Seating
Retailers realize many clients are hoping to make the hot tub the centrepiece of his/her backyard or patio. So having seating areas and places to put towels and other personal items is important. Retailers need to display and point out these needs and recommend ‘necessities’ such as seating and storage. Further, recommending outdoor furniture that suits the needs of the hot tub owner is also an important aspect in the design of the hot tub space.
“We sell an outdoor furniture line comprising benches, chaise lounges, tables, and chairs of all varieties to complement any outdoor space,” says Burson. “Sometimes a client only has a tiny patio to work with so we show them some of our smaller tables and stools. However, if the client has a large deck they want to furnish to get more enjoyment out of the space, we show them how they can combine benches, coffee tables, gliders, and more to create the perfect seating and relaxing arrangement around the hot tub.”
Some hot tub designs lend themselves to starting the discussion about the surrounding backyard and what other ‘necessities’ the client may be interested in. Oran Wakelam, Coast Spas’ marketing manager, says his company created a specific hot tub line, which offers a vanishing-edge feature that makes it the perfect launching pad for discussion with the client about how his/her outdoor living space will be centred around the hot tub.
“We attribute the success of these hot tubs to the fact that not only do they have visual appeal, they also provide an impressive backyard focal point with the large infinity edge water-wall coupled with a raised 610-mm (24-in.) waterfall which creates a relaxing backyard paradise,” says Wakelam. “We know many outdoor seating and living areas are built directly around and below this hot tub water feature.”
Retailers that train staff to suggest products that complement the hot tub, will likely lead to additional revenues from add-on products.
Hot tub covers
A cover is another practical point of consideration when selling a hot tub. The cover is truly necessary, but can be up-sold with value-added hydraulic lifts or high-end covers designed to last longer and hold up better to harsh winter elements. The cover is central to the hot tub and there are now many cover options available to enhance the esthetics of the patio, while at the same time providing much needed protection for any climate.
Covers are an essential component of the hot tub space; therefore, it is important retailers discuss the variety of options available.
“We only sell covers that not only stand up to the elements, but are also attractive,” says Staples. “We have had great success up-selling our customers to a rigid cover, which is available in eight colours to match the cabinet of the hot tubs we offer.
“These covers now also have six different ‘decorator’ overlays to match outdoor furniture and complement the patio décor.”
With the rise in the sales of swim spas as an alternative to a pool, many consumers are willing to spend the extra money on a high-end cover with an integrated hydraulic lift. They want ease of opening and closing; therefore, retailers should offer these options.
Hot tub covers also accomplish many esthetic objectives. For example, many customers are looking for a privacy screen from neighbours or a wind barrier (depending on the location of the hot tub). Planning for the cover and its placement when the hot tub is in use is all a part of the overall design.
“We also offer a fully automatic, lockable cover,” says Staples. “This cover has been extremely popular because it is attractive and provides shelter from the elements when soaking in the hot tub. “This cover becomes part of the backyard design for many of our customers.”
Having a plan for where the cover will go when the hot tub is being used, how it functions/operates, and how it co-ordinates with a hot tub is actually much more important than many think.
