Industry News
Automatic Spa Covers

Over the years, automatic pool coves have increasingly become popular among most homeowners. These safety features protect pools from dirt and help pool owners save energy. At present, there is an increased demand for automatic covers, especially among spa owners. Indisputably, spa owners are also looking to protect their investments. Automatic spa covers are therefore becoming popular in the pool industry. The best thing about these features is that they are user-friendly; you can operate them with the simple touch of a button. Ultimately, homeowners don’t mind spending on these features.

The increased demand for automatic spa covers
Several states make it compulsory for all pool owners to have safety covers. Consequently, almost every pool owner is familiar with automatic pool covers. Once spa owners see how this feature works well, they’ll always want to purchase one for their spa. Allan Horwood of Pool Patrol in British Columbia concurs, and he states, “Before, using safety covers in spas was quite odd. However, it is now common to protect your spa using a cover.”
“There has been a steady rise in demand for automatic pool and spa covers in the United States.”
VP of sales for Automatic Pool Covers, Mike Shadoan
Nonetheless, Shadoan says that automatic pool and spa covers are costly. But people are always willing to buy products that offer value for money. There’s, therefore, a golden opportunity for pool professionals who wish to sell these safety features.
Is selling automatic spa covers a good idea?
A good percentage of pool owners love automatic spa covers because they are simple to use. I mean, no one wants to struggle to remove the automatic pool/spa cover after a grueling day. With auto covers, you can open and close the pool using a remote.
A unique opportunity for pool contractors
Last year, the industry experienced a surge in demand for pool services. Homeowners were looking for ways to upgrade their backyards. Consequently, they installed swimming pools, among other outdoor features. Automatic pool and spa covers were therefore in high demand. Pool contractors who sell these safety features are often privileged. When they go onsite to provide installation services, they will most likely sell other pool products and water features. For example, high-end customers may request an additional water feature like a spa. And this helps pool contractors to increase their revenue. Ultimately, there are so many golden opportunities that come with selling automatic pool covers.
Installing automatic spa covers
Is there a difference between automatic pool covers and automatic spa covers? Well, yes. The major difference between these features is space and aesthetics. Automatic spa covers are more versatile since they are smaller. Thus, they tend to provide more aesthetics. Pool contractors can install auto covers on spas that are above the deck or flush with the deck.
Suppose the spa is above the ground; you’ll have to raise it by approximately 20 inches above the deck. It would help if you also placed the cover box above the deck. Nevertheless, note that the installation process is different for existing spas. In such instances, there’s usually limited space to work with. Consequently, there might be insufficient space to install the housing for the cover mechanism.
Dealing with such projects requires you to be innovative. You may decide to flush mount the safety cover on the paver. Doing this helps you create a nice, clean look. You can also add a storage space along the edge of the spa; here, you can store your cleaning equipment, among other products. Subsequently, you end up making the most out of your space.
Balancing between functionality and aesthetics
You have to find the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality when installing an automatic spa cover. Most clients prefer using concrete lids on their pool covers so that they can walk around the cover. Also, concrete lids are more popular because they provide more aesthetics. Meeting the customer’s requirements will require you to use a heavy-duty bracket. This way, it can handle the weight of the concrete lid. Even so, always tell your clients to minimize their movement on the cover. At times, the stone can move, and this can lead to serious accidents.
Shadoan says, “Pool contractors should explain how these features work. They should inform their clients that lifting the stone from time to time is important. Also, let them know that walking, standing, or sitting on the lid can lead to serious accidents.”
Are automatic spa covers worth the purchase?
Currently, there is a broad spectrum of automatic spa cover designs. Therefore, every spa owner can find something that caters to their needs. Needless to say, automatic spa covers are not for everyone. They are ideal for pool owners who want to match their pool cover and spa cover more often than not. Ultimately, automatic spa covers offer excellent functionality and aesthetics.
Industry News
Skimmer Expands Into Pool Construction Software With Acquisitions of Pool Builder Geek and Poologics
The two software platforms form the foundation of a unified offering for pool professionals; Pool Builder Geek founder Tommy Reynolds joins Skimmer to lead construction strategy.

