Industry News
Outlook Positive as Pool Industry Navigates Post Pandemic Headwinds
The swimming pool industry has faced numerous challenges in the post-pandemic economy, from fluctuating demand to rising material costs. Yet, as Sabeena Hickman, CEO of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), discussed in her recent interview with Joe Trusty on the Pool Magazine podcast, the industry’s future remains positive. Hickman shared insights from PHTA’s recent Business Operations Survey Report, highlighting key trends shaping the pool sector today and strategies pool professionals can adopt to thrive.
Pool Industry Navigating Post-Pandemic Market Conditions
Hickman noted that while the pandemic initially created a surge in pool construction, the industry is now witnessing a return to pre-pandemic norms. “We are seeing sales begin to normalize,” Hickman explained. “Many people built pools during the pandemic, and now that life is back to normal, customers are turning to service professionals to maintain them. They just don’t have the time to do it themselves.”
This trend has fueled growth in the service sector, which was a standout finding in the 2024 Business Operations Survey Report. According to the survey, pool service businesses have grown as homeowners increasingly delegate pool maintenance tasks to professionals. As Joe Trusty put it, “Service is going to continue—people still need their pools serviced. That’s never going to change.”
The shift toward professional service has also opened new opportunities for builders. Some are adding service arms to their construction companies to maintain customer relationships after completing projects. Hickman remarked, “We’re seeing builders diversify, saying, ‘I built the pool, I know the pool, and I want to be there to service it.’ It’s a smart way to create recurring revenue streams.”
Economic Pressures Impacting Pool Construction
A slowdown in new pool construction projects is being driven by several economic factors, including rising interest rates, inflation, and even political uncertainty. As Hickman noted, “High interest rates are discouraging some homeowners from taking on large projects, like building new pools. Financing options aren’t as appealing as they were during the low-rate environment we saw during the pandemic.”
Inflation has also caused pool prices to rise significantly in recent years. According to the PHTA’s report, the average cost of building a pool has increased from $60,000 to upwards of $90,000. “The rising costs of materials and equipment have pushed prices up,” Hickman explained. “Builders need to carefully evaluate their pricing models to maintain profitability without alienating customers.”
Political uncertainty could also be playing a factor. As Trusty pointed out, “Concerns over the upcoming presidential election could be making some consumers hesitant to commit to large discretionary projects like pools. While the economy isn’t in a recession, as evidenced by recent GDP growth, consumer behavior is shaped by perception. We’re seeing that perception influence some purchasing decisions.”
Navigating Economic Challenges
While the outlook remains optimistic, economic challenges persist. The report highlights concerns over inflation and rising material costs, which are squeezing profit margins. “Many service professionals have kept their pricing steady for customers despite rising costs,” Hickman said. “Our advice to businesses in the pool industry is to evaluate their pricing and adjust as needed to maintain profitability.”
Interest rates and inflation are influencing consumer behavior, with more customers allocating disposable income toward travel and other experiences rather than large backyard projects. Trusty echoed this shift, saying, “We saw two years of lockdown, and people were ready to get out, take that trip, and make up for lost time.”
Despite these factors, Hickman emphasized that the demand for pools is still healthy. “The average pool price is climbing, and homeowners are investing more into creating resort-like backyard experiences,” she said. “While construction slowed slightly, remodeling projects are picking up.”
An Up-Tick in Remodeling Projects
While new pool construction has slowed, remodeling projects are on the rise. “Remodeling is one area where we’ve seen steady growth,” Hickman said. “Customers who built pools years ago are now upgrading their backyard spaces with new features and modern designs.”
The PHTA’s survey also revealed a growing trend among builders to offer more comprehensive services. “Some companies are becoming full-service providers, handling everything from construction to service and retail,” Hickman noted. “This diversification not only helps businesses weather economic changes but also allows them to offer greater value to their customers.”
Trusty added that these shifts align with broader consumer trends. “Many people are looking to refresh their spaces rather than start from scratch,” he explained. “Offering remodeling and service options gives companies a competitive edge in today’s market.”
Pool Industry Optimism Fueled by Research and Data
Hickman encourages pool professionals to explore the PHTA’s Business Operations Survey Report to make informed business decisions in this changing landscape. “The survey allows companies to benchmark their performance against industry averages and regional data,” she explained. “It’s a powerful tool for identifying opportunities for growth and areas for improvement.”
The report, now in its second year, offers detailed insights across multiple industry segments. Pool professionals can use the data to assess everything from gross profit margins to employee productivity. “Participating companies get free access to the data,” Hickman added. “It helps them make smarter decisions and plan strategically for the future.”
