach entry designs, and even sunken
living areas.

Unlike fibreglass pools of the past, today these pools not only come in multiple shapes, sizes, and features homeowners want, but also have improved construction features to give builders an easy-to-install pool for maximum profit. In fact, several manufacturers have even added patented features to their fibreglass pool construction specifically to ensure builders are able to install them quickly and without error. For example, a rounded skimmer could be designed to accommodate the draft angle of fibreglass pools, while eliminating the technical errors that come with cutting in and installing a square skimmer. Instead of installers struggling to cut that skimmer hole accurately, this pool would make this task easier by requiring only one hole saw to get the cut right.

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Regarding eliminating pool installation errors, some companies have created the patented backfill eliminator for their fibreglass pools. This add-on structure is built into the pool during manufacturing and fills the void created by tanning ledges during installation, thus eliminating the need to pack backfill material under that ledge. It also allows for the passage of groundwater to avoid hydrostatic pressure. Having a solid base under the fibreglass pool’s tanning ledge means that pool will be less likely to flex in vulnerable places.

When it comes to installation time, many fibreglass pool builders can install one of these pools in roughly one to three weeks during traditional pool seasons—including deck and fencing installation. Although there is no way of getting around certain delays (e.g. weather), fibreglass pools are generally considered to be easier to schedule and plan in a shortened season with limited labour.

Installations with smaller crews

The headlines in the pool industry continue to focus on the lack of available workers to meet the boom in demand for pools over the past few seasons. Fibreglass pools are beneficial for those businesses that are hampered by labour shortages because they are capable of being installed with fewer, and less skilled trades than other pool types as the pool is not built from scratch on the jobsite.

Further, after excavating, builders can use the same excavator to also move and place the pool in the ground. This eliminates the need to rent expensive cranes which are typically only required when working in tight spaces where an excavator cannot drive onto the property.

Another method many builders often use is combining their fibreglass pool orders into a multi-pool shipment. This allows them to prepare all the holes while the pools are in transit, and then install all of them in the ground the same day—as they are being delivered, which is very time efficient. However, certain innovations or add-ons, such as a backfill eliminator, may limit the number of pools one can stack onto one another in a load.

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Easier installations in most climates

Advantageously, fibreglass pools can be installed in virtually any temperature or climate. These pools can withstand many different geographical conditions. Colder temperatures and rain typically will not delay the installation of this pool, nor high water tables or freeze-thaw conditions.

When builders are looking to install pools for as long as possible, fibreglass pools have the longest installation season—allowing builders to schedule installations late into the fall and early winter, as well as early spring. Additionally, builders can have much better control of their installation schedule.

It is important to remember today’s more popular pool designs include those with tanning ledges, beach entries, and large steps which require a lot of backfill as part of the installation process. To eliminate some of this, fibreglass pool manufacturers are integrating these design features into their products to ease the installation process for builders, as well as innovating to make the backfill process simpler.

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Easy to sell designs

Fibreglass pool manufacturers have come a long way and are now including a number of sought-after features that consumers are looking for today. These features include tanning ledges, big stairs to sit on, and safety ledges around the deep end to make the pool more “user-friendly” for all ages. Some builders find fibreglass pools easier to sell as a result of these common features already designed into the pool, and that too without any additional charges. Not needing to add these features on during installation can save time on the project and, ultimately, to the installation.

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In addition to the many resort-style configurations that are pre-designed into fibreglass pools, they also have a coping system that is particularly well-suited for the installation of automatic pool covers. Pool covers offer both maintenance and safety benefits to pool owners, especially in climates that get cold or have more debris (such as falling leaves). These covers are a way to ensure the pool is inaccessible to vulnerable swimmers when they are potentially near the pool unsupervised, or to keep out any unwanted critters. Covers can also lower heating costs and reduce the amount of chemicals needed. An automatic cover offers all these benefits and is also easier to use than a traditional cover because it can be activated with the flip of a switch.

Differentiating from competitors

Many pool professionals are adding fibreglass pools to their offering not only to be able to offer more homeowners more choices, but also to set themselves apart from their competitors who do not offer a fibreglass option.

It is important to stand out from competitors with different offerings and a variety of pool types to avoid competing on price and to also be able to obtain and install the pool in a timely fashion. Those builders who are looking for a fresh marketing strategy in 2023 should consider adding fibreglass pools to their product offering.

Inground fibreglass pools have come a long way over the past few decades, and homeowners are beginning to see those improvements. In the author’s experience, more potential pool buyers are looking at fibreglass for their inground pool project, and not just for the esthetics, but for benefits outlined in this article. Homeowners are more informed about pools and often know what they are looking for, so not only can adding fibreglass to the customer’s lineup help a business stand out in their marketing, but it can also show their dedication to the industry and keeping up with what customers appear to be seeking.

Author

Annie Brock has helped independent dealers grow and thrive for more than 25 years. Her pool industry experience includes positions in retail merchandising, design, and executive management. Brock is currently the director of business development for Thursday Pools and helps existing dealers achieve their growth goals, while onboarding new independent dealers. She is most well known for her competitive spirit, a desire to do whatever it takes to get the job done right with integrity, and for her expertise in fibreglass pool manufacturing. Brock keeps dealers “in the know” and growing, all while balancing her role as a great mom and wife.

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/features/adding-fibreglass-pools-helps-with-labour-shortages/

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