Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Mon, Aug 30, 2010 @ 07:26 AM
Just the other day I was speaking with a pool customer in the Maryland area who was debating the merits of concrete vs. fiberglass swimming pools. During our discussion, I became disenchanted to hear some of the concerns this gentleman had—not because he had concerns, but the root of the concerns themselves.
You see, this man had talked with a sales person from a major concrete pool builder in Maryland, a company that has been a ‘Top 50 Builder’ and one that has been doing concrete pools for many, many years. And it was during this conversation with their salesman that he was treated to a plethora of inaccurate statements regarding fiberglass pools.
Despite the fact that I was frustrated such a company would elect to take the road of fear-mongering so as to make a sale, I ended up reflecting upon the experience and came up with two realizations:
1. Swimming pool consumers are more informed than they’ve ever been regarding the incredible merits of fiberglass. Despite the efforts of concrete companies like this on in Md. to fight the tide of positive information regarding a gunite/concrete pool alternative, most consumers are now smart enough to know when sales persons and marketing departments are being dishonest. The pool shopper I mentioned above had just begun his research, and therefore was more susceptible to mythology. But in many cases this past year, I’ve spoken with homeowners that were incredibly turned off by this and other companies that are obviously desperate to hold fast to concrete pool superiority in the marketplace.
2. More and more concrete pool companies have now decided to embrace the 21st century. The same holds true for quite a few vinyl companies as well. The economy, because of its tough state, has forced businesses to make decisions that they simply weren’t making just 3 years ago. Whether it has been a massive pool builder like Anthony Sylvan or a mom and pop company in the Midwest, gunite companies are accepting the reality that fiberglass pools are now in high demand due to their many benefits, as shown in this incredibly telling video we just released a few weeks ago.
But as I mentioned at the start of this article, there are still a few holdouts. Despite all the facts and signs of the times, there are still some companies like the Maryland pool builder I mentioned that elect not to embrace the future, but instead hunker-down and do their best to misinform. So as to protect those consumers who truly are looking for the pros and cons of fiberglass pools, I’ve listed here 6 of the most common myths a few gunite pool builders are still using:
1. Fiberglass Pools Don’t Work in Certain Soil Conditions: The Md. customer told me this statement the other day and I laughed. The reason for my amusement was simple: I’ve heard this silly myth used by pool companies literally in every part of the US and Canada. If it was up to certain builders, apparently fiberglass wouldn’t work in any soil condition in the world. As I’ve discussed before in other posts, fiberglass pools are incredible strong, flexible, and even repairable—which makes them perfect for any soil condition.
2. You Don’t Have a Pool Unless It’s Concrete: Yeah, and Henry Ford said you didn’t have a car unless it was a Model-T……Frankly, I’m amazed this is still a line used by sales persons. A note to sales guys, what do you say we embrace the technology of the future and not stifle it??
3. Fiberglass Pools are Ugly: 25 years ago, maybe. Today, well, I’ll let you decide—just take a glance at a few of our photos.
4. Fiberglass Pools Float: Alas…..I can only slap my forehead with this one. First of all, any vessel, be it concrete or vinyl, can float. But when built properly, and maintained with water, this should never happen with a swimming pool—as it has never happened with one of the 600+ fiberglass pools we’ve installed during our time in business—many of which were built on the water, hence River Pools and Spas.
5. Fiberglass Pools aren’t Repairable: Huh??? This statement is a laugh, really. Just talk to a boat guy if you want the ultimate unbiased opinion.
6. Fiberglass Pools only Work in Certain Warmer Climates: Again, totally bogus. The fastest growing pool in Canada is fiberglass.
Well there you have it folks—the top 6 myths concrete pool companies are still using to sway consumers. As I’ve mentioned before in other articles, there isn’t a perfect pool out there. They all have their drawbacks. Fiberglass is limited in its shapes and sizes. Concrete is high in maintenance, chemicals, and long-term costs. Despite their drawbacks though, swimming pool ownership is an amazing experience, especially with all the technology advancements of the 21st century making the process of ownership such a more pleasant one.
But hopefully this article will help some of you that are currently in the process of researching and buying a pool to make the right decision for your situation based on facts, and not on the frivolous and inaccurate statements some will make simply in an effort to get a sale.
As always, happy swimming to everyone (only a month or so left)!