AUSTIN, TX, August 24, 2026 — Skimmer, the leading operating system for pool service and maintenance professionals, today announced the acquisitions of Pool Builder Geek and Poologics, two software platforms purpose-built for pool construction businesses.
The acquisitions mark Skimmer’s expansion into pool construction and establish the foundation for a unified platform serving pool professionals from construction through ongoing service and maintenance.
As part of the acquisition, Pool Builder Geek founder Tommy Reynolds, who has extensive experience in the pool construction software space, will join Skimmer, leading the company’s construction strategy and continued investment in solutions for pool builders.
“Our vision is to build an end-to-end platform for the pool and spa industry,” said Jack Nelson, CEO of Skimmer. “Pool Builder Geek brings an AI-native platform designed to evolve quickly with the industry, while Poologics brings a proven product that builders have relied on for years. Together, they significantly accelerate our ability to serve pool construction businesses.”
Pool builders manage complex estimating, permitting, project management, subcontractor coordination, customer communication, and job costing processes. Many still rely on spreadsheets or generic construction tools that were not designed for their specific needs. Pool Builder Geek and Poologics address those challenges with purpose-built capabilities, including estimating, project management, permitting, job costing, and AI-powered visualization.
“Pool builders do not need generic contracting software with a pool label added to it,” said Reynolds. “We built Pool Builder Geek specifically around how pools are sold and built with AI at the core of the platform. Joining Skimmer gives us the resources and expertise to accelerate our product roadmap and deliver even more for the builders we serve. I’m excited about what we can build together and what this means for the future of the pool industry.”
“We built Poologics on the belief that pool construction deserves software designed specifically for the industry,” said Nate Pruitt, CEO of Poologics. “Skimmer has built its business on that same belief for pool service. Together, we can give builders more resources, stronger support, and a faster path to innovation.”
Service and maintenance remain a core focus of Skimmer. The expansion into construction advances the company’s long-term strategy to provide connected, purpose-built tools for pool professionals across the industry.
About Skimmer
Skimmer is one of America’s leading pool service platforms. The company is on a mission to modernize the pool and spa service and repair industry through easy-to-use software and best-in-class support. Over 35,000 pool service professionals servicing 1,000,000+ pools in North America use Skimmer to get organized, get paid faster, and grow their businesses. For more information, visit getskimmer.com.
About Poologics
Poologics is an all-in-one business management platform built specifically for swimming pool builders. It streamlines CRM, estimating, project management, and job costing, helping professionals run their businesses with greater efficiency, accuracy, and control. For more information, visit poologics.com.
About Pool Builder Geek
Pool Builder Geek is an AI-powered project management platform built exclusively for the swimming pool construction and renovation industry. Created by a team with deep experience building software for pool builders, it gives builders purpose-built tools for project tracking, scheduling, subcontractor coordination, budgeting, job costing, and AI-powered backyard visualization. For more information, visit poolbuildergeek.com.
Media contact
Travis Wingate
Skimmer, CMO, [email protected], 416-838-9161
Industry News
Landmark Aquatic Names Jason Hill Kansas City General Manager

