Accessories for the entire backyard
For Fort Worth Custom Pools, backyard living spaces and outdoor living have become a large part of its renovation business. For instance, this type of work in the past, which includes designing and building arbours, gazebos, outdoor kitchens, as well as selling patio furniture and other related backyard accessories, represented a mere five per cent of the company’s business. Today, however, it represents nearly 40 per cent.
Renovating backyard living spaces has also grown exponentially for All Seasons Pools.
“From structures and furniture to installing anchors for umbrellas, these are the types of accessories that can provide higher profits on renovation projects,” says Lenz. “Our goal is to remain in the backyard and do everything we can for the client. We strive to offer one-stop shopping for everything in the backyard.
“In the past we would tell customers to call a landscaper to get their paver, concrete or other landscaping and hardscaping work done. Now we do everything ourselves.”
In fact, re-doing concrete and paver work has become a large part of Bama Pools’ renovation projects, as well. The company says this work is sometimes out of necessity when replacing old, plastic drop-in steps that are leaking and cracked.
“This requires breaking up the concrete behind and around the steps,” says Rowland. “So, rather than patch with concrete, we use pavers so it looks intentional, like it belongs.”
Accessories: good for business and the industry
Pool professionals need to look carefully at their accessory offerings, not only to increase profit margins but to also create additional business and revenue streams. Further, by renovating pools and backyards with the latest accessories it benefits the industry by keeping homeowners interested in their swimming pools and backyards.
Jill Thompson is the marketing manager for Inter-Fab Inc., a manufacturer of residential deck accessories such as water slides, diving boards and rails goods in Tucson, Ariz. She has been with the company since 2003 and has more than 20 years experience in marketing and commercial printing. She can be reached via e-mail at jill@inter-fab.com.
