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  Justin Gregoli June 9, 2009 at 9:25pm

  Over the years I have noticed something that has not been realized.
  We, the retailer, the builders, the suppliers etc are the catalyst for the "staycation" concept, not the economy or 9/11. As long as marketing has existed it has driven the direction of the consumers end decision. What is said is believed. If we, as an industry, want the customer to buy our products or services then we need to make that decision for the consumer and push the concept.
  Without getting political, during the last election all we heard was how bad the economy is and we are nearing the tragedy of the great depression. Then it was said it is all the banking industry's fault then it was the auto industry's. We all now know that none of that is exactly true, but all that talk took it's toll on each of those industries, and ours as a side effect. The point is, if you can convince the consumer then it must be true, to them anyway, and they will react to what they believe.
  Justin Gregoli
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  Tom Lilly June 3, 2009 at 10:45am

  I agree, this trend has been growing and building momentum for a long time. It falls to us to package, promote and provide solutions to this market. Selling the same old thing, to referrals from our same old customers is not going to work anymore. It is time to rethink our product mix in light of the staycationers.
  
  When I look at the cumulative impact of the post 9/11 world with the economic collapse I see a world that will be looking to get back to the basics. Fear of terriorists attacking us or our infrastructure is fueling families to stay together and close to home. Worries about the value of our homes and our financial security is making the few families with money think very carefully about where they spend it. Finally technology and incentive have merged to create an attractive market for Green products.
  
  What does all this mean to the pool industry? That opportunities are already appearing to fill the gap. Unfortunately much of our industry is suffering from a bad case of "Who moved my cheeze?" and is so busy covering their losses that they have forgotten how to drum up new business. My question to the builders and installers of the pool industry is; when was the last time someone called you to ask for a product they did not know existed?
  
  This trend is one of the driving reasons I took the insane leap of faith and launched Cool Blue Oasis; a company that manufactures and distributes features and equipment to build the backyard waterparks. I am committed to helping builders develop zero-depth (and pool based) backyard waterparks. These packages appeal to a HUGE untapped market of families that match the pool buying demographic in every way, but are not buying pools. A large percent of these families can be converted into customers if they are informed of the availability of water play that meets their needs.
  
  Research shows that the top reasons these staycationers are not buying pools include:
  1. Time involved in maintenance
  2. Cost required for maintenance
  3. Safety
  4. Zoning or space issues
  
  Each of these issues are satisfied by the zero-depth design. Builders can then strengthen their offerings by including high efficency hydrolics, earth friendly sanitation, rainwater collection, solar heat & power and other complemantary products. Who is better positioned to popularize and profit from solar thermal and solar power sales to homeowners than swimming pool professionals?
  
  I have committed my time and resources to insure the success of any pool professionals and who agree that the emerging backyard waterpark market as the opportunity we have been looking for to recover lost sales.
  
  Tom Lilly