
YouTube isn't just another social media platform. It’s actually the second-largest search engine after Google. Every month, over two billion logged-in users visit YouTube, and watch over one billion hours of video daily.
Big numbers, but what does that mean for your pool and spa business? It means your customers are already on YouTube — searching for tips, reviews, and inspiration. This makes YouTube one of the most powerful tools to not only showcase your business and connect with customers, but also to grow your brand.
And yet, many businesses still don’t take advantage of YouTube simply because they don’t know where to begin. The good news is that a little education goes along way. This guide will break down the basics into simple, practical steps so you can get started with confidence — even if you’ve never posted a video before.
But in case you’re not sold on the idea yet…here’s what you really need to consider: Unlike a Facebook post or Instagram story that fades away after a day or so, YouTube videos live forever and gain more traction the longer they’re online. That’s why starting a YouTube channel can be a game-changer for your pool and spa business. The videos you share today can still be popular for years after they are published.
Still need to be convinced that YouTube is worth it?
- It builds trust: Videos allow potential customers to see your products, expertise, and personality firsthand. Real, authentic videos create confidence. According to HubSpot, 54% of consumers want to see more video content from brands they support.
- It’s always working for you: A great video can continue to attract viewers, leads, and customers long after it’s posted. In fact, YouTube videos have an indefinite shelf life, making them an evergreen marketing asset.
- People are searching: YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world, handling over three billion searches every month. Homeowners looking for pool tips, product reviews, or backyard ideas often start here. Meaning if you’re not there, you’re missing a major opportunity.
- It’s beginner-friendly: You don’t need a big budget or fancy equipment. A smartphone is enough to get started. Around 70% of YouTube views come from mobile devices, proving that polished production isn’t always necessary to capture attention.
- It’s cost-effective: Video content has one of the best returns on investment. Hubspot research shows that 89% of marketers consider video a high-performing marketing tool that delivers solid results for business. According to Animoto, 73% of consumers are more likely to purchase after watching a video explaining a product or service.
If you’ve never used YouTube for your business, now is the perfect time to start. With a little effort, you can reach a whole new audience, build trust, and establish your business as an industry leader. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to create your first video and begin tapping into YouTube’s unlimited potential for growth. But first you need a channel!
1. Setting Up Your YouTube Channel
Before making videos, you need a channel. It’s like your business’s YouTube home — your profile page — a place where viewers can find all your videos in one spot.
Steps to set up your channel:
- Sign in to YouTube. Use a Google account (or create one if needed).
- Create a channel. Go to your profile, click “Create a Channel,” and follow the prompts.
- Add Branding:
- Upload your logo as the profile picture.
- Design a banner image (Canva is a free, easy tool for this. Search “YouTube banner” for templates).
- Write a clear, friendly description of your business in the “About” section.
- Link Your Website and Social Media: Make it easy for viewers to find you.
Pro Tip: Think of your channel like a digital storefront. Keep it clean, professional, and easy to navigate.
Example: Your description might say: “We’re a family-owned pool and spa company helping homeowners create their dream backyards. Check out our tutorials, product reviews, and maintenance tips. Visit our website at [insert link] for more information!”
2. What Types of Videos Should You Make First?
You don’t need fancy equipment or long videos to get started. Start simple with these ideas:
- Product Demonstrations: Show how pools, spas, or accessories work in real life. Highlight key features and benefits.
- Good Example: “How This Spa Can Transform Your Backyard in One Weekend.”
- Not as Good Example: “Spa Features Video #1.”
- How-To and Maintenance Videos: Teach viewers how to care for their pools and spas.
- Example: “3 Easy Steps to Keep Your Pool Crystal Clear.”
- Customer Testimonials: Ask happy customers to share their experience. These build trust with new buyers.
- Example: “What the Smith Family Really Thinks About Their New Pool.”
- Behind-the-Scenes: Show your team at work installing pools, cleaning spas, or answering customer questions.
- Example: “A Day in the Life of a Pool Installer—What Happens Behind the Scenes.”
