Pool & Spa equipment Hot Deals; Don't Dive in Shallow Water

Before Buying Your Next Hot Deal On-Line, Read This!

Where can you get a really hot deal on pool and spa products? Maybe eBay, Craigslist or what seems to be a reputable on-line resource with a really nice website? Perhaps, but sometimes it helps to understand some of the risk before diving into what may be shallow water. 

Just today, we had a customer upset with us because of a delay with installing his new equipment. His frustration came because in his opinion he opted last week to use our local company over one he could have purchased on-line "cheaper" for a new salt system. He felt it would have been faster using our company. Under normal conditions, he would have been right. But, when we received the salt system from our distributor, we noticed the serial number was from 2008! We knew, because of our experience and expertise on the product, there had been numerous updates to correct minor glitches over the years. With that knowledge, we chose to refuse the system and ordered another one with a newer serial number. Once we explained the problem and why we chose to delay the installation, he was appreciative.

What would have happened had he decided to not use us? The likelihood of another company dumping older product is pretty high and no one, not even he would have noticed until the first problem. Then, he would have been left trying to figure out on his own, because unlike us, no one would have cared enough or even bothered to make sure he was getting the most current revision and serial number of his new product.  

We share this true story with you so you might have the ammunition you need in advance to make sure you are getting what you pay for. The best analogy would be for us to show you how deep the water is before you dive in. In doing so, you can take the time to hold the company you are purchasing from with their feet to the fire. Before making that next really hot deal purchase, remember the following:

What is the Warranty

Verify with the manufacturer what the warranty will be for your Internet purchase and contrast that with what warranty you can get from a local company. Local companies will always list what the warranty is for your new product on their estimate and they will stand behind it, even if the manufacturer may not. 

When was it Manufactured

Try to get the company you are purchasing from to promise, with a take back guarantee the product you will get is recently manufactured, within 1-2 years is fine. Anything beyond that and you may be losing out on important changes or upgrades to the equipment that have since been implemented on the newer products. Do not accept the line that the manufacturer will stand behind the warranty no matter how old it is. They likely will, but those little headaches and issues that you may experience with older manufactured equipment are NOT warrantied.

Who will Install it and Service it

Have the company you are purchasing from provide you a list of KNOWN reputable, licensed and trained service companies in your area that will work on your new equipment or install it. More and more service companies are refusing to work on or install equipment that has not been purchased from them. They are more focused on their loyal customers and keeping them happy with their service and have less time for someone else's customers. You may get a great deal, but if you can't get it serviced, the deal is a dud.

 

Know it All's, CAN Know it All; How to be an Expert Installer

What manufacturer or warranty center has not heard this, "I have been doing this for (insert number) years, I know what I'm doing?" This common refrain is usually followed by a very expensive repair or replacement of a brand new piece of equipment which' you guessed it, was installed incorrectly. Whether a surgeon, pilot, mechanic or pool and spa technician, procedures change.

 

Imagine what has changed in our field over the last 20 years. Such things like Virginia Graeme Baker Act, Energy requirements and combustion efficiencies, codes and standards to name few have transformed manufacturing, products, installation requirements and forced massive investments from all spectrum's of our industry in training. If we resist acceptance of the new, opting instead for the way we've always done it, we sell ourselves short. The result of our unwillingness to adapt, keep current, or read up on manuals or relevant books for our profession are at the least, easily avoidable mistakes. Our mistakes then reflect poorly on us, our profession and industry.  

 

Many of us pride ourselves as being experts in our trade and when we don't stay current, we set ourselves up for failure. Our facade of knowing it all can damage equipment or worse and more tragic, injure or kill someone. Such events are detrimental for our industry and prevents us from policing ourselves when government steps in to make corrections we should have made ourselves. We also impose more cost when our mistakes force manufactures to spend more money trying to support us, damage customer confidence in the pool & spa industry products and services and exposes us to liabilities that can cripple our businesses through higher insurance cost, legislation and higher prices for products. Its amazing how ten minutes to read a manual, 2 hours to attend a class or one day to get hands on training can have such an impact when we negate our willingness to do things right. 

 

It seems futile to ask highly skilled, seasoned professionals to read the manual before installing equipment, but we must.

 

Complacency is a disease that permeates all industries and must be acknowledged, countered and avoided. Here are a few tips to keep up to date on installation procedures, avoid unnecessary repairs and ensuring products are installed it is designed to operate, run efficiently, properly and safely:  

1. Always review and have new equipment installation manuals with us during installations. 
2. We must understand Manufacturers improve products, procedures and processes regularly and we need to know what changes have been made. 
3. Always refer to the installation manual when installing new equipment.
4. Use a checklist for installations and make sure we use it. This assures nothing is overlooked. Even the simplest of step can have dire effects on the efficiency and safe operation of the equipment. 
5. If we don't have a checklist, refer to the installation manual and extrapolate information to formulate a checklist to use for every installation performed. Keep it current.
6. Use tools, resources and other experts in our field to answer questions we have related to the equipment installation, use and maintenance. 
7. If we can't answer the question WHY, you don't know how.
8. Err on the side of caution when performing installations and do not assume what we are doing it the right way, know it. 
9. Just because it fits, doesn't make it right. 
10. Verify, check and double check our work, all the steps on the checklist are complete and all the specifications required are met before operating the new equipment.

