Rail goods and games
If the client does not have the budget or space, or is looking for a simpler, more modern update to their pool, there are a myriad of options to suggest. One of these is rail goods. Today, manufacturers offer everything from ‘designer rails’ to ladders and handrails that can be powder-coated in colours to match the pool and overall backyard design. Therefore, should the client’s pool have rusted rails, it is a good idea to consider installing powder-coated or salt-safe rails.
Installing chic designer rails can be one of the fastest ways to transform the look of a pool. Not only do they provide a modern appearance, they are just as functional and safe as traditional rails, and fit into the existing anchors.
In fact, many pool builders usually carry these products in their service vans and offer them to clients when they open their pool. In some cases it can be an easy sale and a quick update for the pool. A typical rail system can be replaced in less than an hour and earn the pool builder a profit of approximately $200 per rail. Similarly, ladders may take as little as an hour to replace with a profit between $300 and $400.
Basketball sets are another prime example, as many pool owners think the plastic products available at big-box stores, which are simply filled with water and, in most cases, thrown out at the end of each season, are their only option.
Therefore, selling built-in basketball and volleyball nets can be another profit centre for builders. These in-deck games look much more attractive than the typical plastic versions and setting the anchors is easy. These products generally retail for approximately $900 to $1000 and can be installed in roughly one hour. As a result, most pool builders can expect
a profit of $350 per unit installed.
Colour co-ordination
Keep in mind, when adding any of the aforementioned accessories they should match when grouped together to create a classic, custom look. For this reason, pool accessories are available in a variety of colours (e.g. brown, tan, light or dark grey, granite finishes, taupe and reddish tones) to ensure everything co-ordinates around the pool. Using a mishmash of colours will only make the pool and deck area look disjointed.
When presenting accessory options to the client, make sure everything is colour co-ordinated. To accomplish this, base the colour scheme off of the main focal point (e.g. a slide, grotto, or diving board). The overall colour scheme for the pool and backyard can also be taken from the deck, pavers, the pool’s interior finish (e.g. vinyl liner or tiles, etc.), or coping stone.
Once a colour scheme has been established, make sure to use it throughout the project. Style should be consistent as well. Does the client want a contemporary look with clean lines, or a more rustic or natural appearance? Knowing which style the client has in mind will also affect the colour scheme and the type of pool accessories presented in the design.
| Additional ways to accessorize pools |
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 Hardscaping is another product that might not always be considered an accessory, but can play an essential role in making the backyard look and feel like a hotel/resort pool. Therefore, it is important to consider the hardscaping as it can determine the colour scheme of the pool. On the other hand, if the hardscaping has not been upgraded, be sure to colour co-ordinate any new pavers with the colour scheme of the pool’s accessories (e.g. slides, diving boards, rail goods, grottos, or water features). In the past, many pool professionals would tell their clients to call a landscaper to handle the hardscaping (paver work). However, pavers can be a big upsell and, as a result, an increasing number of pool builders are getting involved in hardscaping because the profit margins (depending on the project) can hover around 40 per cent versus 28 to 30 per cent on a typical vinyl pool installation. In terms of renovation/repair projects, such as replacing a pool’s drop-in plastic steps, which requires breaking up the concrete behind and around the steps to dig it out, rather than patching the deck with concrete, pool builders can use pavers instead, making the repair look intentional. This provides the opportunity to suggest installing new rail goods near the steps as well. Plants and vegetation |