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Landmark Aquatic, a national leader in commercial aquatic construction and renovation, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jason Hill to General Manager of its Kansas City, Missouri market. Hill brings nearly two decades of commercial aquatic experience to the role, having worked his way through the industry as a laborer, plumber, project superintendent and project manager. That hands-on path through the trades gives him a perspective few general managers share.
“I truly understand the jobs of everyone here,” explains Hill. “It’s not just how they’re supposed to perform, I actually understand their day-to-day struggles, their desire for growth, and their need to have the best tools at their disposal to do their job efficiently.”
As he begins his tenure, Hill said mentorship and workforce development will be a top priority, particularly given how few professionals nationwide specialize in commercial pools.
“The commercial pool industry is such an anomaly,” he said. “As we grow our team, we are not likely to find commercial pool people waiting in our market to be hired, rather I am going to have to make commercial pool people. Training and coaching them is a big part of making that happen.” Hill’s emphasis on training echoes the company culture that earned Landmark a Top Workplace award, given in part for its investment in employee career development.
Hill is already collaborating closely with Landmark’s marketing team to grow the company’s visibility across the Kansas City market, contributing fresh ideas that are helping generate excitement. “I’m excited to compete with our other markets and see how far we can climb,” he said, noting his hometown ties add extra motivation.
With his depth of field experience and people-first approach, Hill is positioned to grow Landmark Aquatic’s presence and reputation throughout the region.
Jason can be reached at [email protected].
About Landmark Aquatic:
Landmark Aquatic is a nationwide provider of commercial aquatic facility design, construction, and maintenance services, with more than six decades of industry experience. Serving clients across most of the U.S., Landmark delivers construction-led solutions and on-going support though its AquatiCare maintenance team, ensuring excellence “for the life of your pool.” Committed to the full lifecycle of every facility, Landmark prioritizes long-term partnerships while adapting to client needs through exceptional service, operational excellence, and forward-thinking solutions. For more about Landmark Aquatic visit www.landmarkaquatic.com.
Industry News
Understanding the U.S. Pool Market in 2026

The U.S. swimming pool industry in 2026 remains one of the largest and most resilient sectors within the outdoor living economy. While the explosive pandemic-era construction boom has normalized, the broader market continues generating billions annually through remodeling, maintenance, chemicals, service, automation, equipment replacement, retail sales, and backyard lifestyle upgrades.
Today, the United States is home to an estimated 10.7 million swimming pools², including approximately 10.4 million residential pools² spread across suburban and Sun Belt markets nationwide. That installed base continues creating recurring demand for service, repairs, remodeling, water care products, heaters, pumps, filters, lighting, automation systems, and outdoor living enhancements year after year.
The broader pool and spa industry itself is estimated to generate more than $60 billion annually¹, making it one of the most significant categories within the home improvement and outdoor living sectors.
Unlike many industries that rely heavily on new construction starts alone, the modern swimming pool business increasingly operates as a long-term ownership economy. Every installed pool becomes a recurring source of demand for service professionals, remodelers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and technology providers.
Table of Contents
• U.S. Pool Market at a Glance
• America’s Massive Installed Pool Base
• In-Ground Pools Continue Leading the Market
• Above-Ground Pools Still Represent a Major Category
• The Hot Tub and Spa Market Is Booming
• Commercial Pools Continue Producing High-Value Revenue
• Sun Belt States Continue Dominating Pool Ownership
• Pool Distribution Infrastructure Continues Expanding
• New Pool Construction Has Normalized
• Why Pool Remodeling Is Booming
• Outdoor Living and Backyard Wellness Continue Growing
• Technology Is Transforming the Pool Industry
• Why the Pool Market Remains Strong
• The Future of the U.S. Pool Industry

U.S. Pool Market at a Glance
• Total swimming pools in the United States: 10.7 million²
• Residential swimming pools nationwide: 10.4 million²
• Estimated annual industry value: More than $60 billion annually¹
• Residential in-ground pools: 5.4 million³
• Residential above-ground pools: 3.4 million³
• Residential spas and hot tubs: 5.5 million³
• Commercial pools nationwide: 300,000+³
• U.S. households with a swimming pool: Approximately 8%⁴
• Annual new in-ground pool construction: Approximately 60,000–61,000 pools annually³
• Largest regional markets: Florida, California, Texas, and Arizona⁵
• Largest pool distribution networks: POOLCORP and Heritage Pool Supply Group
• Fastest-growing segments: Pool remodeling, automation, outdoor living, and wellness products
• Strongest recurring revenue category: Pool service and maintenance

