Question: what's the one thing the pool and spa industry needs to do better to help its members make it through an economic downturn? - viewpoints

"We must put a lot more emphasis on advertising the benefits of putting a pool in your backyard. We need to tell people that the dollars spent on a pool saves them huge amounts of money over its lifetime. It even saves them on having to travel to various types of recreation. When you have Eden in your backyard, you don't have to go searching for it. People's biggest concerns are the initial cost and maintenance. The industry needs to move toward systems that reduce the level of maintenance. At the same time, we must show consumers the value over time--that you spend less money on pool service every month than you do putting gas in your car."

Stan Clayton, Owner
Aqua-Pool Center
San Diego

"Everyone ought to be a little more consistent on their pricing. You have some folks who charge so little it's unreal, and some who charge so much it's pathetic. I'm a very fair pool builder, yet I get people who come in three grand below me. That's below my cost. I don't see how they do it because we all use the same [subcontractors]. We ought to be able to find a happy medium. That way, more people would get business."

Jim Medlin, Owner
Jim Medlin's Custom Pooh
Phoenix

"We need a campaign to reinforce the pleasures of owning a pool or spa. That's what we're missing as an industry--excitement. RVs and things like that are chewing at our market. We must let people know how much fun they can have in their backyards. We need to talk about relationship-building in the family. We can start by throwing out a question: `Are you happy with the way your family is?' Just from the people coming in here, we know that for couples who have a spa, the more time they spend in it, the better their marriage is. They spend that time talking, plus they're in a nice environment."

Robert Nielsen, Sales Manager
Twin Dolphin Pool & Spa
Aquatech
Boise, Idaho

"It all comes down to a person's ability to drum up sales. You've got to have good marketing skills and a good reputation in the industry. The best way to help yourself is to keep looking good and make sure you do good work."

Kelly Naron,
Maintenance Manager
Geiger Pools & Spas
Portland, Ore.

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