Insulation
The swim spa’s insulation factor can also be crucial to a sale in terms of its energy efficiency. This can play an essential role for homeowners looking to enjoy the luxuries of a swim spa, but has concerns about rising electrical prices. Some customers will be looking for environmentally friendly features and some may not, either way it does not hurt to point them out.
Another feature to highlight is low-amperage filtration pumps. In doing this, explain to customers the less time it takes to filter 100 per cent of the swim spa’s water, the more energy-efficient it will be.
Customers may also be intrigued by adjustable venting features; this allows waste heat from the motor to be used to warm-up the water during the winter, or exhausted during the summer.
Finally, do not forget to tell them about the benefits of an insulated swim spa cover with respect to energy efficiency, heat retention, and most importantly, safety.
Ease of maintenance
One of the consumer’s final considerations is ease of service. To help the customer envision where they will install their new swim spa, show them the vital areas where technicians will need access. Otherwise, when it comes to swim spa maintenance, explain the two primary factors they will need to address—filtration and disinfection.
When it comes to filtration, dirt can only do two things; it is either light enough to float on the surface or heavy enough to sink. Therefore, when explaining a swim spa’s filtration capabilities, as previously mentioned, tell the customer how long it takes to filter the water. Do not stop there. Give them all the details with respect to the skimmer’s ability to remove surface debris and (if equipped) how the in-floor vacuum removes dirt from the floor.
This leads to the opportune time to explain the difference between suction-side and pressure-side filters. Suction-side filters offer less expensive filtration; however, it only filters 50 per cent of the water. Conversely, pressure-side filters are more expensive, but since 100 per cent of the water passes through the filter, all of the water can be cleaned quicker and more efficiently.
After discussing the filtration method, it is only logical to explain the importance of water disinfection. To keep the swim spa safe and pleasant to use, it is crucial for the customer to understand the importance of regular water maintenance. From in-line chemical feeders and floating dispensers to ozone and saltwater bromine systems, the customer has many options.
Each method has their pros and cons; therefore, retailers need to understand these unique systems and embrace the different technologies. For instance, floating dispensers work well, but the consumer should be made aware they need to remove them every time someone enters the swim spa. Of course, this is not necessary for swim spas equipped with an in-line chemical feeder. Further, ozone systems are designed to reduce the overall chemical requirements; therefore, models that use an injection system are ideal as this technology reduces off-gassing and increases the ozone’s saturation and bacteria killing power. Finally, saltwater bromine systems are effective; however, they require patience and a willingness to learn how the technology works. Once the user understands these systems, they are easy to use and make for a pleasant soaking experience.
The benefits of shopping locally
At times it can be confusing for those shopping for a swim spa; however, by using the focus points discussed in this article, it can make the selection process much easier for customers. Further, having a trustworthy, local retailer on their side to help make their swim spa purchase a reality makes it easy for the consumer to keep in touch with their dealer where they can find help with the operation and maintenance of their new swim spa.
Jennifer Gannon is a second generation business owner who operates BonaVista LeisureScapes, an outdoor living store in Toronto. She studied English at the University of Western Ontario and has been with BonaVista for more than 15 years before and after a career as an account director at two Canadian advertising agencies. The company is a family-owned and operated business with more than 40 years of experience in custom concrete water projects, backyard spas, and water features. She can be reached via e-mail at jennifer@bonavistapools.com