Marcus Sheridan
Posted by Jason Hughes on Mon, Aug 23, 2010 @ 10:08 AM
The process of setting a Deep End Fiberglass Pool is the most critical phase of the construction process. An improper set could result in damage to the pool shell when the weight of the water is placed on the structure.
This video demonstrates 3 critical aspects of setting a Deep End Fiberglass Pool:
1. Proper transition alignment
When the pool is set, it is critical to insure that the breaks in the shallow and deep ends align with the breaks of the excavation. As you will see, this requires carefull placement of the pool as well as inspecting the set from inside the excavated area.
2. Checking for voids under the Fiberglass Pool
It's critical to insure that the entire pool floor rests on the base material....especially along the shallow and deep end breaks. This video shows the process of walking the floor of the pool to insure it is on a solid foundation.
3. The pool must be Level
Any experienced fiberglass pool installer will tell you that it's more difficult to level a transitional, or hopper bottom fiberglass pool, like the one in this video, than a pool with a constant slope. Notwithstanding, it is critical to insure that the pool is level along the shallow and deep end breaks first because they cannot be adjusted, then focus on the shallow and deep ends of the pool. As you'll see, the pool in this video was within 1/2" of level on the first set without any adjustment.....prop's to Leisure, it's a very well built pool.
Hope you enjoy the video!
Comments and questions welcome as aways.
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Thu, Aug 19, 2010 @ 12:13 AM
As just about any pool shopper knows, there is a significant debate raging on in the swimming pool industry:
Concrete Compared to Fiberglass: Which is the Best Swimming Pool?
Understandably, this question merits serious consideration. But the truth is, just about every pool guy is quite biased when it comes to the product they sell. And no matter what any person says, they are almost always leaning one way or another when it comes to what they tend to recommend to customers.
I've mentioned many times that we try not to be 'that guy' here at River Pools---You know, the one that is so blinded by his own products and need to 'make a sale' that he completely loses track of what the customer is really looking for. In reality, the fact is fiberglass pools aren't for everyone. Nor is a concrete or gunite pool the right choice for many consumers. One has size/shape limitations. The other involves significant upkeep, chemicals, and maintenance.
But when comparing the two, the truest way to know the merits of each product is to actually ask a consumer who has owned or currently owns both products. After all, pool owners that have experience with only one type of pool only know things from their one-way perspective. Not that this is by any stretch a bad thing, it just is what it is. But when you take an individual who owns both and ask that person to compare, well then we have a serious analysis at hand.
So without further ado let's finally hear what a customer who owns both products has to say. The following video shows Ken Knull, owner of Yankee Pt marina in Lancaster Virginia. Ken owns a fiberglass pool at his marina. He also owns a concrete pool at his residence. Considering the heavy usage of his fiberglass pool, Ken is the perfect case study of someone who can shed legitimate light and understanding on such a long-standing debate:
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Mon, Aug 09, 2010 @ 09:53 AM
7 Qualities of the Best Fiberglass Pool Builders in America
Although I’ve been living the life of a ‘pool guy’ for about 10 years now, it has been over the last 3 where I’ve really begun to know the industry in and out. Because of this blog, the eBook, and the events I’ve had the opportunity to teach at, my conversations with fiberglass pool builders and consumers all over North America have increased 100-fold. In fact, on a normal day I’m now getting as many emails outside of our installation area (Va/Md) as I am inside.
I do not mention the facts to brag. No, such is not my goal at all. As most of you know, I’m all about teaching. I love learning, giving, and sharing knowledge in all its forms. Being a part of ‘the great discussion’ has satiated this tremendous need I have. Along this path of discussion with so many people, I’ve come to notice certain qualities that every great fiberglass pool builder has. And although most of these qualities are certainly applicable to vinyl and concrete pool builders, I decided to focus on fiberglass for now as it’s a subject that has weighed heavily on my mind for quite some time now.
So without further yapping on my part, I’d like to point out the top 7 qualities of the best fiberglass pool builders in the world today:
1. A Focus on Fiberglass: Although there are a few exceptions to this rule, in general the best fiberglass pool companies only focus on fiberglass. Instead of pretending to be great at more than one type of swimming pool, they focus their thoughts and efforts on becoming great with one thing. As I’ve watched many pool builders throughout the country expand into fiberglass due to consumer demand and the need for diversification in a down economy, I’ve also seen quite a few mistakes by builders who got into the business and simply assumed that installing a fiberglass pool would be a piece of cake. Granted, installing such a pool is not rocket science, but there are certainly many things that can go wrong. This is why a crew that installs fiberglass all the time, and experiences the repetition that comes with said installations, will likely commit fewer errors than a crew that ‘occasionally’ installs fiberglass.
