What Is Luxury?
I have been steadily hunting for research on luxury. How it has been defined worldwide, how it lives within the eye of the beholder and especially how it translates from country to country are among the many questions I am seeking answers to. We, here in America, tend to put a price-tag on luxury. At Eastgate Pools we don’t necessarily buy into that concept. If you are willing/wanting to pour out thousands upon thousands of dollars then we are going to be able to provide you with the finest luxuries available. But, we also have the amazing ability to impart many luxuries all while keeping the price-tag at a comfortable and almost “luxurious” point.
When I google image search luxury I come across pictures of boats, a villa in Italy, beautiful women with extravagant jewelry, resort photos and much much more. A common trend throughout these photos is water. Pools and hot tubs are almost always a part of everyone’s “dream-home” and are a stay-in fixture for most of the greatest resorts across the globe. At Eastgate we have luxury at our fingertips and we are eager to bring these luxuries to our consumers at reasonable costs with the highest quality standard.
Merriam Webster defines luxury as a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort. As specialists in multiple forms of luxury we aim to enhance your comfortability in every situation possible. I recently read an article that has opinions on luxury gathered from people worldwide. A lot of what people agree is that luxury is defined by comfort. Comfort comes from the ability to relax freely, without reserve. Our aim is to bring this “no-reservations” lifestyle to our customers every chance we can.
Resort living….at home is our motto because it speaks directly on how we aim to satisfy our customers. Peace-of-mind is as much a part of comfort as it is a part of making major purchases. The luxuries we provide at Eastgate pools give customers fun, excitement, relaxation, peace-of-mind and a particular comfort you can not get anywhere else. Eastgate pools IS luxury.
Eastgate Pools Family
I am new to the sales floor here at Eastgate but am very eager to meet our clients and begin to build active relationships with both customers and co-workers. In 2003, you may have found me walking through the Eastgate aisles, stocking shelves or mopping floors. Now, after years of college and exploring the business world, I am delighted to be returning to Eastgate as a sales representative, water-testing specialist and front desk assistant. Upon returning I have learned that Eastgate is a company that truly embraces the idea of family. There are employees here that have been working with the company for over 30 years. There are also employees that have, like me, taken time to explore the world and returned to Eastgate. So, you are almost always likely to encounter one of the smiling faces you have seen before, every time you walk through the door. Much like our employees we tend to see the same return philosophy from our customers. Customers return to Eastgate because the sensation of shopping from people you know and trust is continually present. The phrase “Family Owned & Operated” defines Eastgate perfectly and you can feel at home whenever you are around a member of the Eastgate Pools and Spas family.
Did you know?
That the Cincinnati Recreation Commission has been providing public swimming for over 80 years?
There are over 10 million swimming pools in the USA, according to the National Swimming Pool Foundation
2 Piece swimsuits were introduced in 1943
In 1912, women’s swimming event were added to the Olympic Games
Michael Phelps owns the record for most Gold medals in an Olympic games, can you name the previous holder? Hint: Happened in 1972
Just some fun things I found and thought some of you might like it.
Tim
The Changing Face of Shopping
I started selling pools 17 years ago, after building them for 12 years. (Kind of gives away my age a little, doesn’t it?) In that time, I have seen a major shift in how people shop for the products we sell—hot tubs, pools, casual furniture…just about everything. It’s called the Internet. Hey—it’s where you are now so I must be onto something here. I’d like to invite you to check EVERYTHING out while you visit our site. We strive to provide you with enough information to make your search fruitful and we even link you to many of the manufacturer’s sites. But remember that pictures and words don’t replace putting your hands on the spa or pool table you are considering, and until you actually experience the high-flow motors we put on both our above ground and in-ground pools, pictures just aren’t adequate. Plus, our expert sales staff can answer any questions you might have while you are here.
So look over our web site, pick out some goodies, then come in and see them in person. –Max
Did You Know . . .
That we have a father and son that work in our service department
Max’s 3 sons have worked here at some point in the last 5 years
Brian had only one other job before working here and that was at LaRosas. Brian has worked here for 28 years
Many people think we have a set of twins that work together in the service department. To the shock of our customers, they aren’t even related!! I even mess up their names when talking to them!!
