Sizzling summer lifts sales of area residential pools

A crew from Hawaiian Pool Builders in Maumee works on a residential pool in Maumee. Company president Mike Kerr says residential pool sales are up 50 percent overall from last year. THE BLADE/DAVE ZAPOTOSKY Enlarge | Photo Reprints

Sizzling temperatures - and a better grip on personal finances among local residents - have helped increase sales for many Toledo-area pool businesses this summer.

While commercial pool sales this summer are suffering at Hawaiian Pool Builders in Maumee, residential pool sales are up 50 percent overall from last year, said Mike Kerr, president.

Vinyl-liner pools, which start in the low $20,000 range, remain the most popular among the three in-ground pool construction types offered at Hawaiian Pool, Mr. Kerr said. Gunite, or concrete, pools are the most expensive, starting in the low $30,000 range, he said.

"I've had more leads this year than I've had all year last year," he said.

At D&R Pool Sales LLC in Toledo, sales of above-ground pools have doubled from last year, although most customers are going for lower-end models, said Ron Wetzel, owner.

Packages for 15-foot pools start at $1,699 at D&R, and the combination of hot weather and the decision to stay close to home because of the continuing tough economy has helped residential pool sales, Mr. Wetzel said. Last summer, average temperatures were so cool swimming was not a priority, he said. "People didn't even open their pools."

Sales of pool supplies at D&R this year are up 30 percent, in part because people have opened their pools and in part because warmer weather requires more chemicals to properly balance levels, Mr. Wetzel said. Bursts of rainfall such as those this summer require more chemicals, too, to head off algae, he said.

Among other local in-ground pool businesses, Perfect 10 Pools in Temperance, Blue Dolphin Fiberglass Pools LLC in Oregon, and Landmark Home Leisure in Maumee all have had an increase in business this year.

"Business is fantastic right now," said Ryan Toneff, owner of Blue Dolphin, who estimated sales are up 10 percent. "We've had some good, warm weather."

Economic troubles made last year one of the worst for Perfect 10 Pools, but sales are up 30 percent this year, and other customers are making plans for next year, said Becky Poupard, co-owner.

And typically pool sales cool after July Fourth no matter what economic and weather conditions are like, but not this year, said Chad Hunt, partner at Landmark.

Not all pool builders have had blazing sales, though.

Sales are at or perhaps below average at Personal Touch Pools & Spas LLC in Toledo, at least partially because road construction made it difficult for customers to get to the business, said William Toepfer, owner.

After 51 years in the business, meanwhile, Mr. Toepfer said it is a myth that hot weather helps pool sales. Most of Personal Touch's sales are made from April through June, he said.

"The hotter it gets, the less pools you sell," he said.

Contact Julie M. McKinnon at:

jmckinnon@theblade.com

or 419-724-6087.