Being a highly efficient, well trained, seasoned installer does not mean we know it all and even if we did, what we know often changes. We should keep current, review manuals and follow instructions as they are written or risk our credibility, customer confidence in products and keep egg off our face. Let's avoid mistakes with a little preparation before an equipment installation.

 

With the manual in hand, rather than us proclaiming how many years we've been doing what we do, we can say, "I did it by the book." This is the new and only way to be a true know it all. 

 

 

 

Carl Stiggins, Dale's Gas, Pool, Spa & Backyard Leisure Sales Manager, carl@dalesgas.com

 

Ugly Pool, Give it a Makeover

 

Our backyard pool area is supposed to be an inviting, relaxing and safe place to gather for family and friends. We want it to look pleasing to the eye, clean and welcoming. But, what happens when our pool area becomes the opposite? We can close our curtains or blinds, avoid looking at it like the plague, or maybe, we can do something about it.

With very little money, you can vastly improve your pool and deck area. A little creativity, a little elbow grease, or hiring a company to do it all for you will do wonders. Here are a few things you can do to make your area like new.

1. Pressure wash your textured deck to remove mildew and small unsightly stains. If its in your budget, you could hire someone to paint it. If you have pavers, try pressure washing and sealing to bring back that Tuscan luster.

2. If you have a screen, clean the cage and panels. Replace worn, brittle and damaged screen panels. They get dry, brittle and unsightly after a couple years so a little TLC makes all the difference.

3. Have planters or plants that are dated, overgrown or just seem tired? Try replacing them with newer ones. If you have planters, remove the plants, put rocks in the beds and use urns or planters so you can move them anytime you want.

4. For a little nighttime wow, try LED color changing lights. Not only will they save you money because they use a fraction of the power standard lights do, but it will completely transform your evening by the pool experience into a tropical glow and feel beyond your wildest imagination. Be prepared to spend a little extra on the lights but they are well worth it.

5. Refinish your pool. This is biggest investment, but you will get a new luster, be able to change the whole backyard with a new color and make your pool look brand new. No new pool smell here. A free estimate is always a great way to feel out if your budget will fit this idea. Get a couple and make sure they leave a color sample you can put in the water during the day and nighttime to see if it fits your design and style.

6. Add a Fire pit, grill or outdoor kitchen to add ambiance, functionality and beauty. You will also be able enjoy your backyard year round. There many styles, designs and options available, so I recommend taking your time and finding the right fit for your new entertainment and gathering area. Prices can vary greatly so don't be discouraged by price. You can get what you are looking for inexpensively and if you are looking for something to last with more options, you can invest a little more the get exactly what you want.


With a few inexpensive changes to your backyard to can renew your love of your pool area, open your curtains and welcome friends and family to enjoy your new area. Always consult a licensed professional before taking on a big project to protect you homes second largest investment and your wallet. Happy remodel!

 

 

Carl Stiggins, Dale's Gas Pool, Spa & Backyard Leisure Sales, carl@dalesgas.com

 

Pool, Spa & Backyard Leisure blog by Dale's Gas : A Swimming Pool in Florida; Why?!

Pool, Spa & Backyard Leisure blog by Dale's Gas : A Swimming Pool in Florida; Why?!:   Florida is renowned for endless miles of beaches, sunshine, vacation hotspots and night life worldwide. Residents and tourist alik...

A Swimming Pool in Florida; Why?!

 

Florida is renowned for endless miles of beaches, sunshine, vacation hotspots and night life worldwide. Residents and tourist alike flock to any one of a myriad of beaches each year to soak up the sun, swim in the oceans and revel in the natural beauty that is Florida. With such an abundance of free, natural recreation at nearly every major hub in Florida, it would be easy to believe there would be no need for residents to build a pool in their own backyard. With paradise knocking on nearly every Floridian’s doorstep, why on earth would anyone bother having one?

Truth is Florida has over 1,000,000 pools and counting. That accounts for nearly 2/3^rd of all homes in Florida with a pool in the backyard.  It seems counterintuitive why anyone in Florida would want a swimming pool? In fact, a pool is one of the best lifestyle improvements a home owner can make. Here are just a few good reasons having a pool is a great decision for any home, lifestyle or purpose:

1.       Convenient for recreation like water polo, volleyball, basketball or other creative fun that can be thought up on a whim.

