The right pool equipment will make top-notch maintenance easy, but so, too, will the right cleaners, parts, and filter cartridges. Replacement cartridges are especially important to get right, because cleaning them should be as simple as removing, rinsing, and replacing. So, let’s delve into the importance of finding the right replacement cartridge, why they should make cleaning easy, and how extending the cleaning cycle can lead to happier customers. 

With the integration of Pleatco©, a long-standing pool brand, into the Pentair Pool umbrella, you now have two trusted brands partnering to bring products like the Pleatco Ultra™ Pool Replacement Cartridge to the market. These innovative replacement cartridges are designed to fit in filters from most major pool brands and manufacturers, offering versatility and convenience like never before. This minimizes the need for pool professionals to stock multiple brands of replacement filters, simplifying inventory management and reducing costs. In short, you can save time and money stocking Pleatco Ultra cartridges that can meet the varied equipment set-ups of your customers. 

Not all replacement filters are created equal. The Pleatco Ultra cartridge, the only replacement cartridge with three technologies built-in, stands out for its filtration capabilities and durability. Crafted with point-bonded fabric, these cartridges effectively capture dirt and debris, and PurePleat™ helps prevent bunching and makes rinsing a breeze. Plus, its Free Flow Core creates maximum space for water to reach more of the fabric faster, reducing operating pressures on the system. It’s designed to make your job easier, and it’s an excellent option to consider as you’re selecting replacement cartridges for your customers. 

Though some customers are simply looking for a cheaper solution, quality can pay for itself. Lower-quality alternatives may require more frequent cleanings, which means pool owners spend more time waiting for a pro like you to come out and less time swimming, splashing, and having fun. By introducing them to the right filter cartridge, you can ensure your customers are satisfied enough to provide repeat business, share positive reviews, and make referrals. They’ll love the cleaner, clearer water, so it’s an easy boost for your business.  

But the benefits of carrying quality filters in your arsenal don’t end there! When a customer calls in for a filter cleaning at their pool, you don’t have time to waste as you’re going about your service route. Cleaning is a breeze with the right replacement cartridge, meaning you can get to the next pool faster. For your customers, that means less time in the backyard with you and more time swimming! 

Choosing the right replacement filter cartridges for your service offering can give you extended times between cleanings, opening up your busy service schedule to satisfy more customers. By leveraging the latest technology and innovations in pool filtration, you can also elevate the standard of service you provide. 

Leslie’s AccuBlue Home® Delivers First 10-Point At-Home Pool and Spa Water Testing Solution to Ensure a Safe 2024 Swim Season

PHOENIX, March 26, 2024 – Clear-looking pool water is mistakenly assumed to be safe for swimming, according to a recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll and commissioned by Leslie’s, the leading and most trusted consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry.

According to the poll, 71% of those surveyed believe that clear water is clean and safe for swimming. However, even clear water can contain contaminants that pose a danger to swimmers, and pool owners shouldn’t assume a pool is safe just because the water is clear.

The news arrives as Leslie’s launches its water safety education campaign for the 2024 swim season. Leslie’s is spreading awareness of the three primary tenets of pool safety: maintaining healthy and safe water, securing the pool area, and participating in swimming lessons and water safety education.

“As we head into the 2024 swim season, our aim is to help educate pool owners on the tenets of pool safety. Among those tenets is maintaining healthy water, and we make it easy for pool owners to test and treat their water, creating a safe environment for all,” said Clay Spann, SVP of Merchandising at Leslie’s.

“We aren’t surprised by these survey results, as there are many misconceptions related to pool water chemistry,” Spann said. “The only way to really know if pool water is clean, healthy, and safe for swimming is to check if the water is properly balanced and sanitized. To be certain of this, owners must regularly test the pool water’s chemistry makeup and precisely measure 10 different components, including pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, metals, phosphates, sanitizer levels, and more.”

The Leslie’s/Harris Poll survey also revealed that 71% of Americans who are responsible for maintaining a pool say keeping water safe is complicated, a misperception Leslie’s aims to correct with its AccuBlue® and AccuBlue Home® testing and treatment solutions.

Leslie’s makes water testing simple with its industry-leading AccuBlue technology — the only pool and spa water test that covers all 10 water chemistry components. In just 60 seconds, this free, in-store water test delivers a hardcopy printout with a water quality score and step-by-step customized water treatment plan to help keep pool water balanced. Pool and spa owners have relied upon this professional-grade testing over the past six decades, with more than 50 million tests conducted by Leslie’s store teams.

