Vinyl pools take on resort-like features

by Sally Bouorm | February 1, 2015 3:35 pm

[1]

By Eric Gohn

[2]

Back in the ’60s, vinyl (package) pools were introduced to the industry as standard models for middle-class homeowners. These pools were typically square-shaped; additional shapes (e.g. oval, Grecian, kidney, and mountain-lake) were gradually added as market demand increased and manufacturing processes continued to advance.

Today, vinyl pool designs are almost limitless—in terms of shape and size—and now incorporate all of the latest features found in resort-style pools around the world. As consumers are exposed to different pool features when travelling, or simply watching Home & Garden Television (HGTV), they want their backyards to mimic what they have either experienced or seen. From tanning ledges and full-width vinyl covered steps, to grottos, coves, fountains, and specialty benches with jet inserts, vinyl pool builders have made these features standard and accessible to the average consumer.

Manufacturers of package pools have responded to the industry’s desire for more design flexibility, giving vinyl pool builders more opportunities and options to sell and build the pools consumers want. By creating these variations and customizations, the everyday pool can now provide the same luxuries and entertainment value found on most resort-style pools.

Steps are no longer used just to get in and out

The trend toward resort-style, vinyl-pool design started with steps. Initially, steps were designed by package pool manufacturers to be installed on the exterior of the pool—sticking out beyond its total length. The steps were generally a separate, standardized, square section. Builders are now finding more consumers that are interested in pool stairs that are integrated into the swimming area. In addition to providing ingress/egress, this design concept has translated into building stairs large enough where several people can lounge in the water, while also allowing parents to be within reach of children and part of the swimming action.

[3]

For many years steps comprised vinyl-covered steel, were square in shape, and available in a limited number of standard sizes (2.4, 1.8, or 1.2 m [8, 6, or 4 ft]). Manufacturers then developed steps in more interesting shapes with textured treads using fibreglass and polymer materials, but these were still installed on the exterior of the pool. Recent technology allows liner manufacturers to now fabricate vinyl liners to fit over any size step section that a builder wants to create. Whether the step(s) has a radius, is the full width of the pool, or is just in one corner, liner manufacturers can ensure a perfect fit over the step section, without wrinkles. Pool kit manufacturers also provide panels to easily accommodate inside steps and benches. Some even offer steel-step sections that can be filled with gravel and concrete, which is perfect for large vinyl-covered steps, giving them a more solid structure. This method of building the step is quicker and much faster than pouring a concrete step to cover.

Another design concept is creating internal steps which run the entire width of the pool. These steps provide the homeowner with a great area for[4] enjoying conversation and teaching young children to swim as they become comfortable with the water. These steps are typically covered in the same liner pattern as the rest of the pool, allowing them to blend in to create a more attractive look.

Some manufacturers also offer pool steps that have a thin, solid colour vinyl strip welded onto the edge, where the stair tread meets the riser, to make it easier for bathers to see the steps. Further, most are now offering textured and patterned materials to make the steps safer while remaining visually appealing.

It is important to show clients all of the possibilities a vinyl pool offers, says Jerry Green of Aquarius Pools in Roanoke, Va.

“Some clients aren’t aware of the benefits and beauty that come from a large inside step or bench. I have a portfolio containing more than 100 photos that I show clients to help give them ideas about what they might want in their pool,” adds Green. “We discuss their needs, they look at the photos, and together we come up with a design to make their backyard look terrific. It’s important for clients to realize that we can build everything found in a concrete pool in a vinyl pool.”

On the bench

[5]

As package pools continued to evolve, manufacturers started including other features consumers wanted such as ‘safety ledges’ and ‘cuddle coves’ within the pool’s deeper areas. These features, which have now become standard, are designed so swimmers can pull themselves out of the pool in the deep end to sit or simply hang on to while treading water. Some builders create large benches in the pool’s deep end and blend them into waterfalls, slides, and other water features around the pool. Benches provide bathers with a comfortable area to sit and listen to the sounds of cascading water from a waterfall or slide, making the experience even more peaceful and resort-like.