2. Gravel over Sand: If there is anything about this blog that I’m proud of, it’s the fact that it has brought so much attention to the importance of using gravel (small size, roughly 3/8”) as a base and backfill versus the antiquated approach of using sand with fiberglass pools. Even better, most manufacturers have embraced this paradigm because inevitably, even though installations usually end up costing more initially, the pool structure benefits over time. 5 years ago I’d say only about 15% of fiberglass pool builders used gravel as a base and backfill. Today, I’d estimate the number of gravel users to be about 70%--a huge change for sure, and one that will only benefit the industry in the long run. At this point, even the most old-school installers have begun to embrace the common-sense and qualitative approach of gravel utilization.
3. Not Accepting the Status Quo: This goes along with sand versus gravel but it needs to be given attention as well. You see, for years there were a few ‘power-players’ in the fiberglass pool industry that really controlled the industry’s image, consumer awareness, and installation methodologies. But as we all know, the ‘status quo’ is often times NOT a good thing. Today, instead of just accepting things ‘the way Daddy did it’, builders all over the United States and Canada are looking for new ways to innovate, change, and become better at what they do. I think this movement is wonderful and I’m excited to see what it will bring to the industry over the next decade.
4. An Understanding of Product Limitations: This quality applies to all pool builders and what it stems from is the fact that most pool builders are very biased. The ‘liner guy’ thinks everyone should go liner. The ‘concrete guy’ looks down on the ‘other guys’ because ‘unless it’s concrete, it’s not a real pool’. The fiberglass guy tries to pretend their product has no limitations at all…and on and on and on.
The fact is that fiberglass isn’t for everybody. Yes, it does fit the needs of about 85% of the market, but for the person that absolutely has to have a size/shape/depth beyond the scope of fiberglass, then it might not be a great fit. This is why every year I tell every homeowner, quite bluntly, that I might not have a product for them. And do you know what? I’m OK with that…because it’s the truth.
Pool builders need to stop acting like their product is perfect. The concrete guy needs to accept the higher maintenance that comes with their product. The liner guy needs to stop misleading homeowners to believe that the liner will go at least 15+ years before replacement. Fiberglass guys need to accept size limitations.
I have seen a few builders around the country utilize such an honest approach and to them I say Good for You. You are doing a favor to the industry. Your honesty will be rewarded.
5. Hold Manufacturers Accountable: Nobody is perfect. This applies to all pool builders and it certainly applies to fiberglass pool manufacturers. I’ve seen 2 types of builders over the years:
1. The one who thinks their manufacturer is flawless
2. The one who appreciates their manufacturer yet looks for them to improve
As you might imagine, I’m not a fan of the ‘Our Pool Manufacturer is Perfect’ builder. As everyone knows, I’m a huge fan of Leisure Pools. I think their quality and company are tremendous. Notwithstanding, they have their flaws, and I let them know it at times. In fact, I’ve gotten in arguments with the owner, Ashely Gill. Why? Because we both care and are passionate about the industry. And when it comes down to it, we both want the same thing. We want the industry to be better, and we want the pools found therein to be built and installed better. That is our goal and I see us getting closer each and every day.
6. Willing to Fix Mistakes: Ahhh, the tough one. Maybe the hardest thing to do in any business is to fix mistakes that eat up profits. The life of a pool builder is no different. We all make mistakes. In fact, I tell every customer that I by no means can guarantee their job will go perfect, but I can guarantee they’ll recommend us to their friends when it’s all said and done. Such is the true mark of a great company. Are they willing to fix mistakes when it was their fault or do they just tell the homeowner to deal with it?
7. A Focus on Education: As previously mentioned, I love teaching. That’s why I (and my biz partners) write this blog. 90% of the people that come to this website are not even a potential customer of River Pools. But this matters not, as our goal here with this blog and everything we do is to empower pool shoppers through great education. I’ve seen other pool companies around the country begin to jump on this education wagon, which, to say it in the very least, thrills me. So as you go about looking for your pool builder, ask yourself how much time they’ve invested in your education. Are they ‘though leaders’ or focused solely on making more sales? The difference between the two can be quite profound.
