In 2024, the Australian pool industry continues to thrive with thousands of pool shops and pool service companies spread across the country. These businesses are primarily hardworking individuals striving to make an honest living while providing essential services to their local communities. So, why is Enviroswim addressing this topic, and why does it seem like they’re taking a critical stance?
The motivation behind this blog post lies in the fact that Enviroswim has faced challenges from a subset of pool shops and pool technicians. These challenges often stem from a lack of understanding about the Enviroswim system or concerns about a highly effective alternative that can reduce costs for end-users, enhance water safety and quality, and simplify maintenance compared to the products they currently offer.
So, what’s the situation in the pool industry in 2024 that prompts this discussion?
Many pool shops and technicians have traditionally relied on generating recurring income through the sale of pool chemicals. If you take a look around your local area, you’ll likely find numerous such businesses. Their financial stability hinges on the sale of these chemicals, which often contribute to the need for additional products due to inefficiencies in pool systems, with variable-speed pumps being a prime example.
It’s essential to highlight the practice of free water testing offered by most pool shops. If you bring in a water sample for testing, you may receive recommendations for various chemicals and solutions, often at considerable cost. To gain insight into the disparities in recommendations, you can divide a single pool water sample into three parts and have them tested at three different pool shops. You may be surprised by the significant variations in the readings and suggested products. This inconsistency raises concerns about which recommendation is accurate.
In Australia, we have regulations requiring licenses for pet ownership, such as keeping a dog at home. However, there are no requirements for licenses or qualifications when providing advice on handling highly dangerous pool chemicals and addressing issues that can seriously impact the health of you and your family. This raises questions about the need for qualifications, accountability, licensing, and the tracking of pool chemical sales.
As for Enviroswim, they take exception to the false information propagated by some pool shops and technicians. Enviroswim often hears from customers and potential customers who are misinformed about their system. They are wrongly told that Enviroswim is just another pool ioniser, that it’s illegal, that it doesn’t work in hot climates, or that it requires continuous 24-hour operation – all urban myths born out of ignorance or fear.
Enviroswim aims to dispel these myths and assure that installing their system will substantially reduce pool operating costs related to energy and chemicals, cut down maintenance time, and enhance the swimming experience. The company has been around for over two decades, with sales growing consistently. However, it has faced challenges in promoting its system in an industry heavily reliant on recurring income from chemical sales, a model that Enviroswim disrupts.
Enviroswim has received support from both Australian State and Federal Governments and is the only Australian company to secure NSF 50 accreditation in the USA for an alternative pool sanitisers. This recognition is seen as a significant milestone, as NSF 50 is often considered a prerequisite for installing pool sanitisers in commercial pools in the USA. Enviroswim has also exceeded the efficacy requirements set by the Australian Government in water sanitisation testing.
The pool industry is undergoing rapid transformations, with today’s customers becoming increasingly knowledgeable and turning to online resources for verification and reviews. In recent years, prominent pool equipment manufacturers have ventured into introducing so-called “green” pool sanitation products in response to the growing demand for energy-efficient systems. However, these products often amount to rebranded older technologies bundled with costly marketing strategies, aimed at encouraging regular purchases of chemicals. A notable example of this trend can be seen in mineral pools, which essentially function as saltwater chlorinators with elevated pricing for the salt component. This approach serves as an astute means for these companies to boost their revenue while greenwashing the concept of saltwater chlorination. If you delve into the ownership of 100% of these mineral pool systems, you may be surprised to discover that they are often associated with the same entities that operate your local franchised pool shops.
Looking ahead, we anticipate significant changes in the pool maintenance industry in the coming years, driven by various factors. One noteworthy development is the entry of “big box” stores like Bunnings into the market, offering pool equipment and chemicals at lower prices than traditional pool shops. This shift is likely to impact the survival of traditional pool shops.
Enviroswim’s growth, after a slow start, is primarily attributed to satisfied customers who share their positive experiences with friends and family. Enviroswim offers a comprehensive solution for pool owners, delivering safe and exceptional swimming water while significantly reducing energy and maintenance costs compared to its competitors.
In conclusion, while there are numerous professional pool shops and service companies operating in the industry, it’s important for consumers to be aware of those that may not provide accurate information or promote the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions. The pool industry is changing, and informed consumers are better equipped than ever to make choices that prioritise both their well-being and the environment.