Connect with us

PREMIUM SPONSORS

Industry News

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Announces 2025 Superlative Award Recipients

Published

on

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Announces 2025 Superlative Award Recipients

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is proud to announce the winners of its 2025 Superlative Awards, including Builder of the Year, Service Professional of the Year, Retailer of the Year, International Hot Tub Association (IHTA) Hot Tub Retailer of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Chapter of the Year.

The 2025 PHTA Superlative Award winners will be recognized during the PHTA Awards of Excellence Reception on October 21 in Las Vegas, NV, as part of the International Pool Spa Patio Expo.

“This year’s PHTA Superlative Awards truly show the breadth, depth, and strength of our industry,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President & CEO of PHTA. “These individuals and organizations understand the importance of raising up those around them, which in turn elevates the pool, spa, and hot tub industry as a whole. I am so impressed by their dedication and commitment to their craft. Congratulations to all 2025 PHTA Superlative Award winners!”

2025 PHTA Superlative Award Winners

This year’s award winners are as follows:

Builder of the Year

Mike Church, Cody Pools

The Builder of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award given annually to one PHTA builder member who has advanced the pool building profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry.

Mike Church, President and CEO of Cody Pools, took over the company in 2003, overseeing 19 employees and two offices. Over the last two decades, Church has successfully grown the company and now leads more than 500 employees across three states. Church leads with integrity and transparency, upholding ethical standards and significantly influencing the pool industry as a whole. He believes in the importance of continuing education and has many certified professionals on staff. This commitment to excellence has led to Cody Pools being named the number one pool builder in America for the past 13 years in a row by Pool and Spa News.  Church is known throughout the industry as a respected leader and innovator.

Builder of the Year - Mike Church, Cody Pools - 2025 PHTA Superlative Award Recipient

Service Professional of the Year

Nicholas LaPointe, Golden State Pools

The Service Professional of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award given annually to one PHTA service member who has advanced the service profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry.

Nicholas LaPointe, Owner of Golden State Pools, understands the importance of customer loyalty. Golden State Pools has been a family-run company since 1980 and today has 1,300 accounts—the majority of which are more than 10 years old. LaPointe was born into the business and uses that historical knowledge to build longstanding relationships with vendors, suppliers, and clients alike. He successfully completed the PHTA Leadership Certificate Program powered by Cornell University, a sign of his commitment to elevating his company and his team. LaPointe is a Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) and is currently on the path towards becoming a Certified Master Pool Builder & Design Professional (MCBP).

Service Professional of the Year - Nicholas LaPointe, Golden State Pools - 2025 PHTA Superlative Award Recipient

Retailer of the Year

Mike Todd, Rainbow Pools & Living Art Design

The Retailer of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award recognizing one outstanding retailer who has advanced the retail profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry. This award is sponsored by RB Retail & Service Software.

Mike Todd, President of Rainbow Pools & Living Art Designs, is an industry leader with a deep commitment to raising the industry’s standards. Todd leads with positivity and respect, earning the trust of both his staff and his customers. Todd was previously named the BioGuard Retailer of the Year and serves on the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA) Board of Directors. He understands the importance of giving back and supports Step Into Swim, PHTA’s drowning prevention initiative. Todd holds several industry certifications, including Certified Builder Professional (CBP), Certified Pool & Spa Service Professional (CSP), and CPO.

Retailer of the Year - Mike Todd, Rainbow Pools & Living Art Design - 2025 PHTA Superlative Award Recipient

IHTA Hot Tub Retailer of the Year

Scott Clark, The Spa and Sauna Co.

The International Hot Tub Association (IHTA) Hot Tub Retailer of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award recognizing one outstanding hot tub retailer who has advanced the hot tub retail profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the hot tub industry.

Scott Clark, Owner and Operator of The Spa and Sauna Co., exemplifies unwavering commitment and leadership within the pool and hot tub industry. He and his team continually demonstrate excellence through customer care, innovation, and industry advocacy. Clark is an active member of the IHTA Retailer Subcommittee and helps develop training and education for other hot tub retailers. He is known for his humble leadership, commitment to innovation, and deep knowledge of the hot tub industry. Clark believes in the power of collaboration and openly shares best practices with other businesses.

IHTA Hot Tub Retailer of the Year - Scott Clark, The Spa and Sauna Co. - 2025 PHTA Superlative Award Recipient

Volunteer of the Year

Steve Barnes, AquaStar Pool Products

The Volunteer of the Year Award is bestowed upon one prominent individual each year who has made distinguished contributions that raise professionalism in the aquatic community through their volunteering with PHTA.