Although I’m sure there are other mentionable qualities with merit, I hope these at least help some of you out there that are in the process of researching swimming pools to make the best decision for you and your family. I would also invite the pool contractors/manufacturers out there that have read this to offer your thoughts on the matter. What qualities would you add? Do you agree or disagree with what I’ve written here?
As always, Happy Swimming to everyone.
Marcus Sheridan
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Wed, Jul 28, 2010 @ 01:44 PM
T
his article is the first in a two-part series I’ve done interviewing the winners of the prestigious Masters of Design Award given out by the pool industry’s leading magazine, Pool and Spa News. As you can see from the photo, this 16’x40’ model by Leisure Pools is no ordinary fiberglass pool, and major props to Signature Pools of Chicago Illinois for bringing this project to fruition. If you’re considering the purchase of a fiberglass swimming pool, this article is a prime example of a company doing things in the fiberglass pool industry the right way. Signature’s leading designer, Todd Emmerson, is the voice in the following interview:
Question: The homeowner could have chosen any type of pool for this project, what made them choose fiberglass?
“….. Vinyl was never an option for them because they realized it was a look that wouldn’t match the house as far as quality is concerned and they also realized vinyl wasn’t a good option with all of the trees on the property (twigs falling into the pool and tearing the liner). So it came down to deciding between fiberglass and concrete. Because of easements on the property they couldn’t fit a pool wider than 16’ so they weren’t opposed to the size of fiberglass pools. The client loved some of the pictures on our website and could see that we did quality pools so that helped me get my foot in the door. After we met and I explained the value of a fiberglass pool as being a life-long investment that would never need acid washed or re-plastered, and would also use less chemicals they were convinced. “
Question: Often time consumers worry that rectangles will look plain. Was that a concern here and how were you able to overcome that?
“The home is a very grand and formal home and from a design perspective it just made sense to go with a rectangle. From our first meeting I knew they wanted an auto cover to extend the swimming season and being a heavily wooded lot they wanted to keep as many leaves out of the pool as possible. I knew from seeing the house they would like nice clean lines and that an under guide auto cover was the only option to suggest.
We did three things to overcome the plain looking rectangle pool stigma:
- We used only high quality materials throughout the project including a natural stone deck around the pool.
- We softened up the rectangle look by adding a slight curve to a couple of the retaining walls and small portions of the patio.
- The job also had several different patio elevations with steps coming down from the back of the homes garage area as well as an existing patio off of the rear of the house. The large steps that we designed separating the main pool deck from the lower outdoor living area with the outdoor fireplace also helped make a rectangle pool look spectacular and elegant.”
Question: What was the most difficult element of design with this project?
“Two elements of the design were difficult with this project:
The yard had lots of slope to it and also had a few elements that we couldn’t change. The windows on the walkout basement room were at an elevation where we were forced to lower the patio height in certain areas as to create a beautiful view looking out the lower level house windows. On the far side of the property we needed to raise the pool as much as possible to create proper drainage around the pool. Where these two areas intersect we created the large expansive steps. So the large change in elevation between the two areas was necessary due to the elevation of the property and we were able to design them in a way where the large steps and different elevations added to the overall design. Good design is always going to take into consideration both good engineering and water flow drainage as well as the desire for a beautiful aesthetically looking project. As a designer you need to take into account the challenges of the property and then often times some of the design challenges on a project can be turned around and become a benefit to creating a stunning looking backyard. (Although the challenges can make the design look nicer it typically means higher costs to the client)
The other element of the design that was difficult was working within a heavily wooded lot. We knew we were going to have to lose some trees, but we wanted to save as many as possible to retain the natural looking setting.”
Question: Now that the project is complete, what are some comments you've received from the homeowner? Are they enjoying the pool? Do they like salt? Have they received comments from friends?
“The wife has hosted several events at the house including a large wedding rehearsal dinner as it is a great entertaining area. Her friends commented that they felt like they were at a Four Seasons Resort Swimming Pool. The pool has also been used for an end of school party for the family’s son.
