We’ve all encountered that co-worker, relative or neighbor who just can’t seem to have a good swim season. They frequently complain about how much time and money they spend trying to achieve what should be a very simple goal; a refreshingly beautiful, clean pool to entertain, or simply relax beside. This is the fear that every prospective new pool owner must overcome before taking the proverbial plunge. Here are five things to look for so you don’t end up being “that guy” who regrets ever breaking ground.
REPUTATION:
It goes without saying that hiring a pool company with a long track record is better than hiring one without, but it goes much deeper than simply how long a company has been in business. Plenty of companies manage to stay in business year after year with a lot of advertising and a revolving door of new customers. It is the reputation a company builds over time that matters, there is no short cut, and it does not happen by accident. It is the most honest metric that one could consult. A company that values its reputation is one that will be all-hands-on-deck to make sure their customers remains ready and willing to brag about their products and quality of service they enjoy.
DESIGN:
Believe it or not, much of what determines how much time and effort will be required to maintain a pool is built into the design of the pool. I often discover while helping retail customers solve a maintenance issue that the pool was originally built to minimize the selling price at the expense of annual maintenance costs. It cannot be overstated that the filtration system (which includes the number of skimmers and main drains, the size of the plumbing, as well as the size and efficiency of the pump and filter and their distance from the pool) are the governing factors impacting how much time and effort it will take to keep your pool running. Make sure that the upgraded lighting system you are being offered at below market value is not coming at the expense of the basic systems that save time, effort and money.
SERVICE DEPARTMENT:
A promise of service after the sale is only as good as the person designated to provide it. Make sure your contractor employs qualified personnel to provide the on-the-spot service you will want in the coming years. If a builder sends the same people who built your pool to perform service, it could be a red flag. Don’t hesitate to ask about the service department prior to signing a contract, and enquire about their years of experience and levels of expertise.
It is not too much to ask. Any pool company that is serious about building a long term customer base will understand how important the role of the qualified service tech is to their customers’ long term satisfaction. Providing these things are not cheap or easy but ensures you won’t end up wondering where you went wrong, which is precisely why you should demand them.
RETAIL SERVICE:
Not all pool companies even offer a retail location, much less one that offers expert diagnosis and help. But such a service plays an integral part in providing long term satisfaction with a swimming pool. Retail requires a year around commitment to training, specialty product research, inventory, and most importantly, a professional staff.
A professional retail staff has a depth of understanding of the issues that plague pool owners. Rather than a quick sale, their focus is providing expert service and insight to every customer that walks through the door. In contrast to many retail outlets who take in money and help load out product, a retail expert can answer your questions, and even more importantly, know how to ASK the right questions. That is when you can you be assured you are not wasting time and money on the wrong part or product.
Finally, a swimming pool store should feature the kind of quality products that we all understand offer a better value than their big box counterparts. You will probably spend a little more on a quality product. But in the end, you will likely spend less and have a much easier time with quicker result.
COMPANY PHILOSOPHY:
At the end of the day, regardless of any other factor, there is nothing more important than a company philosophy that sets customer satisfaction as the top priority. Such a commitment to the customer can only come from the top and is communicated down the chain, to every level of the business. This is the hidden glue without which little else matters.
When you have found the pool company that meets or exceeds these five standards you will know you have found a home for all of your pool care needs.
Provided by Pro Pools
