Over the past few years, new pool installations have grown exponentially, so much so that many service professionals struggle to keep up with demand for maintenance. To meet this need, retailers report strong success and increased customer loyalty by offering new pool owners the latest in hand-held, battery-operated cordless pool cleaners.

Retailers agree that advancements in automation and technology have made today’s hand-held battery-operated pool cleaners more appealing to homeowners seeking an easier pool or spa maintenance solution. The most successful dealers position these new hand-held battery-operated models as technologically advanced tools for consumers that offer the latest convenience and performance for pool cleaning. Retailers are fostering long-term customer loyalty by highlighting key features, such as long-battery life, spot cleaning and debris-handling capabilities, light-weight ease of operation, as well as specialty cleaners such as leaf vacs. Despite the prevalence of online shopping, many consumers continue seeking specialty retailers who can offer guidance, service, and support for these advanced cleaning systems.

“We have found that pool owners regularly approach our staff and ask about solutions to help keep pools clean without spending countless hours doing maintenance or signing up and paying for a weekly pool cleaning service. As a result, consumers appear to be quite happy to pay for these products, which makes it easy to keep their pool clean,” says Bryan D’Ambro, project manager for Concord Pools and Spas. “We feel it is our job to set up our customers with everything they need for success, and the right kinds of pool cleaners are a key component to ensuring this happens.”

Leading pool retailers recognize the value of initiating conversations about pool maintenance early in the customer journey, especially when showcasing how hand-held, cordless pool cleaners can enhance the overall ownership experience. Today’s consumers increasingly seek technology and want the latest hand-held battery-operated pool cleaners because they offer convenient, automated solutions for pool care.

Capitalize on technology and app connectivity

When selling hand-held battery-operated pool cleaners, it is important to appeal to homeowners seeking convenient pool care. In many cases, price is a secondary concern for customers who prioritize having the latest technology in their homes and backyards. Retailers note that consumers are often willing to invest in high-tech solutions to stay on the cutting edge. Just as they might upgrade to a new smart TV or a smartphone for enhanced features, many pool owners view hand-held battery-powered pool cleaners as a worthwhile convenience. Retailers who tap into this mindset often find it easier to close the sale. Consumers are impressed that today’s hand-held, battery-operated pool cleaners are powerful enough to run for two hours and work great for spot cleaning, but can also clean the entire pool. Being completely cordless also eliminates the frustrations that often come from other types of pool cleaning devices. For those who prefer to save on the expense of a weekly pool cleaning service, a cordless, battery-operated hand-held pool cleaner can provide a perfect solution to keep pools clean.

“The attraction to the use of new technology has become so important for consumers that the price of the pool cleaner often doesn’t even come up in the conversation,” says D’Ambro.

In fact, depending on the market, owning one of these powerful, hand-held pool cleaners can be an attractive alternative to hiring a professional cleaning service, offering homeowners a convenient, cost-effective solution for routine maintenance.

“In our area, consumers are always going to save money by purchasing a pool cleaner over having to pay for a weekly pool cleaning service,” adds D’Ambro.

As a result, hand-held, battery-operated cleaners are often the preferred choice for customers seeking pool cleaning convenience. While cost can be a consideration, retailers report the price tag on these cleaners is rarely the primary or deciding factor for buyers focused on long-term value and ease of use.

Technology builds customer loyalty

Specialty pool retailers understand the importance of helping customers maintain their pools with minimal effort or frustration. Handheld battery-operated pool and spa cleaners support this goal by offering user-friendly technology that simplifies routine maintenance, making it easier to keep the pool or spa clean, inviting, and ready to enjoy.

“We also offer a customer rewards program and often include incentives on our pool cleaners because we know our customers will find it easier and more enjoyable to own their pool,” says D’Ambro.

Some pool companies even encourage customers to share photos of themselves relaxing by the pool with one of these high-tech pool and spa cleaners in the background. This kind of engagement reinforces the value of the purchase, builds brand loyalty, and often leads to repeat business through positive word-of-mouth and ongoing customer satisfaction.

Pool and spa specialty retailers need to initiate conversations about cleaning solutions early in the sales process and to share relatable, real-life examples that illustrate the value of battery-operated cordless cleaners. These stories not only help validate the purchase but can also contribute to long-term customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Pool owners want their backyard ready for use anytime, especially when hosting impromptu guests. They do not want the stress of rushing to clean the pool beforehand. Hand-held battery-operated pool cleaners help ensure the pool stays swim-ready with minimal effort.

“Battery-operated pool cleaners are a very convenient option for spot cleaning steps and corners in a hurry,” says D’Ambro. “Let’s say it’s a Saturday at 11 a.m. and the pool owner has guests coming over at noon, they need a cleaner that can quickly pick up the leaves and smaller sand or debris from the floor and steps of the pool,” says D’Ambro. “This is where cordless pool cleaners come in handy.”

Display the technology

In-store displays are one of the best ways to show a hand-held battery-operated pool cleaner or a robotic pool cleaner in action.

“In our retail stores, we have displays that promote our pool cleaners on display, including a looping video showing the pool cleaners in action,” says D’Ambro. “Consumers are amazed to see what these pool cleaners can do. This helps with the sale.”

Retailers with an in-store display pool should keep cordless, hand-held pool cleaners charged and ready to demonstrate how they work in the display pool. This allows customers a hands-on experience to see how effectively these cleaners navigate around steps and corners and how simple it is to operate, often making a significant difference in closing the sale.

“At one of our locations, we have a large, 16-by-32-ft [4.8-by-9.7-m] pool that is 8 ft [2.4 m] deep, and we show our pool cleaners in the pool, which helps with the sale of these cleaners. In fact, this past April and May, these products have been selling better this year than ever,” says D’Ambro.

Specialty pool and spa retailers should keep robotic and battery-operated cordless pool cleaners, as well as hand-held, smaller spa cleaners, prominently displayed and in stock. Customers become enthusiastic about these products once they understand their features and benefits. Having units readily available on the show floor allows retailers to capitalize on that interest, enabling customers to make an informed purchase and take the product home the same day.

Placing a display of these hand-held cleaners near the water testing station, especially one that includes video demonstrations, is an effective way to introduce the product during a service-focused interaction. These displays are strategically placed because many customers come to the store for water testing when they suspect a chemical imbalance in their pools. However, these issues often stem from inadequate filtration, circulation, or cleaning.

This presents an excellent opportunity to explain how a pool and spa cleaner can improve water clarity and enhance the overall performance of the pool or spa system. By educating customers on the importance of proper circulation and filtration, retailers can steer the conversation toward cleaning solutions, which are often a more effective long-term approach compared to aggressive chemical treatments.

Retailers can use the increasing number of new pool owners by promoting today’s profitable hand-held pool cleaners. Best practices suggest positioning these products as advanced tools that provide cutting-edge automation, offering homeowners a simple and efficient solution for ongoing pool maintenance.

Author

Guy Erlich is the founder and president of Water Tech Corp., a manufacturer of pool and hot tub cleaners in East Brunswick, N.J. He can be reached via email at guy@watertechcorp.com.