Because of this job I am in the process of designing a pool for a neighbor of our client who has owned a concrete pool for the past 20 years. The neighbor is moving to a new property and would like a pool that requires less maintenance. The neighbor was excited to learn of the benefits of a fiberglass pool and should have her new pool installed this fall. All leads we receive are very valuable, but the most valuable leads we receive are personal referrals from our past clients and I’m sure in the years to come we will receive many other leads because of this job.”
****Watch a video of the project here:
Todd’s Bio:
Todd Emmerson is a nationally recognized pool designer who has been featured in many of today’s top pool design publications. His work has also been featured in advertisement materials for companies such as Leisure Pools, Fiberstars, Garden Prairie Pool Enclosures, Blue Haven Pools, and Composite Pools. Todd’s straight forward and honest sales approach has helped over 300 Chicagoland clients achieve their own signature pool. Todd is a native of Tucson, AZ and currently lives in Geneva, IL with his wife Sara and son Lincoln. (One more child on the way )
Tom’s Bio(owner):
Tom McNelis has been installing fiberglass pools for almost 15 years in the Chicagoland area. As a working owner he has personally installed well over 300 fiberglass pools and has also won a Masters of Design award. Tom lives with his wife and two children in Yorkville, IL. The McNelis family enjoys spending time together in their own signature pool – an Elegance 33 model from Leisure Pools.
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Wed, Jul 21, 2010 @ 11:04 AM
One of the greatest evolutions in the fiberglass swimming pool industry has been a concerted effort from many builders and manufacturers to add customized features to their products. And considering the biggest knock on a fiberglass swimming pool is its lack of customization, such an effort makes quite a bit of sense.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, one of the more ‘en vogue’ swimming pool features homeowners have been looking for is the addition of a tanning ledge/water feature to their poolscape. Because fiberglass pools have width limitations, such a feat is difficult unless the tanning ledge is modular (as offered by Trilogy Pools), or if the tanning ledge is built-in, just as it would be on a concrete pool.
The following video depicts a custom tanning ledge on a Leisure (Riviera Model) fiberglass pool. The tanning ledge is made out of regular concrete and is overlaid with a ceramic tile, specifically Aztec cobalt. Along with the ledge, you’ll also notice 3 bubblers that were built into the structure as well.
So if you are considering a fiberglass pool, and are worried you may not get as many ‘customized’ features as you’d like, make sure to check and see the limitations of your builder, as you may be very surprised just how customized these pools can really be.
Marcus Sheridan
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Thu, Jun 10, 2010 @ 10:50 PM
Although there are certainly quite a few myths out there regarding the drawbacks of fiberglass pools, one of the most amusing has to do with its ability to deal with adverse soil conditions. For example, just the other day, I had a lady ask me this question after she had sat down with a concrete pool salesman.
"So I hear fiberglass pools do not work well with shrink-swell soil conditions. Is that the case?"
At first, I could only smile, as it always amuses me to see the extent some swimming pool ‘experts' will go to introduce fear in the minds of consumers in an effort to push them one way or another.
Common Sense
But my answer to this lady was just like it is to anyone that poses such a question-"What do you think?"
The lady thought for a second and then retorted, "I would think fiberglass would be perfect for such a situation."
I smiled at her answer, knowing that common sense had again won over befuddling sales tactics.
You see, when someone actually considers the well known flex-strength of fiberglass, and then stacks it up against the utter inflexibility of concrete, it becomes quite apparent that fiberglass pools are perfectly ideal for adverse soil conditions-especially shrink-swell.
The Most Adaptive Pool in the World
This rule of thumb also applies to just about any other soil type, whether it is sand, rock, or clay. Simply put, fiberglass pools are incredibly adaptive to their environment and are therefore the most versatile pool in the world when it comes to soil conditions.
Now some reading this blog may say that I'm being biased. But for those of you that read the information found herein on a regular basis, you're already well aware of the fact that the purpose of this blog is to bring to light the good, the bad, and the ugly of all types of swimming pools, with a particular focus on fiberglass.
So even though fiberglass does have its own set of drawbacks (size/shapes limits), please don't let soil types be one of them. In fact, the next time you hear a concrete or vinyl pool sales person use this false analysis you can then be rest assured the individual is either a) pretty clueless regarding swimming pools or b) trying to pull the wool over your eyes.
Until the next time.....as always........ happy swimming.