America’s Massive Installed Pool Base
The biggest story in the pool industry today is not necessarily how many new pools are being built. It’s how many pools already exist.
With more than 10.7 million pools currently operating nationwide², the United States has built one of the largest recurring aftermarket economies in the outdoor living sector. Over 8% or 1 in 12 households have a swimming pool installed in the backyard.
Every installed pool creates continuing long-term demand for:
• Weekly service and maintenance
• Chemicals and water care
• Equipment replacement
• Pool remodeling
• Heater and pump upgrades
• Lighting modernization
• Smart automation systems
• Leak detection and repairs
• Tile and coping replacement
• Outdoor living renovations
This recurring demand is one of the primary reasons the industry has remained relatively stable despite higher interest rates and slower housing activity entering 2026.
Unlike industries tied entirely to new construction, the pool business benefits from a massive installed customer base that continues spending money year after year simply to maintain and modernize existing pools.

In-Ground Pools Continue Leading the Market
The United States currently has an estimated 5.4 million residential in-ground swimming pools³, making in-ground construction the dominant segment of the professional pool industry.
In-ground pools continue driving the highest-value backyard projects because they are permanent, highly customizable, and deeply integrated into modern outdoor living design.
Today’s premium residential pool projects increasingly include:
• Integrated spas
• Baja shelves and tanning ledges
• Infinity edges
• Fire bowls and fire features
• Waterfalls and scuppers
• Outdoor kitchens
• Pergolas and shade structures
• Luxury hardscape design
• Smart automation systems
• LED lighting environments
The modern residential pool is no longer viewed as a standalone feature. It has become the centerpiece of a larger outdoor entertainment and wellness environment.
Luxury homeowners continue investing heavily in resort-style backyard spaces that combine recreation, hospitality, wellness, and technology into a single integrated environment.

Above-Ground Pools Still Represent a Major Category
Although above-ground pools receive less attention within luxury outdoor living discussions, they continue representing a substantial portion of the total U.S. market.
Current estimates place the residential above-ground pool market at approximately 3.4 million pools nationwide³.
Above-ground pools remain especially popular among:
• First-time pool owners
• Budget-conscious households
• Rural homeowners
• Seasonal-climate markets
• Families seeking lower upfront investment
These pools continue generating strong demand for:
• Pool liners
• Pumps and filtration systems
• Water care products
• Seasonal maintenance
• Covers and accessories
• Heaters and circulation equipment
For many consumers, above-ground pools represent an entry point into long-term pool ownership.

The Hot Tub and Spa Market Is Booming
One of the most surprising realities within the broader aquatic industry is the sheer size of the residential spa and hot tub market.
The United States now has an estimated 5.5 million residential spas and hot tubs³ currently operating nationwide — slightly more than the number of residential in-ground swimming pools.
That creates a major opportunity for pool service professionals willing to expand beyond traditional swimming pool maintenance.
Many homeowners still separate spa ownership from pool service despite the overlap in:
• Water chemistry
• Filtration systems
• Pumps and circulation
• Heating systems
• Automation controls
• Preventative maintenance
The growth of hydrotherapy, cold plunge systems, wellness-focused outdoor living, and recovery-oriented backyard design continues fueling expansion throughout this category.
Spas have increasingly become part of larger wellness-oriented backyard environments that emphasize relaxation, recovery, stress reduction, and health-conscious living.

Commercial Pools Continue Producing High-Value Revenue
The U.S. commercial aquatics sector remains another critical segment of the broader market.
Current estimates place the number of commercial pools nationwide at more than 300,000 facilities³.