Steve Barnes, Director of Science and Compliance at AquaStar Pool Products, demonstrates a steadfast commitment to advancing the pool and hot tub industry. He has served on countless industry committees, including the PHTA Standards Process Committee, PHTA-16 Standard Writing Committee, PHTA Technical Advisory Council, and International Code Council (ICC) International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) Code Development Committee. Over his 40-year career in the industry, he has worked tirelessly to improve and enhance industry standards that keep swimmers and professionals safe.

Volunteer of the Year - Steve Barnes, AquaStar Pool Products - 2025 PHTA Superlative Award Recipient

Young Professionals of the Year

The Young Professional of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award recognizing a forward-thinking leader under the age of 40 who will be the voice and next generation of pool and spa professionals. In 2025, PHTA recognizes two outstanding young professionals.

Alexa Blanda, Mill Bergen Pools

Alexa Blanda, Service Manager at Mill Bergen Pools, sets an example for all pool professionals with her dedication, innovation, and leadership. She has already had a meaningful impact on the industry through serving on the NESPA Membership Committee, chairing the PHTA Service Council, championing the PHTA Registered Apprenticeship Programs, and collaborating on the PHTA Service Technician Manual used by thousands of certified professionals. Blanda is a Certified Pool & Spa Maintenance Specialist (CMS) and a Certified Pool & Spa Service Technician (CST) who cares deeply about strengthening the entire industry.

Young Professional of the Year, Alexa Blanda, Mill Bergen Pools - 2025 PHTA Superlative Award Recipient

Johnathan Nies, Counsilman-Hunsaker

Johnathan Nies, Project Director at Counsilman-Hunsaker, is dedicated to advancing the safety and standards of the pool and hot tub industry. He is a PHTA CPO Instructor, leading all CPO courses at Counsilman-Hunsaker to ensure that his colleagues are well-trained in safety practices and regulatory compliance. He is known for his professionalism, integrity, leadership, and dedication and is deeply committed to advancing the industry through innovation, education, and steadfast dedication to excellence.

Young Professional of the Year - Johnathan Nies, Counsilman-Hunsaker - 2025 PHTA Superlative Award Recipient

Chapter of the Year

Penn-Jersey Pool & Spa Association

The Chapter of the Year Award recognizes one outstanding chapter that has set a stellar example for the organization, advancing and enhancing the industry through strong leadership, community outreach, and providing their members with the highest quality of programs, activities, and services.

The Penn-Jersey Pool & Spa Association has successfully grown into a robust pool and spa industry community, with hundreds of engaged members. From giving pool and hot tub professionals a break during the busy season to enjoy a Phillies game, to launching the Women in the Industry (WITI) Walk to raise funding and awareness for drowning prevention, to hosting a hospitality event at the annual Pool & Spa Show, this chapter knows how to create and sustain a dedicated base. Everything the Penn-Jersey Pool & Spa Association does is in support of making the industry stronger and the community more connected.

Chapter of the Year - Penn-Jersey Pool & Spa Association - 2025 PHTA Superlative Award Recipient

For more information, please contact Amy Willer, PHTA’s Director of Content and Communications, at [email protected] or 703-838-0083, ext. 121. 

###

About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with 4,000 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $62B pool, hot tub, and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth initiatives to increase our members’ professionalism, knowledge, and profitability. Additionally, PHTA promotes the use of pools by expanding swimming, water safety, and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer, and keeping pools open to serve communities.  For more information, visit www.phta.org.

5/5 - (3 votes)

Marianne Trusty

Marianne Trusty is a Press Correspondent for the pool & spa industry. A published author and social media influencer reaching over 20 million people around the world each day. Contact Marianne about publishing op-editorials, breaking pool news and press releases at [email protected].

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.

Published

on

Skimmer Expands Into Pool Construction Software With Acquisitions of Pool Builder Geek and Poologics

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

5/5 - (13 votes)

Continue Reading

Industry News

Landmark Aquatic Names Jason Hill Kansas City General Manager

Published

on

Jason Hill named Landmark Aquatic 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.

Rate this post

Continue Reading

Industry News

Understanding the U.S. Pool Market in 2026

Published

on

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.

Inground Pool Market

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 Pool Market

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

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.

Pool Technology - Automation and AI are transforming the pool industry

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

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.

4.9/5 - (92 votes)

Continue Reading

Read the Summer Issue of Pool Magazine

Read the Summer Edition of Pool Magazine
Add Pool Magazine on Google

See more of our coverage in your search results

Sponsored Advertisement
PHTA Mentor Program - Get Matched With a Seasoned Industry LeaderSponsored Advertisement
Sponsored Advertisement

Pool News