Marcus Sheridan
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Mon, Jun 07, 2010 @ 11:56 PM
I was at an appointment recently with a customer who asked a question that I've heard so many times before. In the midst of her struggle to justify a swimming pool purchase, this is what she said:
It's a tough call Marcus. We are just not sure if we should take the plunge....I just wonder if a swimming pool worth the money we are going to put into it?
Ahh, the great debate, and one that could easily be argued on both sides. Do you take the plunge or not take the plunge? Just as my 3 year old daughter in this photo, many of you are likely having an internal civil war as we speak on the merits of such a purchase. I empathize with your struggles and hope this discussion brings clarity to your question.
Pool guys are often times extremely biased. Heck, such can be said for anyone trying to sell a product and make a living. And although I'm not necessarily excluded from this group, I do own a pool. I've also assisted over 600 families in Virginia and Maryland in the purchase of a pool. And considering I've had hundreds and hundreds of email and phone discussions regarding the subject with customers around the country who purchased my eBook, I am very opinionated at this point as to the true value of a swimming pool.
So for those of you that are currently asking the question "Is it worth it?", allow me to make a few points for your consideration:
1. Real Estate Value
Despite what you may have heard in the past, YES, an inground swimming pool does increase the value of your home. This is especially true because of modern technology like salt and fiberglass have changed the paradigm that ‘pools are a lot of work'. A few years ago, the National Association of Realtors stated that on average, an inground swimming pool will increase a home's value by 4-6%. Therefore, on a $500,000 home, one could expect to get 20-30k in additional home value with a pool purchase. No, this does not typically cover the entire cost of the pool project, but yes it does certainly make up quite a bit of the difference.
2. The Impact on Children
I love my kids. I love watching them play. Their laughter brings me joy. And our time with them as parents is finite. Now I know some parents out there can't wait for the day when their kids are out of the home, but let me clearly state for the record that I don't fall in this category. Although I know the birdie eventually must fly from its nest and build its own home, I'm not going to push that birdie out. In other words, I'm going to enjoy ever moment of this wonderful gift called parenthood, and I can definitively say that owning a swimming pool adds incredibly to this time period and the joys that come with it.
3. A Family Affair
Children aren't the only ones that benefit from swimming pool ownership. In fact, I have many customers that are grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc-each looking forward to the times they'll share with their family in the backyard in and around the swimming pool. Considering my sister is my neighbor, it has been unbelievable just how much we've grown together as a family since installing our pool five years ago. Basically, the pool is a hub for all of us to play, talk, laugh, and genuinely pass quality time together without the normal distractions of the world.
4. The Community
Although this may not be for everyone, it has brought my family great joy to have youth groups and church activities at our home and swimming pool. Many of these people, because we live in such a rural area, don't have the opportunities to swim in a pool very often. Owning a pool has strengthened our relationships with these great people whom we otherwise would not have gotten to know so well.
5. Creating a ‘Staycation'
I'm sure by now you've heard the new phrase ‘Staycation'. For those of you that haven't, it means to ‘Stay' (at home) and have a ‘vacation'. This word entered the modern vernacular in the early 2000s, and is likely a result of 911 and the fact that more and more people decided to stay home and invest in their backyards instead of going on cruises, traveling, etc. I know many customers that have taken ‘Staycations' at their home since buying a pool and not only have they saved quite a bit of money, but they've also have told me such respites have been surprisingly entertaining and some of the best vacations they've ever shared as a family.
Well I hope these 5 points give those of who are debating the merits of swimming pool ownership a more clear idea of the beauties of such an investment. Although it may sound cliché, money comes in and out of our lives, but the memories we create as family and friends are something that will last forever and simply have no price tag.
As always, happy swimming and I hope everyone is having a great summer thus far.
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Mon, Apr 05, 2010 @ 09:52 AM
Before I get into the meat of this important article regarding Viking Pools and their many current issues, allow me to prelude things with a few thoughts on the direction of this blog, as well as the fiberglass pool industry.
A Comittment on Education
My business partners and I made a commitment about 3 years ago to focus our entire business model on educating others about the swimming pool industry. Along these same lines, we have spent much of our time here discussing the particulars of the fiberglass swimming pool industry, as this is the mainstay of our business.
Along with our basic website, our brand as industry educators for the pool consumer really took off when I wrote my swimming pool eBook, ‘How to Buy a Fiberglass Pool the Right Way, From the Right Company, at the Right Price.' This book was the first of its kind because other than speaking directly at consumers regarding how to buy a fiberglass pool, it also gave my opinions of the various fiberglass pool manufacturers. And because I believe that speaking honestly and frankly is always the best policy when talking to consumers, the eBook raised quite a stir with manufacturers and consumers alike.
