Pool cleaners build relationships
Pool cleaners are a great way to build customer loyalty, too. For instance, Lenz says they include a robotic cleaner with every pool they build.
“We include one in the price of all our new pool installations because we know our customers will appreciate the equipment and stay in love with their pool,” says Lenz.
Belcourt agrees: “We believe so strongly in automatic/robotic cleaners that we tell all of our clients to give them a name… and they do! I think this is a great way to start a relationship between our clients and their pool cleaner.
“The first thing I ask our clients to do after naming their cleaner is to send me a photo of them with their newly named robot in the pool while they sit poolside enjoying the day. This goes a long way in building positive customer relationships and loyalty.”
Service techs are also selling these robotic cleaners to customers. In fact, Aquatech Pool & Bath sometimes loans robotic cleaners to customers which, in many cases, turns into a sale.
“If I go on a service call and find the customer’s pump is not operating and we’re not able to immediately install a new pump, I leave a robotic cleaner with the client to keep in their pool for the weekend. We often find the pool owner loves the cleaner so much they end up buying one,” says Belcourt.
Let the pool love affair begin
Selling customers the right automatic/robotic cleaner will keep them loving their pool for years. A pool professional’s job is to set up their customers with everything they need for success. In today’s market, robotic cleaners, in particular, are a key component to ensuring this happens. That said, starting the conversation about pool maintenance with clients and explaining how these products work can increase the enjoyment of pool ownership. By telling a client all they need to do is drop the robot in their pool and let it do its work, their love affair will instantly begin.
Mike Fowler is the commercial sales manager for Pentair in Sanford, NC. He has been with the company since 1992, starting his career in the technical services department at Purex Pool Products. Fowler has held many managerial roles within the company, including marketing, accounting, and products. He can be reached via email at mike.fowler@pentair.com.
| Robotic cleaners are also ideal for commercial pools |
|---|
| When it comes to keeping commercial pools clean, many aquatic facility managers turn to robotic cleaners to help them out. For instance, facility managers find robotic cleaners help free up staff from scrubbing the pool, allowing them to focus on keeping locker rooms clean or even enhancing the level of customer service provided to patrons.
As a result of these benefits, many facility managers purchase more than one robotic cleaner—one for their indoor pool, one for their outdoor pool, and an extra unit to keep on hand in case one needs to be serviced. Further, robotic cleaners help staff with water-quality management by improving circulation as well as aiding in the distribution of chemicals and heat more evenly throughout the pool. These improvements work toward increasing bather enjoyment and, ultimately, help retain and attract new patrons. This is enormously helpful for busy YMCA facilities and health clubs using pools for swimming lessons and aquatic exercise classes. That said, pool professionals should ensure aquatic facility managers also understand how robotic cleaners can enhance the functionality of pumps and filters. Essentially, the robotic cleaner works like a moving pump and filter at the bottom of the pool. As a result, the use of this cleaning technology reduces the load on pumps and filters and, in turn, extends the life of this expensive equipment which is something all aquatic facility managers can appreciate. In fact, robotic cleaners also indirectly help to reduce operating costs by allowing pumps and filters to operate more efficiently, thereby drawing less energy. Pool professionals should be sure to offer robotic cleaners to their commercial clients to keep the pool interior clean, water clear, and assist other components by reducing the load on crucial equipment which together ensures the efficient operation of an aquatic facility. |
