Pricing stability builds trust for pool professionals

By Jesse Sanchez.

Predictable pricing, contractor education and smarter equipment use can help pool professionals strengthen customer relationships and communicate long-term value.

For pool contractors navigating an uncertain market, predictable pricing can be more than a budgeting advantage; it can help build trust with homeowners. In this episode of From the Ground Up™, host Karol Weyman spoke with AquaStar Pool Products President Todd Pieri about pricing stability, homeowner education and the role pool professionals play in helping customers understand the long-term value of their investment.

Pricing uncertainty remains one of the most significant challenges contractors face, particularly when project timelines extend beyond the initial bid. Todd emphasized AquaStar’s approach to creating greater predictability for professionals, saying, “We’re very transparent on making a price increase at the beginning of every year and that is it. And our average price increase over the last five years has been four percent a year.”

That consistency can give contractors greater confidence when preparing bids that may remain open for weeks or months. It also allows professionals to spend more time discussing ownership, equipment performance and long-term value instead of explaining unexpected pricing changes. Todd demonstrated the connection between consistency and customer relationships, explaining, “I think it’s so important for us to create that consistency, to create that partnership which lends itself to trust.”

Education is another important part of that relationship. As homeowners conduct more research before making purchasing decisions, contractors have an opportunity to differentiate themselves by understanding the technology they install and explaining how to operate it effectively.

That includes taking full advantage of variable-speed pump technology. Through AquaStar’s “Run Your Freaking Pump” campaign, the company is encouraging professionals to operate pumps longer at lower speeds rather than treating newer equipment like traditional single-speed pumps. Todd stressed the importance of keeping water circulating, noting, “When we’re moving water, it’s better for the system, it’s healthier for the water, less chemical use and just an overall better environment for the homeowners.”

For pool professionals, the larger opportunity is to combine product knowledge, transparency and consistency into a better customer experience. By helping homeowners understand both the equipment and the long-term responsibilities of pool ownership, contractors can strengthen trust while giving customers greater confidence in their investment.

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about how pricing stability, education and efficient equipment operation can help pool professionals build trust and communicate long-term value!