The Reactions Begin
But no bigger fuss was made regarding the eBook's contents than
Viking Pools. In fact, you can read how Viking, and their owner Todd Stahl, handled the situation here. As I mentioned in that previous article, many fiberglass pool companies contacted me after the eBook came out to address/discuss their issues with some of the things I had said. With each of the manufacturers, I told them that my ratings regarding their product would be adjusted as they made changes, and I was more than ready to change anything negative into a positive as such improvements occurred.(Note: The eBook discussed their quality control issues and how our company had had so many problems with thin pools. The picture you see here is a cut-out of a Viking/CPC Pool. I'll let you be the judge of its thickness.) This being said, in the 2+ years since the eBook first came out, many manufacturers have made some serious positive strides with their businesses and their products. These actions have lead me to update my thoughts on said manufacturers in the eBook multiple times.
Education Taken to Another Level
About a year after the eBook was released, my business partners and I wanted to educate consumers on an even greater level, and thus this blog was born. And because we have been unfiltered in our efforts to point out the good, the bad, and the ugly in the swimming pool industry, the traffic and growth of this blog have been nothing short of phenomenal. During this time, we have taken active stances on such subjects as:
And as we have written in-depth articles regarding these subjects, as well as established a mountain of video on such matters, more and more fiberglass pool builders and manufacturers have made strides to produce the absolute best products, as well as build the best pools, in the world.
Now do we at River Pools take credit for this movement? No, of course not, but we do take great satisfaction in knowing that there are many fiberglass pool manufacturers, as well as builders, that want nothing but the best for this industry. In fact, with such a quality/workmanship focus in the industry, I can honestly say there has never been a better time to be a fiberglass pool consumer, with many great builders and manufacturers to choose from.
Resisting Positive Change
Unfortunately though, not all manufacturers have jumped on this self-improvement train that so many have decided to ride in the industry. Sadly, while so many other companies are elevating the industry, Viking Pools continues, in my opinion, to stick to old and antiquated manufacturing technologies and business practices. For example, Viking Pools has,:
- Stated they would not warranty pools that are backfilled with gravel
- Attempted to trick consumers into thinking they were River Pools (See Viking's shocking websites here, here, and here) (Of course, I'm sure they won't have the guts to leave these sites up once this article is published and consumers realize what type of business they are)
- Continued to utilize, in my opinion, the worst colored finish in the fiberglass pool industry
- Produced, in my opinion, the Poorest Quality Shells of any Fiberglass Pool Manufacturer (see photos)
And although I'd love to discuss all of these issues with the important readers of this blog, I want to instead focus my thoughts at this time on their unbelievable insistency on using ‘Crystite' as their colored pool finish as well as their poorly constructed pool shells.
More Gimmicks
I was quite disturbed this week when I saw that 
Viking had come out with a ‘New and Improved' warranty on the finish of their pools. Frankly, earlier this year I thought that Viking was actually going to drop their flawed Crystite in favor of the colored finishes that most other forward-thinking manufacturers have adopted these last few years. But instead of dropping this antiquated product that's so well known for its off-colored repairs(picture to the right shows a good repair) and other issues, they took a finish that had a 7-year warranty (3 years full) and turned it into a 20 year warranty. Yep, 20 years. Except they have yet to show the actual written warranty on their website, with the prorated portions of the warranty as well as the loads of disclaimers that come with it. I can only ask myself if such an action is a means of counteracting the negative press they've received since their bankruptcy announcement late in 2009.
Now don't get me wrong here my fellow readers. I am all for manufacturers of pools elevating their standards. In fact, anybody that regularly reads this blog understands that it was to this end that we created the blog in the first place. But what I have no tolerance for, as I've mentioned in other articles, are gimmicks that are meant to semantically trick consumers into thinking they are getting something they really are not. This is bad business and it only hurts the industry.