Snapshot of Business Operations Survey Data
Demographics
- Participants are primarily located in the southern United States, with a focus on warmer climates.
- Respondents include service technicians, builders and retailers.
- Builders offer the widest range of services, while service technicians primarily focus on maintenance.
Economic Trends
- The industry has faced challenges due to inflation, rising interest rates, and economic uncertainty.
- Despite these challenges, there has been growth in some areas, such as new pool sales and remodels.
- Backlogs for new pool installations have fluctuated but are currently on the rise.
- Customers are becoming more price-conscious and are making adjustments to their purchases, such as opting for smaller pools or fewer add-ons.
Business Performance
- The average company in the study makes around $1 million in annual revenue.
- Builders and retailers tend to have higher average revenues and more employees than service technicians.
- The top challenges facing businesses include economic factors, labor shortages, and access to capital.
Outlook
- The industry is optimistic about future growth as economic conditions improve and interest rates decrease.
- Continued focus on customer satisfaction, employee retention, and operational efficiency will be crucial for success.
Key Takeaways for Businesses:
- Understand your company’s unique position in the industry and identify areas for improvement.
- Monitor economic trends and adjust your business strategies accordingly.
- Prioritize employee satisfaction and retention to maintain a strong workforce.
- Focus on providing excellent customer service and building long-term relationships.
| Category | 2023 |
|---|---|
| New Pools by Type | |
| Gunite | 52.6% |
| Vinyl: Steel Wall | 16.0% |
| Fiberglass | 12.4% |
| Above Ground | 9.1% |
| Vinyl: Concrete or Poured Wall | 4.6% |
| Vinyl: Polymer Wall | 2.9% |
| Other | 2.4% |
| New Pools and Pools/Spas Units Sold | |
| Median Units Sold | 18 |
| Average Units Sold | 67 |
| Revenue per Unit Sold | |
| Median Revenue | $92,262 |
| Average Revenue | $100,109 |
| % of Units Sold Not Completed | |
| Median | 12.8% |
| Average | 19.5% |
| Funding of New Pools and Pools/Spas Projects | |
| Builder Financing | 13.1% |
| Cash | 58.8% |
| Credit Cards | 9.4% |
| HELOC or Mortgage | 12.0% |
| Other | 6.7% |
| Funding of Remodel Jobs | |
| Builder Financing | 4.7% |
| Cash | 70.8% |
| Credit Cards | 15.9% |
| HELOC or Mortgage | 5.1% |
| Other | 3.5% |
The PHTA’s Business Operations Survey reached nearly 500 respondents across various industry segments, including builders, service professionals, remodelers, designers, and retailers. The survey collected detailed data on key performance indicators essential for business optimization. Metrics gathered include profit margins, gross profit margins, company sales volume, and the number of pools built. It also tracked workforce data such as the number of employees and sales per employee, providing insights into operational efficiency. Additionally, the report analyzed revenue per unit sold, comparing trends between new pool construction and remodels. This comprehensive data allows companies to benchmark their performance and identify areas for strategic improvement.
Ready to take a deeper dive?
Listen to our entire discussion with Sabeena Hickman about the status of the industry, current market conditions, and what’s in the 2024 Business Operations Survey Report on the Pool Magazine podcast.
Industry News
PHTA Opens Public Review of Revised PHTA-6 Spa Standard
The revised PHTA-6 standard addresses requirements for residential portable spas and exercise spas, with public comments being accepted during the review period.
(Alexandria, Va.) — The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is inviting public review and comment on the proposed revision of the PHTA-6 Standard for Residential Portable Spas and Exercise Spas.
As an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited standards developer, PHTA follows a consensus-based standards development process that includes public review and comment opportunities for proposed standards revisions.
The draft revision of the PHTA-6 standard focuses on site-specific installation and consumer use of residential portable spas and exercise spas after delivery to the end user. Proposed updates are intended to improve enforceability, support regulatory alignment, address certification gaps, and enhance safety continuity throughout the industry.
The revised draft also includes updated language and new content designed to reflect current industry practices, technologies, and requirements.
The public review period for the draft PHTA-6 standard opens May 22, 2026, and closes July 6, 2026. During this time, industry professionals, regulatory agencies, and other interested parties are encouraged to review the draft and submit comments for consideration.
The public review announcement was published in ANSI Standards Action on May 22, 2026.
The draft standard and instructions for submitting comments are available on the PHTA-6 webpage at phta.org.