Sun Belt States Continue Dominating Pool Ownership
Pool ownership continues clustering heavily throughout warm-weather states where outdoor living plays a larger role in residential culture.
The largest pool markets in the United States remain:
• Florida⁵
• California⁵
• Texas⁵
• Arizona⁵
Together, these states account for a massive share of national pool construction, remodeling, distribution, and service activity.
Florida in particular continues gaining momentum due to:
• Rapid population migration
• Year-round swimming climate
• Expanding suburban development
• Strong luxury housing activity
• High pool ownership rates per capita
California still maintains one of the country’s largest installed pool bases, while Texas continues benefiting from explosive suburban expansion and population growth.
Arizona remains one of the densest pool ownership markets in the nation due to extreme summer temperatures and strong backyard culture.
Many industry analysts now believe Florida may eventually surpass California as the nation’s largest pool market due to long-term demographic shifts and continued migration into the Southeast.

Pool Distribution Infrastructure Continues Expanding
The long-term strength of the installed pool market has fueled aggressive expansion among national distribution networks.
POOLCORP, the largest wholesale pool products distributor in the industry, currently operates 456 sales centers globally⁶.
At the same time, Heritage Pool Supply Group has expanded rapidly to more than 160 locations across 36 states⁷.
Combined, those two companies alone now represent more than 600 distribution and supply locations serving builders, retailers, remodelers, and service professionals throughout North America.
That infrastructure exists to support continuing demand for:
• Equipment replacement
• Chemicals and water care products
• Remodeling materials
• Pumps and heaters
• Automation systems
• Plumbing and fittings
• Outdoor living products
• Service and repair operations
Distribution expansion is one of the clearest indicators that the installed pool market remains economically strong.
The continued growth of national distribution networks has also helped improve product availability, logistics, technical training, and contractor support across the industry.

New Pool Construction Has Retracted
The pool industry experienced unprecedented growth between 2020 and 2022 as homeowners redirected spending into backyard improvements during the pandemic.
During the height of the surge:
• Builders reported multi-year backlogs
• Equipment shortages became widespread
• Labor shortages intensified
• Construction pricing climbed dramatically
• Automation demand surged
• Project values increased substantially
In many markets, contractors were booking projects 18 to 24 months in advance⁸ during the peak boom cycle.
That pace has moderated entering 2026.
Current estimates suggest the U.S. market is now building approximately 60,000 to 61,000 new in-ground pools annually³.
While lower than pandemic highs, that still represents a healthy long-term construction environment supported by strong consumer interest in outdoor living.
The normalization of construction activity has also helped stabilize:
• Material availability
• Equipment lead times
• Labor scheduling
• Consumer expectations
• Builder backlogs
Rather than signaling industry weakness, many professionals now view the current market as healthier and more sustainable than the extreme boom conditions seen during the pandemic years.

Why Pool Remodeling Is Booming
One of the most important trends shaping the pool industry in 2026 is the explosive growth of remodeling and renovation work.
Millions of residential pools across the country are now decades old and entering major modernization cycles.
Rather than relocating or constructing entirely new pools, homeowners are increasingly investing in upgrading existing backyards through:
• Resurfacing and replastering
• Tile and coping replacement
• Spa additions
• Saltwater conversions
• LED lighting upgrades
• Smart automation installation
• Variable-speed pump upgrades
• Baja shelves and tanning ledges
• Water and fire features
• Outdoor living integration
For many contractors, remodeling now represents a more predictable and stable revenue source than speculative new construction.
The aging installed pool base virtually guarantees long-term demand for renovation services well into the future.
Many homeowners are also choosing to remodel because upgrading an existing pool is often significantly less expensive and less disruptive than building a completely new one.

Outdoor Living and Backyard Wellness Continue Growing
Swimming pools are increasingly becoming part of larger lifestyle-focused outdoor living environments.
Modern homeowners are investing heavily in transforming their backyards into resort-style spaces designed around:
• Entertainment
• Hospitality
• Relaxation
• Recovery
• Fitness
• Wellness
Today’s premium backyard projects increasingly include:
• Outdoor kitchens
• Covered patios and pergolas
• Cold plunge pools
• Hydrotherapy systems
• Swim jets and resistance systems
• Smart outdoor lighting
• Audio and entertainment systems
• Fire pits and fireplaces
• Luxury hardscape installations
Consumers are no longer simply purchasing swimming pools. They are investing in complete outdoor experiences.
This broader shift toward experiential outdoor living has helped elevate the pool industry far beyond its traditional role as simply a recreational category.

