With so many people shopping online these days, there’s a lot of speculation on what online pool store is best. This question frequently comes up in regard to pool chemicals. With that, the best advice anyone can give you is caveat emptor. Buyer beware.
At Goodall Pools & Spas, our in-person retail helps us stay in line with the best practices of pool chemical sales. Meanwhile, lots of consumers are drawn to online pool supplies because of their low prices. However, if you see online vendors advertising reduced prices on pool chemicals, approach them with caution.
Here, we offer our thoughts on how buying pool supplies (specifically chemicals) from an online pool store compare to buying from a seasoned pool dealer like Goodall Pools & Spas.
Product Quality from an Online Pool Store
It’s important to remember that online shopping comes with the risk of trading quality for convenience. This is particularly true when it comes to online pool supplies.
We touched on this topic in our blog, Why Some Pool Chemicals Cost More Than Others. Too often, certain chemical producers try to maximize profits by seducing consumers with “value-sized” or “discount” chemicals. In actuality, these chemicals are merely diluted versions of a more substantial product.
This can lead to customers pouring excessive amounts of the chemical into the pool in an effort to stabilize the water. When this happens, swimmers are at risk for skin and eye irritation. The pool itself also faces premature deterioration if this usage becomes a habit.
This is where you need to be especially careful with an online pool store. If you see those words suggesting more of the product for less money, you very well may not be getting the strength you need.
Product Quality from an Experienced Pool Dealer
Dealing with a reputable dealer like Goodall Pools & Spas, which has been in business for over 60 years, keeps bad actors in check. By purchasing BioGuard pool chemicals from us, you will get the full-strength stuff. This means you will not need to apply as much volume per swim. That translates to you, ultimately, spending less money on chemicals and any pool issues that may arise from using an inferior product.
Customer Service from an Online Pool Store
You need to apply an extra level of shrewdness when dealing with an online store. If you have a problem with a product you purchase, how likely is it that you’ll be routed to someone with specialized knowledge? Not very. The best you can usually accomplish is talking to a customer service representative for that platform who’s more familiar with the sales and returns processes as opposed to the products themselves.
Let’s remember, pool usage is a public health matter. The chemicals you put into your pool have a direct impact on its users’ physical wellbeing. That being the case, you want to communicate with someone who knows what they’re talking about when it comes to pool supplies.
Customer Service from an Experienced Pool Dealer
The staff at Goodall Pools & Spas spends every day interacting with customers and the merchandise firsthand. In fact, we’ve built so many of the very pools our customers in Central Pennsylvania are trying to preserve. That gives us a level of fluency with all things pool-related which is difficult to achieve in a purely online environment.
Our in-person presence also gives customers the added benefit of actually showing us what they’re dealing with. We provide FREE water testing through which pool owners determine the best chemical applications for their unique pool. No matter the situation, our dedicated team is here to offer targeted knowledge in a timely manner so all our customers can manage every facet of their pool successfully.
The Best Pool Store
At the end of the day, the most appropriate question is, “What is the best pool store?” Online or in person, you want to buy the best products that will ensure both your pool’s health and the health of your guests. Goodall Pools & Spas has lived up to that standard for over 60 years. So contact us or visit one of our five locations when you’re shopping for pool supplies.
