Think outside the box when it comes to visual barriers
When adding additional features to an existing project, it is important to look at the backyard from the client’s perspective, especially when the swimming pool is the focal point. Some customers might think they need to call a landscaper because they want to plant some arborvitae or erect an unsightly structure (e.g. shed or garage) to create a screen or visual barrier for privacy; however, many pool builders today can also provide assistance in this scenario, and in some cases, present different ideas.
For Lenz, this exact opportunity arose on the ‘Pann’ project. In determining what was needed to provide the appropriate amount of privacy the client was seeking, Lenz suggested a pool slide. Although the client had some initial concerns with the idea, after explaining that he could design a custom slide that would not be as steep or as fast as a traditional pool slide, making it safe for smaller children, the client was more open to the idea. However, what really sold the idea was the fact the slide’s design would also create a visual barrier between the neighbouring backyards.
“The client was tired of sitting on his porch with his coffee and looking directly at his neighbour’s backyard and feeling obliged to talk to them,” says Lenz. “He was excited about the idea of using a pool slide to create this visual barrier as with the shallower depth of the pool, one grandparent could stand in the water and be able to catch their grandchild as the other helped them slide down.”
Make the most of repair work
Pool owners who have to deal with major structural problems, especially in concrete and gunite pools, can become quite distressed. On these projects, pool professionals will often find themselves walking into an environment where the client is already frustrated and feeling negative about their pool.
Lenz experienced some of these client frustrations when his company was called in by a new customer who had purchased a home with a gunite pool that was structurally failing (i.e. large cracks) and losing water. Once again, it goes back to getting to know the client. For example, by sitting in the backyard with this client, Lenz learned he had two young daughters, discovered the pool was designed with a very small shallow end, and that his youngest daughter was scared to go in the pool, which was likely because of its design. With these factors in mind, and since the pool needed new gunite work and to be re-plastered, Lenz suggested the idea of reconfiguring the pool to increase the size of the shallow end for the kids. The client liked this idea; therefore, All Seasons took out one section of the pool to create an expanded sundeck area for sitting and playing, as well as decreased the pool’s overall depth to 1.5 m (5 ft).
“We didn’t want to disturb the rest of the deck unnecessarily as it would have been expensive for the client,” says Lenz. “Instead, we revised the design of the pool floor, but worked within the existing structure. This led to creating an extra-wide step and an elevated spa.”
All Seasons also took the opportunity to replace all of the pool equipment and upgraded everything with a more energy-efficient water circulation/maintenance system.
Do not neglect backyard feng shui
Moving things around in the backyard can not only be fun and creative, but also lead to the homeowners renewed interest in their backyard.
“In the ‘Pann’ project, we took over some of the garden space when we expanded the seating area,” explained Lenz. “Therefore, to add back the area we took, we designed outcroppings around the slide where flowers and herbs could be planted. In addition to acting as a visual barrier, the slide is also a water feature and garden wall.”
For some homeowners, certain elements in the backyard over time start to feel dated, and as a result, need to be refreshed. Whether it is patio furniture, the pool’s vinyl liner, or the deck, look around and help the client determine what might make them proud of their pool area again.
“We try not to influence our clients with ideas for their backyard, but we do provide a number of visual aids for them to consider, which usually gets them thinking,” says Thompson. “Ultimately, we think the pool area should be an expression of the client and their home, so we provide websites, books, magazines, and a multitude of photos for them to look at. Then, they can tell us when they see something that excites them enough to want to incorporate it into their backyard.”
Remember, many customers experience exquisite water features and outdoor living spaces while on vacation and may want to re-create some of these elements (e.g. outdoor kitchens, firepits, and water fountains, etc.) in their backyard. The sound of water and the warmth of an outdoor fireplace will allow a customer to get more enjoyment out of their backyard, which is ultimately what the swimming pool industry strives to provide its customers.
J. Kevin Shea is senior vice-president and chief marketing officer for Plastimayd LLC, a manufacturer of Plastimayd® and VynAll® custom swimming pool liners and CoverLogix safety covers. He is also the founder of VynAll, and was the company’s president for 25 years. Shea, who often presents seminars on custom pool measurement and vinyl-liner installations, entered the vinyl-liner swimming pool business through the service and retail side of the industry. He welcomes inquiries from pool professionals and is an excellent source of installation tips. He can be reached via e-mail at jkshea@vynall.com.
