It’s been a tumultuous year for pool builders.

Rarely have so many factors — the subprime market collapse, credit crunch, fear of inflation, rising fuel and material costs — combined to create such a volatile marketplace.

Forget “Survivor”: This was the true reality show.

But rather than give in to the downturn, many leading companies have adopted creative solutions to help them stay profitable. Whether it’s the launch of a new product line, rethinking how resources are handled, or perhaps expansion into new markets, these firms are proving that when the going gets tough, the tough get resourceful.

Read on to discover a wealth of tips and guidelines from the nation’s top builders:

  • Tip: Exclusivity
  • Tip: Expansion
  • Tip: Going International
  • Tip: Creative Credit
  • Tip: Teamwork
  • Tip: Expanded Territory
  • Tip: Bid for Benefits
  • Tip: 4-Day Work Week
  • Tip: 15-Day Guarantee
  • Tip: Targeted Advertising
  • Tip:Brainstorming
  • Tip: New Markets