Say "NO" To Free Pool Design

Pool design has changed dramatically over the last decade. In the past, builders either did a hand drawing or used a series of stencils to quickly come up with a pool design concept.

It’s only been within the last decade that pool companies felt the need to begin incorporating free designs into their sales process. In years past this had become a common practice.

Builders created advertisements with tag lines like “Get a FREE Design” to attract homeowners, hoping to sell them a pool and gave the designs away for free.

One thing that the pandemic has done is reignite an interest in swimming pools the likes of which has never been seen. The days of having to go that route and give away a valuable service like design are behind us. Builders no longer have to do that to entice homeowners. These days everyone and their mother-in-law wants a pool. It’s time to start saying no to free design.

A decade ago using 3D design presentations was considered a differentiator. Over the past 10 years that perception has changed. These days the majority of large pool companies incorporate some aspect of 3D design as part of their sales process. Homeowners have come to expect a 3D rendering and their tolerance for quality is quite high given the status of the technology available today.

Even when using cutting edge technology like Pool Studio, a design could take anywhere from hours to even days or weeks to complete depending on how elaborate the design plan is.

Accommodating every single prospect that could conceivably want a pool this season with a 3D design was impossible says Cameron Rhodes, co-owner of Southern Poolscapes. “We’ve gotten away from doing free designs a while ago. Honestly, with the amount of folks that want an inground pool right now, you really don’t need to be doing that anymore.”

There is a growing consensus in the pool industry to do away with free designs. Many feel giving designs away for free commoditizes and devalues the creativity and labor involved. The price tag associated with allowing that to continue during this climate when pools are practically selling themselves is unfathomable. If you are still offering free designs, you should probably stop.

Read the entire article on Pool Magazine