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Cleaning up with pool cleaners
In-floor cleaning systems may not be for every pool owner, but once the benefits are explained, they can provide a pristine product for the top end of the market, and a handy sale for the builder. Image: Pool-Water Products
By Veda Dante
O
nce, telescopic poles, leaf scoops and harsh pool brushes were the only tools at homeowners’ disposal to clean out the near-endless supply of leaves, debris and insects that accumulated in their swimming pools. Part of the handover kit, they solely relied on elbow grease and took way too long to do the job. After automatic pool cleaners were introduced to the market, we marvelled at the mechanical creatures creeping along the pool floor as they cleaned our pools for us. Inspired by customer demand, technological advances led to the manufacture of the more sophisticated robotic pool cleaner, which helped grow the pool cleaning category substantially. While pool shops stock a variety of makes and models, 38
SPLASH!
October/November 2023
selling pool cleaners requires particular sales tactics to really make the products fly off the shelves. “The market for pool cleaners is constantly growing, driven by new technologies offering different methods of keeping the swimming pool clean,” says Pentair marketing manager Peter Kolomyjec. Before prescribing a pool cleaner, Kolomyjec says there are seven key factors that first need to be established. 1. Type of pool One of the best ways to start a conversation about pool cleaners is to ask about the size and type of pool the owner has. This may range from a small aboveground one to a massive in-ground concrete or fibreglass pool. You will also need to consider the pool finishing, which may include