- Inspiration Videos: Show beautiful pools, relaxing spas, and fun outdoor spaces.
- Example: “5 Stunning Pool Designs for Small Yards.”
Pro Tip: Keep videos short and focused. Start with videos that are two to three minutes long to get started.
3. Filming Your First Video: Practical Tips
You don’t need a big budget. Most smartphones are good enough to create clear, quality videos. Here’s how to make your first video easy and effective:
- Plan Your Video:
- Write a simple outline (What are you showing? What do you want to say?).
- Start with a hook: Grab attention in the first 10 seconds. Example: “Want to keep your pool clean in under 10 minutes a week? Here’s how.”
- Pro Tip: One of the biggest mistakes businesses make when they first start making video content is their intro. The way to win on YouTube to add value as soon as possible. Try not to start with, “Hi guys, Bob from Bob’s Pools in Bobville, Florida here!” Tell the viewer what to expect first, then if you want to, you can introduce yourself and/or the business. It will give you more credibility and extend your watch time (which is important for the algorithm).
- Use Good Lighting:
- Film during the day with natural light. Avoid dark or overly bright spots.
- Keep It Steady and in Landscape:
- Use a tripod or prop your phone on a stable surface.
- Film in landscape (horizontal) mode for best viewing.
- Speak Clearly:
- Talk to the camera like you’re talking to a customer. Be friendly and straightforward.
- Add a Call-to-Action (CTA):
- End the video with a next step: “Subscribe for more tips” or “Visit our website to learn more.”
- Pro Tip: Don’t stress about perfection. Authentic, helpful videos work better than overly polished or robotic ones.
4. Uploading and Optimizing Your Videos
Uploading is easy, but a few extra steps will help people find your videos.
- Title: Use a clear, keyword-rich title that tells people what the video is about.
- Good Example: “How to Maintain Your Pool’s Water Quality in 3 Steps.”
- Not As Good Example: “Pool Maintenance with Bob.”
- Description: Write two to three sentences explaining the video. Include:
- Keywords people might search for (e.g., “pool cleaning tips”).
- Links to your website or contact page.
- Tags: Add tags that relate to the video topic. Examples: pool maintenance, backyard spa, pool installation.
- Thumbnail: Create a thumbnail (custom image) that grabs attention. Bright visuals with clear text work best. You can use the free version of Canva for templates here as well.
- Playlists: Group videos into playlists like “How-To Videos” or “Product Demos.”
Pro Tip: Think like a customer. What would they search for? Use those words in your title and description.
5. How to Grow Your Channel
Starting small is fine, but consistency helps your channel grow. Here are simple ways to get more views:
- Share Your Videos: Post videos on your website, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Engage with Comments: Reply to viewers who leave comments or questions. This boosts the video more than most people realize.
- Ask People to Subscribe: Add a quick message like, “Don’t forget to subscribe for more pool care tips!”
- Create a Schedule: Post a new video every week or two so viewers know what to expect.
6. Measure Your Success With YouTube Analytics
YouTube Analytics helps you see what’s working. Don’t skip this step — it’s easy and free.
Important Metrics:
- Views: How many people watched your videos?
- Watch Time: Are people watching the whole video?
- Traffic Sources: How did viewers find your videos? (Search, social media, etc.)
- Subscribers: Which videos gained the most subscribers?
What to Do: Check these numbers every month. If a video does well, make more like it!
Final Thoughts: Start Small and Have Fun
YouTube is a powerful tool, but the key is to start small. Make simple, helpful videos that show your expertise and personality. Over time, with consistency, you’ll build an audience, attract new customers, and grow your business.
Remember:
- You don’t need perfection — just progress.
- Start with one video idea and build from there.
- Be consistent, engage with viewers, and keep learning.
- Lean into what works for YOU!
Now grab your phone, hit record, and take the first step toward making YouTube work for your business.
This article first appeared in the February 2025 issue of AQUA Magazine — the top resource for retailers, builders and service pros in the pool and spa industry. Subscriptions to the print magazine are free to all industry professionals. Click here to subscribe.