In 2018, the swimming pool market in Canada experienced slight growth, which went on to turn into a positive upward trend in the following year.
Despite the economy's struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic, pool builders in Canada experienced a boom - around 38,000 permits for pools were issued between 2020 and 2021.
Thus, if you have decided to open your own business or you’d like to acquire one, we’ll offer you some useful guidance on running your pool maintenance business.
Differentiating Your Pool Business
Given that the nature of your business revolves around building, maintaining, and refurbishing swimming pools, here are three additional services you can offer to your customers.
Install UV lights
Installation of a UV light in pools can help your customers keep the water clean by killing off germs and bacteria.
Add saltwater chlorinators
Saltwater chlorinators convert salt into chlorine, eliminating the need to add and handle chlorine manually. Consequently, your customers will not have to deal with red eyes and itchy skin. You will be providing increased safety to them.
Build other water-based features
The Pool and Hot Tub Council in Canada consist of a list of companies that not only build pools but hot tubs as well. Therefore, it may be wise to venture into the field eventually. However, you can also consider offering to build saunas, swim spas, spa accessories, and gazebos.
Regulations to Abide By
There are different laws for swimming pools that govern the various provinces and cities in Canada. However, there are a couple of things that are unanimous across the entire country. Here is how you can legally set up your business and ensure smooth operations.
Swimming Pool Permit
If your business involves building swimming pools that are above-ground, in-ground, or indoor, then you need to obtain a swimming pool permit. For example, if you are based in Surrey, you will have to fill out the building permit application form.
This is also required for building a hot tub.
Planning and Development Permit
This kind of permit is required to help you build the type of pools that your customers want. You’ll need to email the relevant authority in your city and province for this, such as [email protected] in the town of Surrey.
Focusing on Your Competition
There will naturally be competition in every market. You can conduct research through searching your competitors online, assessing their prices and reviews, and identifying how they market themselves to their customers.
Likewise, you can invest some money into industry reports, keeping up to date with councils, and staying on top of current news related to your industry.
Growing in the Swimming Pool Business
Swimming pool industry trends have revealed that despite technological changes, labor shortages, increasing interest rates, ongoing trade tensions, and various other issues, the number of swimming pool permits registered in the year 2019 grew by 3.8% as compared to the previous year.
In addition, by the month of August 2021, Statistics Canada revealed that 19,306 people applied for pool permits.
This is an indication that there is ample growth in the sector. The executive head of the Pool and Hot Tub Council of Canada, Bill Roberton, has provided additional insight into the swimming pool sector statistics. He said that around 400 members of the council have revealed that they have never witnessed demand like it currently is.
Moreover, the salary potential for swimming pool maintenance is expected to increase by 16% across 5 years.
Facts About the Swimming Pool Industry
The swimming pool industry in Canada took off in the 1950s.
More than 40% of pools nationwide are installed in Quebec
18,820 total applications were submitted for swimming pool permits in 2020.
Innovate Your Marketing Efforts
As a business owner, you will want to make progress in the market. Below are some helpful swimming pool marketing tips you can consider:
1. Partner Up with Supply Stores
You can make a deal with a local supply store that sells tools and accessories for swimming pools and leave your brochures or business cards at their checkout counter. In return, you should also recommend their store to your customers.
2. Get Your Business Enlisted in the Local Directory
Swimming pool market research has revealed that the Pool and Hot Tub Council of Canada is viewed as a trusted source that enlists all reputable swimming pool businesses in the country. This is your chance to establish your business as a trusted one.
Financing Your Swimming Pool Business
Following are three financing options you can use to fund expansion or growth of your swimming pool business.
Selling the Business
Whether you are moving onto a new phase of your life or hoping to explore new opportunities by selling your business, there are a few things you need to consider.
If you want to make substantial money on your sale, you will need to improve profit margins and revenues, as well as have a competitive edge or a unique selling point. This will ensure that you get a fair price for all the hard work you have put into your swimming pool business.
Moreover, it is vital to conduct an accurate valuation of your business. This will not only provide a snapshot of your business’s financial health, but it can also be used as justification for your asking price.