Sean and Shannon Kunzler are not new to the world of hot tub sales and swimming pool supplies, but their new business, Hot Spring of Northern Utah, located at 5690 Harrison Boulevard, is new to the community and it is thriving, probably because the couple are experts in the field.
Sean got his feet wet taking care of a pool at a local apartment complex while he was in high school. Upon returning from his LDS mission, the original owners of Sunplay Pools offered Sean a job. He accepted and the rest is history, really. When the original owners decided to retire, they sold Sean the business, he said. He then ran Sunplay for about 14 years before deciding to retire himself and “dabble” in some other business opportunities. He sold Sunplay to his nephew and by 2016 his nephew decided to move Sunplay to just one location where the supply and warehouse is. “Sunplay is still around, and never closed down. Many customers come into the store thinking that we're part of Sunplay, but there's no affiliation at all other than we were previous owners, and our store manager used to work for them,” Shannon said. Sunplay focuses more on online sales and weekly pool cleanings.
Ironically, when the Kunzlers first opened Sunplay they always wanted to sell the Hot Spring Hot Tub brand, but because of the close proximity of another dealer, they were not allowed. The couple still owned the building where Sunplay originally was in South Ogden and Sean toyed with the idea of opening another pool supply and hot tub shop after Sunplay left.
Shannon explained: “With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, and being service oriented, he thought that starting over would be worth a try when Sunplay moved out of our building in December 2016. He wouldn't consider it though unless this time around he was able to get the Hot Spring Hot Tub line. They said yes.” The couple went to work and opened a new business, with many years of experience under their belts. Sean loves the quality of Hot Spring Hot Tubs and is thrilled to finally be the exclusive Northern Utah dealer.
Their building also houses Graven Sports Therapy and Forget Me Not Consignment.
Shannon is much more involved with the current business than she was with Sunplay. They enjoy a more flexible schedule to attend kids’ sporting events and doctor’s appointments, but admit that is also one of the hardest things, too. “Unfortunately, some soccer games are still missed,” she said. She has also come to a new appreciation for how hard her husband has worked over the years, being a business owner. She has seen that they have opened the lines of communication because they have to plan schedules with family and business responsibilities.
Some days are stressful, when thinking about having full responsibility of their livelihood, but Sean says it’s worth it. “It's a risk working for yourself, so there's a bit more stress. On the one hand, it's nice to have the flexible schedule so that we can put the family first. On the other hand, the business has to be a priority so that we do have the opportunity to take care of the family. The quote, ‘No man can serve two masters’ often applies, and the balance of the two isn't always ideal,” Shannon said.
Sean is an Ogden native and loves to do business where he grew up. “It is an honor to be part of this community,” Sean said. Shannon came to Weber State University from the New England area. “I have witnessed Ogden's growth and change for the better since I have been here. We know, and do business, with many great people in Weber County, and we love being part of their community. We hope that in some small way we are part of helping this community continue to thrive,” Shannon said.
They offer a wide variety of services including selling swimming pool and hot tub supplies and chemicals, and they provide free water testing. They service swimming pools and mostly hot spring spas. Some services include pool opening and closings, in-ground pool liner replacement, swimming pool pump, filter, and heater replacements, and fixing leaks. The couple has been thrilled with the open arms the community has given them with their new venture.