The same survey revealed that 81% of Americans who maintain their own pools wish there was a home technology solution for comprehensive 10-point pool water testing.

Last May, Leslie’s made water testing even easier and more convenient when the company launched its AccuBlue Home® membership program, which offers the same leading in-store testing technology, engineered into a compact at-home device. The AccuBlue Home testing device connects to the Leslie’s app to deliver a water quality score and customized water treatment plan to the user’s mobile phone or tablet.

Since its launch, AccuBlue Home has been embraced by pool owners, who value its convenience and accuracy. The membership program has earned a nearly five-star rating in member reviews with comments echoing exactly what it is designed to do: “takes all the guesswork out of testing your pool water” and “this little machine does everything the one in the store does.”

AccuBlue Home: How It Works
The technology is sophisticated, but the process is simple.

Users simply insert a pool water sample into the water test disk and place it into the AccuBlue Home testing device. They then open Leslie’s app on their mobile device to start the test, and AccuBlue Home does the rest. Light wavelengths pass through the water sample to precisely measure the water’s chemistry makeup, and the app delivers the water test quality score and a step-by-step customized treatment plan in just 60 seconds. The app enables pool and spa owners to order home delivery of chemicals needed to execute the water treatment plan.

An AccuBlue Home membership costs $50 a month, which includes the home testing device for free, as well as $50 in Leslie’s credits each month for purchases online, in app, or in stores. AccuBlue Home members can use their monthly credit to purchase any products from Leslie’s, including sanitizers and balancing chemicals, as well as floats, games, and other accessories to make the most out of pool days.

Marianne Trusty, president of Pool Magazine, said, “We’ve long recognized the importance of comprehensive 10-point testing for healthy and safe water and to maintain the longevity of pool equipment. Leslie’s has always been a leader, and it’s remarkable that they have driven their in-store technology into such a sleek device and an easy-to-use approach for pool and hot tub water testing.”

Virtual Pool Water Assistant
The AccuBlue Home device, measuring just 4.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall, is small, stylish, and self-contained, resembling a virtual assistant device — in this case, a virtual pool water assistant. It incorporates photometric testing technology with optical sensors, as well as a centrifuge, replaceable test disks, and more.

Click here to learn more about AccuBlue Home, the first at-home pool and spa water testing solution that covers 10 crucial water chemistry components with a membership program that pays for itself. 

About Leslie’s 
Founded in 1963, Leslie’s is the largest and most trusted direct-to-consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry. The Company serves the aftermarket needs of residential and professional consumers with an extensive and largely exclusive assortment of essential pool and spa care products. The Company operates an integrated ecosystem of more than 1,000 physical locations and a robust digital platform, enabling consumers to engage with Leslie’s whenever, wherever, and however they prefer to shop. Its dedicated team of associates, pool and spa care experts, and experienced service technicians are passionate about empowering Leslie’s consumers with the knowledge, products, and solutions necessary to confidently maintain and enjoy their pools and spas.

For more information about Leslie’s, visit lesliespool.com or follow and engage with us: @lesliespoolcare on Instagram, Leslie’s on Facebook, and @lesliespoolcare on Twitter.

Survey Method:
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Leslie’s from March 5-7, 2024, among 2,087 adults ages 18 and older, among whom 314 are maintaining a pool. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.

Media: Mardi Larson, Amendola for Leslie’s, [email protected], 612.384.4383

SOURCE Leslie’s, Inc.

The pool industry has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability, thriving through economic shifts and changes in consumer behavior. As we look towards 2024, several indicators suggest that this sector will sustain its profitability and experience significant growth. This optimism is rooted in evolving consumer lifestyles, technological advancements, and the increasing role of e-commerce in the pool product marketplace. This article delves into the multifaceted reasons behind the enduring profitability of the pool industry, especially from the perspective of a pool product e-commerce brand.

The ongoing interest in home improvement and outdoor living, coupled with advances in pool technology, positions the pool industry on a promising trajectory. As an e-commerce brand in this space, understanding these dynamics is crucial for tapping into emerging opportunities and catering to consumers’ evolving needs. This exploration will highlight the key factors contributing to the industry’s success and offer insights into how businesses can leverage these trends for continued profitability in 2024.

Continued Demand for Home Improvement and Leisure

The shift towards spending more time at home has significantly impacted consumer priorities, with many seeking to enhance their living spaces for comfort and leisure. This trend has directly benefited the pool industry as homeowners look to create personal oases in their backyards. The desire for a private retreat conducive to relaxation and family time has spurred a surge in pool installations and upgrades. As pools become central to home entertainment and leisure, the demand for related products and accessories continues to grow, offering a steady revenue stream for e-commerce brands.