[6]

“We recently completed a project where the client wanted ‘stools’ in the pool where bathers could swim up, sit, and enjoy a meal or drink,” says Eric Johnson of Johnson’s Pools & Spas in Owego, N.Y. “We designed the bar area so bathers could sit outside the pool at the same eating area as those on the inside of the pool. In fact, the design included four vinyl-covered stools built into the custom-steel pool.”

The benefits of large step and bench features are often incorporated into the sales pitch to clients of new vinyl pools or renovations. Consumers are more aware and are very interested in these custom design options. And, as a result, package pool manufacturers now offer builders a choice of steel benches and cuddle coves in addition to pre-fabricated polymer seats and benches. Some of these pre-fabricated features come pre-plumbed with hydrotherapy jets. Some builders find it easy to upsell a client on an integral,[7] hydrotherapy-equipped bench that will provide them a place to watch the kids play in the pool at arm’s length or perhaps the perfect sport to relax and read a book.

Hit the sundeck

These areas offer a spot to read, take in the sun, and often serve as a splash area for small children. Some manufacturers have enhanced this feature by offering tables with umbrellas and stool-style seating that can be inserted into the vinyl pool’s sundeck, maximizing the homeowner’s ability to unwind in their pool. This feature is often found in resort pools where ‘swim-up’ bars and stools are placed for bathers to enjoy a drink or snack while remaining in the water.

“Consumers have definitely come to the table with more information about what they want out of their pool,” says Mike Mancini of Fox Pool & Spa Leisure Centre in Burlington, Ont. “Consumers want a pool that co-ordinates not only with their backyard landscape but also matches the look and feel of their homes. They also want features that match their lifestyle and user preferences—whether that is a slide for their kids or a sundeck that allows them to tan or read within the pool.”

Bringing the beach to the backyard

[8]

Pools that mirror the effects of walking into ocean water from a sandy beach are called ‘beach-entry’ pools. This is a classic feature that derives from resort pools found along sandy coastlines.

In the past, this type of design was limited to gunite pools, but it is now a common feature that can be created on vinyl pools. These gradual pool entrances work especially well with young swimmers who are just being introduced to the water as it provides the ability to easily descend and ascend from the pool.

Another popular feature typically found on a resort pool is the vanishing edge. Installing a vanishing-edge feature on a [9]residential pool was unusual 30 years ago; however, this has all changed. This feature can now be found on all types of pools for anyone who wants to create visual appeal in their backyard. Due to popularity of this trend, pool kit manufacturers and vinyl liner fabricators now regularly provide the panels and liners required to install a vanishing-edge pool.

Although this feature is not often advertised as a ‘standard’ option, most manufacturers will provide guidance to builders that are interested in providing this feature to their clients.

[10]

“We suggest this design option to all of our clients where the pool can enhance a beautiful view,” says Green. “There are significant additional costs to designing a vanishing edge on a vinyl pool, but it gives the pool a high-end, resort-like finish—especially with the view extending beyond the pool’s edge.”

Pools are not just for swimming anymore

Gone are the days where pools were just for swimming and diving. Now they are a place where homeowners want to bring their family and friends to spend time relaxing and enjoying the warm weather. Homeowners want to maximize their investment by installing a pool that not only allows them to swim and dive, but also the ability to sit, read, sunbathe, and/or entertain poolside.

Today’s vinyl pool designs and treatments are a far cry from the standard ‘package’ pools that were being built 30 years ago. As consumers started to demand more upscale treatments, manufacturers took advantage of this trend, along with recent technological advancements, to make these unique pool features available to the average vinyl pool customer. Pool builders are now maximizing these offerings, in conjunction with slides and waterfalls, to make resort life available to every homeowner.

 

Eric Gohn is vice-president of sales for Fox Pool Group, including Fox Pool Corp., Pen Fabricators, and Fabcote. He has worked in all aspects of the company over his 21-year career. Gohn is currently responsible for sales of all brands worldwide as well as for marketing and customer service. He can be reached via e-mail at egohn@foxpool.com[11].

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/vinyl-pools-take-on-resort-like-features/

---