We are open year round to handle all your needs!!
H2O Dectective Series: The Case Of The Haze
It was a cold day in December. A day right after Christmas and the store was quiet. The change from Christmas music to the standard Muzek 1980′s hit parade was an unexpected welcome to the employees swapping jokes around the front counter.
The day was cold, but not cold enough to turn the slight moisture falling from the sky into snow. A man of about 50 walked through the sliding doors and removed his over sized hat and walked toward the front counter. “I need to speak to the water expert.” he exclaimed as he reached into his coat pocket to remove his water sample.
“I can help you.” Said a voice reaching out over the counter. Harold Osborne II was an old hand in the pool and spa business. He had been in the business his whole life and had literally forgotten more then what most in the business would ever learn. Harold didn’t take any particular pride in this point. He understood that he gained this knowledge from a lifetime of retail sales and at the end of the day, he had become a solid retail sales associate in a niche market and that was about it.
“What kind of problems are you having Mr. Hamilton?”, asked Harold as he noticed the customers name on the test bottle.
“My spa was crystal clear and I adjusted my chemicals and it turned cloudy instantly.”
Harold led him back to the water test station and did the standard run up of chemical tests that every customer expects. The tests were not really needed, as Jeff had a good hunch what the problem was before running the tests.
The tests came back and everything was in the exact range they were supposed to be in. Harold asked, “Let me guess, did you add PH increaser to your hot tub right before it went cloudy?”
“Well, yes I did.” mentioned Mr. Hamilton.
“That’s just what I expected. The problem with the water is the PH was increased too quickly. Tap water from the faucet has a lot of calcium and other dissolved solids that are in the water. When you increase your PH too quickly, it takes the calcium out of this dissolved state and makes it a solid again and that’s what the haze is from.”
“What do I have to do to fix it? Is it time to drain the spa? I just drained it a few weeks ago.” Complained Mr. Hamilton.
“You shouldn’t have to drain the spa. Add about 10 ounces of Stain and Scale Remover and that should convert the calcium back into a liquid and by doing so, remove the haze from the water after a day or so. After doing this, it’s a good idea to follow up with the weekly maintenance dose of the Stain and Scale Remover. It’s a good product and will prevent you from having excessive build of calcium in your plumbing and on your heater.” Harold was starting to get in his preaching mode. This is what he was good at and often went on far too long, to the point of boring the customers with information beyond their general need.
Harold went and showed the customer the Stain and Scale Remover on the shelf and the customer left. Another problem solved. But, Harold knew that there would always be another case to solve. Not many problems were too difficult for Harold, but he was looking forward to the challenge.
Looking For A Holiday Deal?
Dos recommends this 8′ Ashford Pool Table. She thinks it is just right for family fun. Happy Holidays!
Toying With Decorations
Dos As filmed by Charles, a sales professional here at Eastgate.
The Great Eastgate Music Debate
We have a little satellite radio tuner here that we play in the store. In my time here we have played stations with steel drums and Jimmy Buffett, 80’s tunes, adult contemporary, and 70’s hits…which is really just a bunch of Disco music. I guess I’m just one of those people that cannot block out background noise, but I wish we could find a station for customers to appreciate while not driving those of us that are here five days a week insane. Christmas music is here, which means I will have a reprieve from the mundane, but that station tends to be even more repetitive. Anyhow, I suppose I’m just venting a bit, but ultimately I’m curious as to what our “audience” here at Eastgate Pools & Spas would find most pleasing. I know you never what to play music that is too risqué, but I’m always wondering what our patrons really would enjoy. Let me know what you think and it might your own personal soundtrack playing next time you stop by!
Craig
The Stock Market, Gold, and Silver
Like most people I have followed the ups and downs of the stock market with great interest. Equally interesting is what has happened to gold and silver prices. New highs almost every week on gold, and the stock market itself reminds me of a roller coaster at Kings Island. So how do you make sense of it all and what can you do to help secure your financial stability for the future. Well, I have an idea.
