Matching up to existing decks
Many homes have existing decks and consumers want to add pools off them. The hybrid pool is the perfect solution because the installer can easily match it up to the existing height of the deck. The hybrid pool is also perfect for renovations because it uses panels like an inground pool, making it a perfect way to renovate and upgrade an existing above-ground pool, even with a deck. Often, a consumer has purchased an above-ground pool and installed a wood deck around the perimeter. Replacing an above-ground pool with a deck requires the deck be taken apart to install a new pool with a single, rolled wall. With a hybrid option, there is no need to remove the deck to replace the pool, as the panels just fit in through the existing deck space. Consumers get their new pool faster, while installers get the job done quicker and make more money.
Everyone prefers steps
Everyone wants steps, but they do not always want ladders. Again, consumers would prefer to have an easy entrance and exit for small children and elderly grandparents. These hybrid pools provide the option of replacing several of the panels with a standard plastic step—just like an inground pool. This added benefit makes it easy to sell the hybrid pool.
Water depth
Having a full 1.2 m (4 ft) of water is especially important to some consumers. Hybrid pools offer a full 1.2-m water depth, making them attractive to a wider group of consumers. Like an inground pool, the larger 5.2 x 9.8-m (17 x 32-ft) hybrid ovals can have a custom bottom with a flat shallow area, slope, and deeper hopper area. They still must conform to industry specifications and will never be diving pools, but because of the construction, they allow for more flexibility in the design. The liners for these pools are made of 16-mil virgin vinyl, which is still thicker than traditional embossed vinyl. These liners can be custom-made to any bottom configuration. In fact, roughly 40 per cent of these new pools are designed with customized bottoms.
Conclusion
Most pool professionals agree the new hybrid option has really helped expand their business, giving their customers an exciting option between the typical above-ground pool and the more expensive inground pool. Since these pools are typically easier to build, installers can train a crew to focus exclusively on hybrid pools, allowing more pools to be built in a season. More professionals should look to install these pools, as their strength, ease of installation, and versatility make them the ultimate option for today’s busy industry.
Eric Gohn is the lead sales manager for Fox Pool Wholesale and director of operations for Fox Pool & Spa Services, a retail division of Fox Pool. Fox Pool produces The Ultimate Pool, a hybrid steel wall pool that can be installed above ground, semi-inground, or completely inground. Gohn has worked in all aspects of the company over his 29-year career, including sales, service, marketing, and customer service. Gohn is available to help pool professionals interested in offering The Fox Ultimate Pool this season. For all inquiries, he can be reached via email at egohn@foxpool.com.