Furthermore, the emphasis on outdoor living spaces has never been stronger. Consumers are investing in comprehensive outdoor environments, including pools, spas, and sophisticated landscaping. Expanding beyond the pool into a complete outdoor living experience opens new product development and sales avenues. From stylish pool furniture to advanced cleaning systems, e-commerce brands have many opportunities to meet this demand.

Advancements in Pool Technology and Sustainability

Innovation in pool technology transforms how pools are built, maintained, and enjoyed. Innovative pool systems, which allow homeowners to monitor and control their pools via smartphone apps, are gaining popularity for their convenience and efficiency. These technologies enhance the user experience and promote sustainability through energy-efficient pumps, heating systems, and automated cleaning robots. As environmental concerns become a priority for consumers, eco-friendly pool solutions are a significant selling point.

E-commerce brands are at the forefront of offering these advanced, sustainable pool products. Their ability to quickly adapt to and distribute new technologies gives them a competitive edge. By emphasizing these innovations’ long-term cost savings and environmental benefits, pool product e-commerce platforms can attract eco-conscious consumers looking to invest in sustainable leisure solutions.

The Growth of E-commerce in the Pool Industry

E-commerce has revolutionized the pool industry, making accessing a wide range of pool products and accessories easier for consumers. Online shopping offers unparalleled convenience, allowing customers to research, compare, and purchase products with just a few clicks. For e-commerce brands, this shift has opened up new markets and customer segments. By leveraging digital marketing and online sales platforms, these companies can reach a broader audience, including those in regions where traditional pool supply stores are scarce.

E-commerce also enables brands to offer more competitive pricing and a broader selection of products than brick-and-mortar stores. This accessibility is a critical driver in the industry’s growth, as consumers seek the best deals and the latest online products. As e-commerce grows, pool product brands that optimize their online presence and customer experience will be well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

The Rising Popularity of Staycations

The concept of staycations, or vacationing at home, has become increasingly popular, further boosting the pool industry. With more people choosing to spend their leisure time and vacation budgets enhancing their home environments, pools have become a focal point for creating a resort-like experience in one’s backyard. This trend encourages new pool installations and supports the market for pool accessories, luxury features, and outdoor furnishings that enhance the staycation experience.

For e-commerce brands, the staycation trend represents an opportunity to market pools and related products as essential components of the ultimate home vacation. By offering bundled packages, seasonal promotions, and ideas for creating the perfect backyard getaway, these brands can engage customers looking to invest in their staycation capabilities.

A combination of consumer trends, technological advancements, and the expanding role of e-commerce underpins the pool industry’s trajectory toward continued profitability in 2024. As homeowners increasingly seek to enhance their living spaces with pools and outdoor amenities, the demand for innovative, sustainable pool products grows. With their ability to offer a wide selection of items and cater to the convenience-driven shopper, E-commerce platforms are uniquely positioned to thrive in this environment.

Looking ahead, the pool industry’s potential is boundless, with opportunities for growth and innovation at every turn. For e-commerce brands within this space, staying attuned to consumer preferences, embracing technological advancements, and maximizing the reach and efficiency of online sales channels will be critical strategies for capitalizing on the industry’s enduring profitability. As we move into 2024, the pool industry stands as a beacon of resilience, poised to meet the evolving desires of homeowners and leisure seekers alike with creativity and innovation.

In the spirit of innovation and commitment to customer satisfaction, Pool Goods emerged as a testament to our dedication to meeting and exceeding the needs of pool and spa owners. Recognizing a gap in our service offerings, we transitioned from focusing on in-person services to creating an expansive online platform that caters to a national audience. Launched in January 2022, Pool Goods represents our evolution from a local service provider to a premier online destination for high-quality pool and spa products. Our journey, inspired by our clients’ inquiries and our passion for the aquatic lifestyle, now enables us to deliver an extensive array of products directly to your doorstep, ensuring that every backyard can transform into a perfect oasis.

Behind Pool Goods stand Stuart, Jake, and Zach—three cousins whose lifelong friendship and shared enthusiasm for pools and spas have fueled the company’s success. With a blend of unique talents and a unified vision, we have crafted a brand deeply rooted in family values and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Our mission extends beyond selling products; it’s about providing a holistic shopping experience that supports our customers through every step of their pool and spa journey. From essential maintenance supplies to the latest in pool technology, Pool Goods is dedicated to offering only the best, ensuring your pool or spa is not just a feature of your home but a centerpiece of your family’s joy and relaxation.