Technology Is Transforming the Pool Industry
Technology adoption throughout the pool industry has accelerated rapidly over the past several years.
Modern pool owners increasingly expect app-driven experiences that allow remote control over:
• Pool lighting
• Pumps and filtration
• Water features
• Heating systems
• Cleaning schedules
• Water chemistry systems
• Temperature settings
At the same time, pool professionals themselves are becoming increasingly technology-driven operationally.
Today’s service companies rely heavily on:
• Route optimization software
• CRM platforms
• Automated billing systems
• GPS dispatching
• Water chemistry tracking apps
• Customer communication tools
• Marketing automation systems
• Remote monitoring platforms
The pool industry is becoming more connected, more automated, and more data-driven than ever before.
Artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance tools, smart diagnostics, and remote monitoring technology are also beginning to reshape how pool professionals manage customer accounts and equipment performance.

Why the Pool Market Remains Strong
Despite broader economic uncertainty, several major long-term fundamentals continue supporting the industry.
Massive Installed Base
With more than 10 million pools already operating nationwide², the recurring aftermarket opportunity remains enormous.
Recurring Service Demand
Pools require continuous maintenance, chemicals, repairs, and upgrades regardless of housing cycles.
Outdoor Living Remains Popular
Consumers continue prioritizing backyard entertainment, outdoor kitchens, wellness environments, and luxury exterior design.
Aging Pool Infrastructure
Millions of older pools now require resurfacing, modernization, automation upgrades, and equipment replacement.
Wellness Trends Continue Growing
Hydrotherapy, cold plunge systems, swim fitness, and spa-focused backyard design continue gaining popularity among homeowners nationwide.
Distribution Networks Continue Expanding
The rapid growth of distribution networks reflects continued long-term confidence in the installed pool market and the recurring revenue opportunities surrounding it.

The Future of the U.S. Pool Industry
Looking ahead, the long-term outlook for the U.S. pool market remains strong.
The explosive pandemic construction surge may have normalized, but the industry now sits atop one of the largest installed residential pool bases in history.
That installed base will continue creating durable long-term demand for:
• Service and maintenance
• Remodeling and renovation
• Equipment replacement
• Automation upgrades
• Outdoor living enhancements
• Wellness-focused backyard design
• Commercial aquatics support
• Water care and chemical products
For builders, service professionals, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers alike, the opportunity in 2026 is no longer simply about building new pools.
It’s about maintaining, modernizing, automating, upgrading, and supporting the millions of pools Americans already own.
As outdoor living continues evolving into a year-round lifestyle category centered around wellness, hospitality, technology, and luxury residential design, the swimming pool industry appears positioned to remain one of the strongest segments within the broader home improvement economy for years to come.
Industry News2 weeks agoLandmark Aquatic Names Jason Hill Kansas City General Manager
Manufacturer3 weeks agoFluidra to Acquire French Water Treatment Manufacturer Hydrapro
Press Releases4 weeks agoPinch A Penny Names John Mansfield President on 50th Anniversary
Commercial4 weeks agoLandmark Aquatic Brings Maytronics WAVE Robotic Cleaners to Commercial Pools
Pool News2 weeks agoNew FCC Robotics Rules Could Affect Future Robotic Pool Cleaners
Pool News4 weeks agoThe Water District & ISHOF Spotlight Water Safety at USLA Championships
Press Releases2 weeks agoVeridian Service Partners Names Dave Peterson Chief Sales Officer
Press Releases2 weeks agoNatalie Hood Swims for Every Child A Swimmer




























You must be logged in to post a comment Login