2.       Exercise privately anytime you want in your own backyard

3.       Water therapy for improved mobility, recovery from surgery or to help heal sports or work injuries.

4.       Sport conditioning through water resistance training, cardio and improved dexterity.

5.       More Family fun with parties, get together’s and back yard, poolside BBQ’s.

6.       Entertain clients, friends and associates with an evening poolside gathering

7.       Home Improvement that can add ambiance, flare and beauty to your landscape and backyard leisure

8.       Relaxing Focal Point to relax and enjoy the soothing sounds, lights and view from your own back yard or patio.

9.       Increase value of home

Most people can look at the short list here and add their own reason for having a swimming pool in their backyard. The motivation, reason and purpose, while different for each individual pool owner still boils down to one simple, unequivocal fact; a swimming pool improves lifestyle. What once was a status symbol of the elite rich and famous are now so affordable to most anyone, not owning a pool in Florida is in of itself now a negative social symbol. The reasons to own a swimming pool are endless and Floridians know as well as anyone it’s easier to come up with a reason to have a swimming pool than to not.

 

Price vs. Price-Value, How Local Business beats the Internet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are many options for you to find the best price for pool and spa products. Like you, many of today’s savvy shoppers, much to the chagrin of small Mom & Pop shops, use the internet to get pricing for products. You may then get bids from local companies to compare what you feel is the fair price for what you found online, only to be sticker shocked by the 10%-40% price difference. But, are you getting a fair price-value comparison?

If price were the only consideration, then apples to apples numbers comparisons would be fair. Reasonable merchants would agree there is nothing inherently negative for you to find and get the best price while reaping the savings. And while ecommerce can and does deliver on cheaper prices, they do not do so on product service, after the sale, product or warranty support. An even bigger challenge for ecommerce is isolating possible compatibility issues associated with new equipment being installed with older equipment. They depend on you, the lay consumer to give them accurate product and firmware specific information.

 

This shifts the responsibility from the internet company to you. If things go awry and they do, you end up owning a piece of equipment you either can’t use or having to spend thousands more to upgrade your other equipment that otherwise may have been fine if the correct product was requested in the first place. The good news is price oriented purchase limitations and challenges are easily avoided.

 

As small local businesses vying for your support, we must take the time to explain what the true value and advantages of local companies are and what they deliver every day for customers just like you. Doing so will then empower you as the consumer to decide which makes better business and personal sense,  price only or price-value purchases.

 

Local companies can and do deliver exceptional service, value priced products and are typically experts at what they do. What then, if local companies provide quality, service and price-value products is the hook that internet companies have over local businesses that’s so appealing to the price oriented shopper?

To use an analogy, fast food is cheap because service is limited to a cashier, paper wrapped food and some seats. They use a low overhead, cheap labor, mass volume, no frills business model. Ecommerce is the equivalent of the fast food phenomenon. They have low overhead, use unskilled, cheap labor, and their investment is limited to some cubicles and a fancy website. While this is a great way to save on overhead cost and maximize profits, at the end of the day, their lack of frills can and does make the internet risky for purchasing high end pool and spa products. What the internet can’t provide is everything else pool and spa owners like yourself need; local support. How do local companies do it? Here is just a sample of what local businesses do to get you the service you deserve.

 

• Hire and keep highly specialized, experienced, trained technicians

• Purchase and maintain dependable, professional service vehicles

• Hire internal support staff to answer calls, scheduling, billing and customer service.

• Invest in a seasoned, dedicated Technical  Service Manager to coordinate field service

• Invest in a professional sales manager to drive customer centric sales support initiatives

• Invests in $10,000 to $50,000 in inventory supporting timely service and repairs.

• Commits $5,000-$20,000 per year in new product training for all staff.

• Invest in field service technology, tools and instruments to provide advanced equipment diagnostics.

• Earn, maintain and pay for required training and licenses.

• Pay local taxes, contribute to the local economy and support local causes.

• Go to the job site and meet you in person to ensure the right product is selected.

• Develops, maintains and nurtures relationships with distribution channels, manufacturing representation and other local resources to provide seamless support.

• Join professional peer groups to maintain current on all trends and industry specific issues.

• Can answer most any product question, resolve any product issue and support any product needs you may have.

• Experts on which products have challenges, those products other customers are happy with   and are equipped and experienced in answering questions related to product reliability and   sustainability.

• Since local companies sell, install and service their own products, they want only the most reliable, least problematic attached to their name and are not beholden to any manufacturer to push products they do not want to support.

• Can offer extended, more comprehensive warranties that internet companies cannot for peace of mind.

• Most importantly, you can see the person you are talking to and shake their hand when the job is complete. Personal is better!

 

When searching for a product, understanding the difference of price-value and price alone will help you make a better, more informed purchase. Ultimately, you are the boss of your backyard and make the choice best for you. Whether you choose the internet or a local company is not about the product, it’s really about the value you get for your next pool and spa equipment purchase. Fast food is good, not great. Only after you eat it, will you will really know how well you can digest the savings.

 

Carl Stiggins is the Sales and New Business Initiatives Manager for Dale’s Gas Appliance Repair, Inc. and has held many positions within the Pool, Spa and Outdoor Leisure industries.