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Are we as an industry at war with HGTV?

Posted by David Bauer on November 11, 2008 at 7:01am in Business Growth, Expansion, and Current Opportunit
I know it seems melodramatic, but follow me here.....I have to admit, I’m a fan of that network. It might be due to me being in the “house flipping” business a few years back, but most of the shows seem to have good industry insight and ideas.It seems like with most of the shows on HGTV, I get loads of negative spin on the pool industry. On shows like Hidden Potential, House Hunters, My First Place, My House is Worth What?, and Property Virgins it seems like they relate a swimming pool as "bad for families" and "can't have that with the kids". On the shows House Hunters and My House is Worth What?, not only is there negative spin about pools, the hosts and real estate experts seem to enforce what a bad decision building a pool is, how having a pool can detract future buyers, how it is bad for families, and how it will negatively impact your overall home investment.Of course HGTV is just an example, there are several other media outlets spewing negative information and misinformation about swimming pools. Are we as a pool industry doing anything to combat this negative image? Isn’t there a way for the pool industry to invest in a show (maybe on HGTV, they get good ratings) that highlights the best features and attributes of having a pool….how they are great for families, the vacation in your backyard, etc. This would have far greater impact than advertising would at bringing our message, ideas and product to the masses.It seems like we’re standing on the sidelines while we’re getting trashed here. We need to get more proactive.Thoughts?

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  • Merry Wise January 7, 2009 at 12:49am
    I watch these shows a lot and have seen a couple of episodes where they rebuilt backyards and included pools with positive coverage, the we do need "the pool show" on HGTV for sure. In one area where we build, The Woodlands, Texas, I know for a fact there is a huge demand for pools wiht the houses and they add to the value, but this type of message never seems to get proper exposure on TV. I watch HGTV all the time and I think it has a lot of influence, particularly on the way women view and choose our products, and make no mistake about it, if mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy, so this is an issue.

    Monique Nelson said:
    David, like you I am a huge fan of HGTV. I love just about everything about home improvement, investment, decorating, etc. I have definitely noticed that pools are receiving a bad reputation for the most part, and I agree with you that it is entirely unnecessary. I realize that these shows are put on by the "experts" and they do raise some substantial points. For example, if a pool doesn't have a fence, safety cover or alarm system, it may be dangerous for children. Rather than discounting the pool altogether, it should be encouraged to make the pool area safer by adding one of these devices. Pools are also becoming targets for conservationists: they have a substantial effect on our resources, such as water and energy. However, again, there are ways to negate or at least lessen these effects. Use a liquid solar pool cover, for example; or set up a solar energy system, which could benefit your whole house and its marketability.
    I also agree that the biggest threat is that such shows will turn off a homeowner from a pool without ever letting the pool industry a say. I know it has been said that the pool industry needs its own show, but what I really think needs to happen is that more Pool Manufacturers and Product Manufacturers need to approach these shows and offer alternate solutions. Easier said than done, I am sure, but we have to start somewhere. I think Justin Gregoli is on the right track.
    Jeff Kayden mentioned that Hollywood has simply abandoned the pool industry and, for the most part, I cannot think of any movies that prominently feature pools; however, reality television has certainly picked up the slack. Aside from HGTV, shows such as Big Brother, America's Next Top Model, Beauty and the Geek and many others always have pools. To some extent the pool industry can benefit from that: viewers see beautiful “real” people lounging in a pool and want to own one themselves. However, it would certainly be a boon to many individual companies and products if the maintenance and products used were mentioned—not that I imagine that to happen any time soon.
    As I watch television I will keep this post in the back of my mind and if I notice any improvements or room for suggestion, I will be sure to let you all know.
  • Justin Gregoli December 6, 2008 at 7:31am
    I agree with Keith. Grassroots is the most bang for the buck. The only point I would make is that we, as an industry, really need to ban together and get with one of these channels and to create a pool and spa specific show that would run on a weekly basis simmilar to any show they currently offer. In this method we are not looking for a singular business or product promotion but an industry promotion. This could be done the same as any of the shows on the channel(s) now, be it bathroom renovations, man caves, Blog cabin (DIY network), This old house (DIY network), Renovation nation (Planet green) etc. A regular host with visits to a variety of locations discussing construction, renovation, Green aspects, chemistry concerns, therapy and fitness, family enjoyment and togetherness and all the ins and outs of owning our pools and spas in a positive light. I think the key to making it successful would be to avoid the obvious self promotion and push industry promotion (lifestyle promotion).
    Justin
  • Keith Van Tilburg December 5, 2008 at 10:02pm
    San Juan also did Extreme Make over. for the TATE FAMILY episode.
    Built entire pool by hand and back filled by hand and wheel barrel.
    Donated the pool.
    Got 30 seconds or less attention and we were not allowed to show our logo name or any identification.
    The home builder got all the company footage.
    We enjoyed the experience but gained only the ability to say we did it.
    since that project San Juan has done 3 complete therapy pools for veterans on our own and have received much more exposer and helped our fallen soldiers at the same time.

