Pandemic Leads To Sharp Increase in Fiberglass Pool Sales

The swimming pool industry has seen meteoric growth this year. Nowhere is this more true than in the Fiberglass Pool sector. The vertical had already seen enormous growth over the last ten years. In 2020, however the Fiberglass Pool sector saw a double digit increase in growth.

“Most of [our dealers] have ordered more than ever before, so it’s like a double bump.”

ED VONDELL – CEO OF THURSDAY POOLS

Covid-19 Leads To Increase in Fiberglass Pool Sales

Many manufacturers attribute the increase in sales largely to the Covid-19 Pandemic limiting the options for discretionary spending. With limited traveling options, many homeowners who traditionally spend discrectionary dollars elsewhere are building swimming pools.

“Things were looking good before the lockdowns, but the lockdowns put everything on steroids,”

Bob Harper – CCEO of latham pool products

It’s definitely looking that way for Latham. The industry giant went on a hiring spree this year hiring new executives and looking to fill over 300 positions at 20 various locations around the country.

Leisure Pools hasn’t shown signs of pumping the brakes either. The company added over 400 new dealers this year alone. The Knoxville, TN based manufacturer acquired the facilities of luxury yacht manufacturer Group Beneteau. The quarter million square foot facility sits on 40 acres and is the 3rd large plant in it’s repertoire.

“It was starting to push out our lead times. So we decided that instead of continuing to increase our lead times, we’d [increase] our manufacturing capacity.”

David Pain – CEO OF LEISURE POOLS

After nine weeks training with the staff at Leisure Pools, the facility has retooled to begin producing Fiberglass Pools. The facility recently rolled out it’s first fiberglass pool shell. That’s not all, rumor has it that Leisure is soon to start franchising. After adding United Aqua Group CEO and franchising veteran Patrick Walls as COO, they are now concentrating on developing their franchise operation. While details are still being ironed out, the Fiberglass Pool giant stated that it has plans to begin franchising early 2021.