But what also hurts the industry even more than Viking's colored finishes is their general shell construction. Based on personal experiences that I've had, as well as the photos and emails that I receive on a weekly basis from consumers all over North America, it is my opinion that Viking makes the thinnest shells in the fiberglass pool industry. In fact, I've received a rash of photos and concerns from homeowners and pool builders alike recently regarding their fiberglass-starved shells. And this thinness (fiberglass pools should be at LEAST ¼" thick, the one shown in these photos are almost exactly 1/8" ), as shown clearly in these photos, has lead to a serious case of cracked Viking Pools across the country (again, see photos).
Where do They Go From Here?
Although I have no faith that they'll actually do it, I'd suggest to
Viking that they stop with the gimmicks, stop with the efforts to falsely portray themselves as River Pools (or whomever else they may have a beef with), and start producing a pool with a finish that isn't terribly flawed and as thin as the work-order it was written up on. Believe it or not, at one time Viking was a pretty decent company. They did do many things to elevate the fiberglass pool industry. But sadly, those days are gone.
So for you, the consumer, allow me to again stress the positives of the fiberglass pool industry. Please understand that there are many great manufacturers out there producing quality pools that will last a lifetime in your backyard without maintenance or repair issues while providing years of joy and happiness for you and your family. But because this blog is looked upon by so many as the consumer advocate of the fiberglass pool industry, I felt it was finally time to shed further light upon this unfortunate subject. Hopefully though, my next article regarding this company will have a more positive subject matter.
If you have any questions regarding Viking Pools or other manufacturers, please don't hesitate to leave them below. As always, we thank you for stopping by and suggest you enter your email in the upper right hand portion of this page for further articles and updates on the swimming pool industry.
Marcus Sheridan
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Thu, Apr 01, 2010 @ 09:39 AM
Having been in this business for almost 10 years now, it's absolutely unbelievable just how much the inground swimming pool market has changed during this time. This trend was made even more evident to me when I recently sat down with a customer in Baltimore Maryland, who, by all intents and purposes, was a self-taught fiber glass pool expert.
For the sake of privacy, I'll refer to the lady as ‘Renee' in this article.
Intense Research
For many months now, Renee has been scouring the internet doing research on swimming pools. Recently, when her and her husband finally decided it was time to actually have a pool installed, they focused even further on what type of pool to choose and with whom they wanted to entrust their backyard. And with such an outstanding amount of research, Renee knew that a fiberglass pool would clearly be her choice for this important investment. And what brought her to this conclusion? Well she thoroughly understood her goals for this swimming pool project would be as follows:
- A pool that would last forever without big expenses down the road
- As little maintenance as possible
- A visual enhancement to her backyard that would be consistent with her home's aesthetics
And because she was looking for a small to medium size, Renee understood overwhelmingly that fiber glass was going to be her choice. At that point, it was just a matter of choosing the right manufacturer and the right builder.
More Consumer Tools
In the past, most consumers didn't necessarily know how to research fiberglass pool manufacturers as well as builders. But today, with more and more educational consumer blogs popping up all over the internet, as well as a significant amount of pool/spa forums designed to promote conversation on the product, consumers are now light years ahead of where they were just a few years ago.
In the past, I would meet with a homeowner and spend most of my time teaching them the differences between Vinyl, Fiberglass, and Concrete Pools. Now, instead of teaching, I'm listening to them tell me what they want, why they want it, and how they want it to be done. And let me tell you, this type of informed consumer really, really gets me excited.
For example, my friend Renee not only knew she wanted a
fiberglass pool, but she also knew that she wanted it to be backfilled with gravel, not sand. (In fact, she finds it hilarious that some slower-minded individuals in the pool industry still subscribe to a sand base and backfill). Renee was quite aware of the differences in pool color finishes, materials, and patio options. And finally, Renee was well cognoscente of what manufacturers have shown financial stability, as well as the ones that have experienced financial disaster due to poor business models and management practices.
Seeing the Big Picture
All this being said, Renee was really the exact type of customer I get excited to work with when it comes to a swimming pool project-informed, able to see the big picture, and concerned enough to do all the necessary leg work(research).
But getting back to my original point, the experience with Renee was perfectly analogous to the great movement that is happening within the swimming pool industry. No longer do consumers simply base their decisions on initial price, what their neighbor has, or what their parents had growing up. Yep, today's swimming pool consumer chooses their own path through diligent research and an understanding of the good, the bad, and the ugly of all their possible choices. And by so doing, they are able to, just as Renee did, make a decision that will bring them joy and happiness for many years to come.
Marcus Sheridan, PoolSchool