Expanding possibilities
Sitting in the client’s backyard and talking to them about how the pool area is used, and who it is used by, can help when suggesting ideas. It is these ideas that lead to profitable installation projects over multiple years.
“Generally, these projects start due to a maintenance or repair issue and then often turn into a complete renovation project,” explains Dennis Thompson, owner of Backyard Pleasures Hot Tubs and Pools in Vernon, B.C. “Once you know you have to breakup the deck, it’s the perfect opportunity to talk to the customer to see if their pool and backyard still suits their lifestyle.”
According to Thompson, his company, which has built concrete and vinyl-lined pools in the area for more than 35 years, often receives calls from customers, whose pools they originally installed, who are now looking to update their backyard.
In cases like these, Thompson takes the opportunity to see if the client wants to update the look and feel of their deck, or maybe wants to add an outdoor entertaining area, complete with firepit and outdoor kitchen, or simply wants to add steps for children and grandparents. Many of these customers might also want to spread the project out over several years as it lessens the impact on their pocketbook and minimizes any disturbance to their day-to-day lives. Therefore, these clients need a professional to plan the renovation work into manageable ‘stages’ over multiple years.
“Once the kids are gone, homeowners often have more disposable cash and are looking to change their backyard pool area,” added Thompson.
In this regard, pool builders and renovators need to realize the potential they have to profit from all stages of a project throughout the entire backyard. It is important to capitalize on the fact the pool is not only the centre of the entire backyard living space, but also the most important, complex part of the landscape. Therefore, those companies that are capable of completing the entire backyard living space should take the time to explain this to the client rather than sell themselves short by only doing the pool-related work. This is important to keep in mind as most homeowners will likely call three or four different contractors to complete each section of their backyard.
Creativity can turn a negative into a positive
There are always risks associated with swimming pools and no one wants to discuss the potential danger; however, safety is of utmost importance to many clients, so it is important to take heed of these concerns to create a safe swimming pool environment that is not only user-friendly, but also visually attractive.
Depending on the client’s stage in life (i.e. has small children/grandchildren), deep pools with diving boards can provide the perfect opportunity for a builder to make alterations to better accommodate the client’s current lifestyle.
On the ‘Pann’ project, for example, Lenz’ client, who is now a grandparent, was very concerned about backyard safety and, therefore, wanted to remove the diving board from his pool. Since the liner was being replaced, Lenz suggested the idea of reducing the pool’s depth, thus creating more space for the grandchildren to play safely as they grow older.
“The customer liked this idea so we adjusted the pool’s depth to 1 m (3 ft) deep on both ends and 1.5 m (5 ft) in the centre to make it more like a typical ‘play pool,’” explained Lenz.
When discussing safety with the homeowner, Thompson says safety covers, fences, and handrails, should be brought up and worked into the customer’s backyard project.
“We now put a safety cover on every one of our newly constructed pools; it’s included in the price and not an option,” he added. “Builders who are looking at renovation projects will notice that most older pools aren’t equipped with a safety cover. This becomes the perfect opportunity to make your customer’s pool as safe as possible; therefore, measure their pool for a safety cover and help them select one that complements their backyard décor.”
Safety covers are available in a variety of colours—in both mesh and solid materials—and not only help make the pool area safe, but also keep the backyard looking neat and tidy. Further, safety rails are also available in a variety of colours, which are designed to match the latest in decking and coping treatments, allowing them to be easily incorporated into any project.