    Maybe as an industry thats a better route to take to gain more positive pool attention.

    Keith Van Tilburg said:
    David Bauer said:
    For some reason it won't let me reply to your post, Keith.
    Reply by Keith Van Tilburg on December 3, 2008 at 4:19pm



    I remember a few years ago Pacific (Latham Plastics) did a pool constuction project on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on ABC. The job was in the Los Angeles area. One of our contractors ran the job. They basically built the entire pool in three or four days. I think it was an 18x36 rectangle.

    I don't know how much it cost for them to glance over the installers' t-shirts with the camera for the 15-20 seconds they featured the pool, but I'm sure it was expensive. I know Sears is the major contributor for that series, I can only imagine what kind of coin they throw at ABC.....yikes!
  • Keith Van Tilburg December 5, 2008 at 10:01pm
    David Bauer said:
    For some reason it won't let me reply to your post, Keith.
    Reply by Keith Van Tilburg on December 3, 2008 at 4:19pm



    I remember a few years ago Pacific (Latham Plastics) did a pool constuction project on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on ABC. The job was in the Los Angeles area. One of our contractors ran the job. They basically built the entire pool in three or four days. I think it was an 18x36 rectangle.

    I don't know how much it cost for them to glance over the installers' t-shirts with the camera for the 15-20 seconds they featured the pool, but I'm sure it was expensive. I know Sears is the major contributor for that series, I can only imagine what kind of coin they throw at ABC.....yikes!
  • David Bauer December 5, 2008 at 2:52pm
    For some reason it won't let me reply to your post, Keith.
    Reply by Keith Van Tilburg on December 3, 2008 at 4:19pm



    I remember a few years ago Pacific (Latham Plastics) did a pool constuction project on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on ABC. The job was in the Los Angeles area. One of our contractors ran the job. They basically built the entire pool in three or four days. I think it was an 18x36 rectangle.

    I don't know how much it cost for them to glance over the installers' t-shirts with the camera for the 15-20 seconds they featured the pool, but I'm sure it was expensive. I know Sears is the major contributor for that series, I can only imagine what kind of coin they throw at ABC.....yikes!
  • Keith Van Tilburg December 3, 2008 at 2:19pm
    Interesting Idea.
    HGTV calls San Juan Contently!
    They want a free pool donated of course and want a company to do all the work on their time line.
    They also want to charge the donating company between 20 and $40,000 for the 4 min or less segment.
    My guess is this is to expensive for the average pool company. I am sure many pool companies have turned them down.
    With out a pool representative to promote on these shows they will always go the opposite side.

    As an industry it may be a great idea to look into this and they may actually have a better package with bigger exposure.
    How ever they wont want to do it with out the cash the free pool and labor to put on their show.

