The retail industry has faced numerous challenges in recent years, and 2023 is no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the industry, with many retailers experiencing closures, reduced foot traffic, and decreased sales. In addition to these challenges, retailers must also navigate an increasingly competitive landscape. Inflation has certainly made operating a traditional brick-and-mortar store a much more expensive proposition.

To get a better understanding of how online retailers are thriving in a changing economy we spoke with Frank Vitori, owner and co-founder of AquaBlu Mosaics, a leading eCommerce site in the pool & spa vertical.

“AquaBlu was actually established back in 2013,” explained Vitori, “we started the company because we saw a giant void in the online world for distribution of swimming pool products. At that time, we actually just started out with the pool mosaics, the dolphins and turtles, the ornamental type stuff. Before we knew it, it started to catch. Over time, we started expanding categories and it quickly became known that glass tile was our core competency.”

Today AquaBlu Mosaics has become a leading source for many products that pool professionals use on a daily basis. The website has been growing its inventory by rapidly adding new distributors. The company is also on a mission to win hearts and minds within the industry itself, according to Vitori.

“We’re excited to say that we’ve experienced great growth since 2013,” said Vitori, “we put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into the company. I’m humbled when I say I feel that in the online world, AquaBlu Mosaics has positioned itself as the go-to online distributor for all things pertaining to pool tile, accessories, and outdoor living furniture. Fast forward to 2023. I’m proud to say that AquaBlu is becoming more of a household name. If you want to compare it to National Pool Tile or Noble Tile, Aquabella, or any of those firms I would say that AquaBlu is right there with these brick-and-mortar distributors.

Vitori attributes a big reason for growth to its internet and marketing strategy. Aqua Blu Mosaics ranks as one of the top websites in a search query for pool tile. The website dominates for many pool-related keywords on popular products they sell on their website.

“I want to say that glass tile is at least 40% of our sales. We really have become the go-to guys for all of the specialty products. I like to say that we have all the fun stuff. We’re a small group and very boutique in nature but offer unparalleled customer service,” said Vitori.

The retailer credits engagement with pool professionals at numerous levels as another factor for growth and has been eager to expand AquaBlu’s builder network. “We have a wholesale program that’s called our AquaPro Trade Network, where we offer extremely competitive rates to our pool builders, contractors, designers, and landscape architects,” explained Vitori.

The strategy is one that retailers like him are using to great success. Ecommerce sites like AquaBlu Mosaics have been able to thrive in the face of a changing economy in a number of different ways. One key factor is their ability to reach a wider audience than traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. Online stores can sell to customers anywhere in the world, which has helped them to weather economic downturns and shifts in local consumer behavior.

Another advantage for online retailers is their ability to offer a more convenient shopping experience. Customers can shop from the comfort of their own homes, at any time of day, and have their purchases delivered directly to their doorstep. Vitori says offering this type of convenience has helped online retailers like him to attract and retain customers, even during times of economic uncertainty.

“We cater to all tastes and budgets,” said Vitori, “I can’t tell you how many times builders, and even homeowners, they come to us with an idea. They’re not quite sure how to produce it. And most often, we can not only tell them how to produce it, but we can give them multiple ways on how to do it and at different price levels.”

Online retailers like Vitori have also been able to take advantage of advancements in technology that enable them to spot trends as they occur and increase profitability. One trend Vitori spotted early last year was an increase in the sale of artificial grass which he credits to the ongoing drought in many parts of the country. “It all makes logical sense, right? I mean, a lot of homeowners are trying to mitigate their water expenses. Some people also don’t like lawn maintenance,” said Vitori.

“AquaBlu Mosaics represents 26 different manufacturing brands,” said Vitori who anticipates adding even more exciting brands to his growing online catalog this year. Vitori says being a leading online retailer gives him a distinct advantage over brick-and-mortar stores. Consequently, he’s able to scale quickly, bring on more distributors, and add more of the hot products that consumers are truly searching for.

Want to learn more about how online retailers like AquaBlu Mosaics are leveling the playing field? Listen to our entire conversation with Frank Vitori on the Pool Magazine podcast.

The Household Robots Market is projected to grow from USD 9.2 billion in 2022 to USD 19.3 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 16.0% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2027, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets™. The growth of this market is driven by the increasing demand for robots in the domestic segment, growing demand for autonomous robots, increasing government initiatives for the development of robotic technologies, and rising use of IoT in robots for cost-effective predictive maintenance.

Pool Cleaning Applications Held 2nd Largest Share of Household Robots Market in 2021

A robotic pool cleaner is a highly advanced device for cleaning the pool and is seen as a desirable product in the market. Quick, reliable, and easy features are significant factors that boost product demand in the industry. The growth avenues in the global market are attributed to the increasing disposable income worldwide, which further increases their expenditure capacities on the leisure activities, such as swimming and other related trips. These activities encourage increased involvement in swimming and thus bolster the requirement for the equipment and some other required items to clean the pool.

