SPRING LAKE, Mich. — The coronavirus is leading to an unexpected surge in sales for West Michigan pool companies.
“They’re booking until next year,” said Michael Aldridge. “Just the demand is there.”
Aldridge is the owner of Bilz Pools & Spas in Spring Lake.
He calls the increase in business a surprise, explaining after the state’s stay-at-home order forced his business to close for at least two months, he expected a slow start.
“I thought we were going to have a down year,” said Aldridge. “I didn’t know what people would want to do, if they would save their money, not sure if their jobs were going to be around.”
But now, Aldridge says the outbreak is leading to a growth in business.
“We had a handful of pools signed up, about 10, and then five people backed out, and now we’re up to 22," said Aldrige.
He adds they recently sold 11 hot tubs in two weeks and also receive around three phone calls a day asking for quotes on pools when last summer those usually came in just twice a month.
Aldridge believes customers want to stay cool and safe.
He says they tell him community pools and beaches may not offer that in the midst of the pandemic, especially as the state moves parts of West Michigan into a higher risk level for the spread of the disease.
“They’d rather take the money from vacation and spend it on the backyard incase we get shut down again,” said Aldridge. “You only have to be home with your family, you don’t have to go see anyone.”
Aldridge knows other businesses can’t say the same, so he says while it may be a lot of work, it’s work he won’t take for granted.
“We’re very fortunate,” said Aldridge. “Again, I didn’t think it was going to take off like this.”