    Nick it is still worth looking into... Check and see what kind of deal they can put together. You never know!
  • Monique Nelson December 2, 2008 at 3:31pm
    David, like you I am a huge fan of HGTV. I love just about everything about home improvement, investment, decorating, etc. I have definitely noticed that pools are receiving a bad reputation for the most part, and I agree with you that it is entirely unnecessary. I realize that these shows are put on by the "experts" and they do raise some substantial points. For example, if a pool doesn't have a fence, safety cover or alarm system, it may be dangerous for children. Rather than discounting the pool altogether, it should be encouraged to make the pool area safer by adding one of these devices. Pools are also becoming targets for conservationists: they have a substantial effect on our resources, such as water and energy. However, again, there are ways to negate or at least lessen these effects. Use a liquid solar pool cover, for example; or set up a solar energy system, which could benefit your whole house and its marketability.
    I also agree that the biggest threat is that such shows will turn off a homeowner from a pool without ever letting the pool industry a say. I know it has been said that the pool industry needs its own show, but what I really think needs to happen is that more Pool Manufacturers and Product Manufacturers need to approach these shows and offer alternate solutions. Easier said than done, I am sure, but we have to start somewhere. I think Justin Gregoli is on the right track.
    Jeff Kayden mentioned that Hollywood has simply abandoned the pool industry and, for the most part, I cannot think of any movies that prominently feature pools; however, reality television has certainly picked up the slack. Aside from HGTV, shows such as Big Brother, America's Next Top Model, Beauty and the Geek and many others always have pools. To some extent the pool industry can benefit from that: viewers see beautiful “real” people lounging in a pool and want to own one themselves. However, it would certainly be a boon to many individual companies and products if the maintenance and products used were mentioned—not that I imagine that to happen any time soon.
    As I watch television I will keep this post in the back of my mind and if I notice any improvements or room for suggestion, I will be sure to let you all know.
  • Mark Slaby November 19, 2008 at 8:51am
    You are right! Every day, everyone needs to remind the public that TODAY's pool is not what they are used to seeing. We've come a long way baby.
  • Justin Gregoli November 15, 2008 at 9:27am
    I agree with all of you and agree that we should be doing more to educate the consumer and our competetors about the true value of pools, spas or anything that holds water for that matter. With that said, like the old addage goes, if you want it done correctly than do it yourself. For years in this industry I hear complaining about what other industries are doing or how our industry is lacking to do what is needed, even though both statemants are true, what are each of us doing to change the industry for the better? I for one agree that our industry gets a bad rap and I also agree that it can be changed. Besides the mentioned television channels there is also a great channel that is not mentioned here, that is "Planet Green". For the last month or so I have been investigated the most effecient method to contact them with an idea for a show on the "GREENING" of swimming pools, spas and ponds. The problem seems to be that for them to listen I need to have an agent representing my idea to them. If anyone has a suggestion I would sure listen and try to move the idea forward. Getting our products on television in a positive light would do wonders for our industry as a whole. If I recall there is a movie about RV's starring Robin Williams oddly called "RV", we need a movie called "POOL" starring Adam Sandler and people will flock to your stores. If we all took a true stand and put the efforts in we could achieve amazing things together.
    • James Kantorowicz > Justin Gregoli December 2, 2008 at 4:09pm
      Justin,

      There is definitely no shortage of eco based shows out there. I get at least 3 calls a week by associate producers, producers and studio representatives wanting to film a segment on our alternative pool heaters. What is boils down to, is, MONEY for an example today December 2nd 2008 I was contacted by an associate producer for Heart Beat America, a cable show hosted by William Schattner forgive me if I misspelled his name. Anyways for a 30 minute segment they charge a production cost fee of $16,000.00
      Cable shows will be your friend but you have to be willing to pay for it.

      As for the swimming pools and hollywood the last movie I can remember having a swimming pool that I'll never forget is National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.

      As for getting our products on TV and for free I have been very successful in this area but it takes patience and perseverance. The local news stations are hungry for green-energy conservation ideas or anything that can reduce the energy bill and 99.9 % of the stations grab a story if its " Local" keep that in mind if you are a manufacture. Feel free to contact me if you would like to know more on how to do this.
This reply was deleted.

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