Domestic Robots Segment to Hold Larger Market During Forecast Period

Domestic robots include 4 applications: vacuuming, lawn mowing, pool cleaning, and window cleaning. The vacuuming application has the largest share of the market for domestic robots. The growth of the market for domestic robots can be attributed to the popularity of products such as robotic vacuums, as well as increasing consumer awareness and acceptance of indoor and outdoor smart home appliances. Technological improvements in domestic robots, such as area mapping and voice assistant integration, coupled with the practical benefits of automating household chores, enable them to occupy a larger market share.

The North American region held the second-largest share of the household robots market in 2021 by value. This can be attributed mostly to the popularity and sales of robotic pool vacuums and lawnmowers in the US and Canada. The influx of IoT and the adoption of autonomous technology are strong in this region, thus helping the household robots market grow rapidly.

About MarketsandMarkets™

MarketsandMarkets™ provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies’ revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets™ for their painpoints around revenues decisions.

Featured Photo Credit: Aiper

Swimming pools are indisputably excellent sources of enjoyment and relaxation. Even so, cleaning and maintaining a pool is not a walk in the park. Pool maintenance usually consumes a lot of time and effort. Unfortunately, you can never skip pool maintenance if you want to maintain crystal clear pool water. On average, you need to clean your pool at least twice a week. Moreover, you need to ensure you have balanced water chemistry at all times. Fortunately, there is a wide range of pool cleaning equipment you can use to keep your pool in good shape. In this article, we look at some of the best robot pool cleaners of 2021.

2021 best robot pool cleaners

The pool filter is usually responsible for getting rid of dirt and debris in your pool. However, some particles may be too large to go through the filter. https://geembi.com/ As a result, you need to use a vacuum or robotic pool cleaner to clean the pool. At present, there is a wide range of robot pool cleaners in the market. Each offers unique functionality.

There are two primary types of automatic pool cleaners; pressure cleaners and robotic cleaners. Both deliver excellent functionality. But pressure cleaners usually depend on the pool filter and pump to function. At times, they rely on a booster pump to operate. On the flip side, robotic cleaners depend on electricity to function and work independently. Also, some robotic cleaners use smart technology like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to function.

Factors to consider when buying a robotic pool cleaner

Typically, robot pool cleaners incorporate a head unit responsible for running all operations of the cleaner. You can set a robotic cleaner to work at your preferred timings during the day. Most robotic pool cleaners have floor and wall cleaning options. In addition, pool professionals usually advise getting a robotic pool cleaner that cleans the waterline. Such pool cleaners reduce the need for brushing your pool surfaces. Nevertheless, these robotic pool cleaners tend to be more expensive.

All robot pool cleaners use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi systems to function. Thus, you can easily control the robotic cleaner using a smartphone app. You can start and stop the robotic cleaner at any time. When buying a pool cleaner, always buy one with a quality debris canister. The debris canister is responsible for trapping debris in the pool. After cleaning the pool, you need to empty and remove the canister according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Another factor to consider when buying a robotic pool cleaner is the size and shape of your pool. If you have a complex pool design, buy a robotic cleaner that can navigate tough corners. Also, if your pool has steps, choose a robotic cleaner that can go up the steps.

Different types of robot pool cleaners

It is important to note that robot pool cleaners are costly. Thus, before purchasing this equipment, ensure you analyze your requirements. Even so, pool experts report that robotic pool cleaners are worth the purchase.

DOLPHIN Sigma Robotic Pool Cleaner with Bluetooth and Massive Top-Load Cartridge Filters, Ideal for Pools up to 50 Feet.

Hassle-free cleaning. Easy-to-use, robotic pool cleaner equipped with an anti-tangling swivel cable, allowing Sigma to move freely around large residential pools up to 50 feet with ease. Backed by a 3 year quality assurance.

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Polaris Alpha IQ+

This is one of the best robotic pool cleaners you can find in the market. The Polaris Alpha IQ+ incorporates a fast and straightforward installation process. Also, it does an excellent job of helping you maintain crystal clear pool water.

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Aquabot Turbo T4RC

Another robotic pool cleaner is the Aquabot Turbo T4RC. It is lightweight and uses a series of brushes to keep the pool clean.

Polaris 9550 Sport

Another Polaris robotic cleaner is the Polaris 9550 Sport. This cleaner is ideal for getting rid of dirt on pool surfaces of inground pools.

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Smart pool water monitors

Maintaining balanced water chemistry is essential. Currently, there are several pieces of equipment specially designed to check the pool pH, calcium hardness, and chlorine levels. Smart monitor systems do this job and send measurements to your smartphone app every day.

WaterGuru Sense

This smart monitor system is specially designed to stay in the pool skimmer. The WaterGuru Sense smart monitor measures the pool pH and chlorine levels. You can find it on Amazon for as low as $295.

cFloat

Another smart monitor system is the cFloat. This system helps you improve water quality at all times.

Sutro Smart Pool Water Monitor

This smart monitor helps you know your pool chemistry. Also, it advises you on all the chemical adjustments you need to make. Purchasing a Sutro smart pool water monitor costs approximately $199.

Ultimately

Today, there is a wide range of smart pool equipment. Before purchasing any pool equipment, ensure you evaluate all your requirements.