Inflatable pool floats and toys. Talk about the investment potential! No, I’m not talking about investing in the companies that make them. I’m talking about what we sell—what’s right here on my shelf. For example, I have an inflatable raft that normally sells for $12.99 that is on sale for $7.00. WOW! The great savings is overshadowed only by the investment possibilities. Personally, I’d recommend buying all of them I have. Like gold bullion, plastic might be the next goldmine. Imagine their value when plastic prices start to soar like silver has. Buy everything I have and you may be setting on a fortune down the road. I smell early retirement.
Don’t miss out on what I am sure is the next market boom. –Max
One of the Possible Attractions you Might See at Eastgate…
I don’t know that anyone has ever brought up one of the frequent visitors here in the store, but several times during the pool season you might stop in and see a spider monkey named Nikki wearing a diaper. While the monkey never buys anything she does hang around and provide us and all the other patrons with the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a pretty entertaining creature. She is over twenty years old and has been with the family for nearly her entire life. She has a little bit of belly on her and generally spends here time in the store sitting down with her arms resting on top of it. Last time she was in the store I loaded a case of liquid chlorine for the customer and I’m pretty sure Nikki laughed at me. Her handlers said it was a chirp, but I think she just thought I was funny looking. It is always fun to see her, but we have to make sure that Dos, the store cat, isn’t around because they don’t seem to get along too well. There you go, just one more reason Eastgate Pools & Spas is a great place to visit.
Craig
The Alphabet, As Seen Through the Eyes of a Pool & Hot Tub Veteran
Above ground pools. Started building them in the summer of 1974.
Black Diamond. Cartridge filters that don’t collapse and last longer.
Cyanuric Acid. Better known as chlorine stabilizer, it gives life to chlorine.
Diatomaceous Earth. An alternative to sand or cartridge filters. Ugh!
E-Z Drain above ground winter covers. GREAT innovation!
Floats. Hey, what is a pool without some floats!
Golf. A floating game for the pool. No dirt involved!
Hydromatic. Above ground cartridge filter that saves you time, water, and money!
Innovation=pool lighting, chlorine generators, ionizers, spa sound systems.
Jets. My first spa had 4. My next 26. My current one has 80. Rock on!
Kreepy Krauly. Great automatic pool cleaner. Many customer name theirs!
Lazy Lounge. In-ground pool step and seat, all in one.
Mira. One of our hot tub lines. Made in America by trained craftsmen.
Natural Enzymes. Used on pools and spas to break down oils & reduce work!
Oxidizer. Potassium Monopersulfate. Removes organics from pools & spas.
Pools. Nuff said!
Quality. Products, service, history. Eastgate Pools & Spas
Robotic cleaners. Aquabot, Pool Rover, Nitro. One will fit your budget!
Service Department. Ours is professionally trained & as good as it gets!
Testing. Service and sales are tested for knowledge and procedure.
Umbrellas. Around the pool, on the deck.
Versatility. Not your same old hot tub. Jet, heat, sensory therapy.
Water. 2/3rds of the planet is water and we have your share!
Xylophone. Skip the lessons. Get a pool!
Young. How a hot tub makes you feel. Seriously.
Zeosand. Alternative to filter sand, filters much finer particles with less changing.
Time Flies!
As I was sitting at a family wedding recently, I started to think back to my wedding and couldn’t believe that Megan and I will be married for 10 years in August. A lot has changed in our lives since then, like moving from a 1 bedroom apartment to a 3 bedroom house in Anderson or probably the best thing that has happened is the birth our son Brady. Nothing better than being a parent!! We have enjoyed every minute of it!! He is now 17 months and walking everywhere. We find ourselves asking where time has gone!! Can the clock please slow down a little bit so he doesn’t grow up to fast?? Is it me or does each year seem to get faster and faster?? Next thing I will be writing about will be he has started school!! Kind of scary but also so much fun!! – Tim
Happy Retirement to David ‘Pappy’ Lyle!
One of our own has finally reached that stage of life called easy street. Dave ‘Pappy’ Lyle retired September 18 and everyone here at Eastgate Pools wishes him and his family nothing but the best. Dave gave us thirteen years of quality customer service, sales expertise, and more importantly, friendship. We all got a little emotional when the last day turned to goodbyes and hugs.
Dave – enjoy the retirement that you have earned and stop back in any time you feel like it. You’re always welcome. –The Associates of Eastgate Pools & Spas