For additional information, please contact PHTA’s Standards Department at [email protected] or call (703) 838-0083.
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.
Watson’s Accelerates Strategic Growth with Acquisition of Viridien Patio + Fireplace, Strengthening Southern U.S. Presence
Cincinnati, OH (May 18th, 2026) – Watson’s, one of the nation’s largest retailers of home recreational products and furnishings, today announced the acquisition of Charlotte, NC based Viridien Patio + Fireplace, the Carolinas premier destination for high-end outdoor furniture, outdoor kitchens, fireplace and hearth products.
The acquisition of Viridien further strengthens Watson’s Southern U.S. presence, building on its 2024 acquisition of Fort Myers, Florida-based Recreational Warehouse, while also expanding its leadership in the outdoor furnishings category overall. The addition of four Carolinas locations—Charlotte, Lake Norman, Raleigh, and Greenville—brings Watson’s total store count to 39. Following the acquisition, Watson’s will operate 23 corporate locations and 16 franchise and affiliate locations.
“Expanding into the Carolinas market has long been a strategic objective for us,” said Erik Mueller, CEO of Watson’s. “The market’s strength and sustained economic growth make it a natural fit for our continued expansion. Combined with Viridien’s strong team, shared values, proven business model, and established presence, this acquisition represents an excellent strategic alignment. We are excited to welcome the entire Viridien team into the Watson’s family and to continue delivering high-quality products and experiences that bring enjoyment and relaxation to families across the region. Looking ahead, we see meaningful
opportunities to expand our product offerings and further grow our presence throughout the state as we invest in and grow alongside the community.”
“Watson’s is a family business with a strong culture, an outstanding reputation, and values that closely align with our own. From the beginning, it was important to me to find a partner that truly understood what Viridien has been built on over the past 45 years — taking care of our employees, customers, and vendor partners while always operating with integrity and a long-term perspective. I genuinely don’t believe we could have found a better home for our business. This partnership creates exciting opportunities for growth while allowing us to preserve the culture, service, and relationships that have defined Viridien for decades,” said Grant W. Henegan, Owner and President of Viridien Patio + Fireplace.
Following the acquisition, Viridien will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Watson’s and will be branded as Viridien by Watson’s. Customers should continue to expect a seamless and premium experience, with the same high standards of product selection and exceptional customer service delivered by both Watson’s and Viridien.
Building on this most recent expansion, Watson’s continues to evaluate and pursue multiple avenues for growth across the U.S. “We see significant opportunity to continue scaling Watson’s through new store development and strategic acquisitions in both our existing and new markets,” said Mueller.
Founded in 1968, Watson’s is one of the nation’s largest retailers of home recreation products, offering outdoor furniture, spas, pools, saunas, billiards, indoor furnishings, and more.
Assisting in the acquisition were Cincinnati-based partners Katz Teller, Clark Schaefer Hackett and Charlotte-based partner Stump & Company.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
About Watson’s
Since 1968, Watson’s has grown from a pool store in Cincinnati to one of the nation’s largest retailers of home recreation products and home furnishings. Their stores feature outdoor furnishings, indoor furnishings, game tables, pools, spas, and more, all under one roof. Watson’s mission is to bring families together for fun, relaxation, and a break from the stress of daily life. Their vision is to bring creativity to the home furnishings and leisure industries, by providing leadership with cutting-edge products, innovation, and world-class customer service. For more information visit www.watsons.com.
About Viridien Patio + Fireplace
Viridien Patio + Fireplace is a Carolinas based specialty retailer founded in 1981 that has evolved from a single fireplace store into a regional leader in premium outdoor furniture, outdoor kitchens, and fireplace products. Formerly known as The Fire House Casual Living Store, the company rebranded as Viridien in 2022 to reflect its focus on elevated outdoor living, design expertise, and customer-centric service. www.viridien.com
Industry News
POOLCORP Welcomes John Watwood as President and Chief Executive Officer
Seasoned distribution leader to drive POOLCORP’s next chapter of growth, deepening commitment to customers and supply partners
COVINGTON, LA., May 14, 2026 — POOLCORP, the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool and outdoor living products, recently announced the appointment of John Watwood as President and Chief Executive Officer.
Watwood joined the company in January 2026 as Executive Vice President and has quickly made an impact after spending much of his time in POOLCORP sales centers, meeting with customers, engaging with suppliers, and aligning closely with teams across the business. With extensive leadership experience in industrial and specialty distribution, Watwood brings a deep understanding of how to build high-performing teams, strengthen customer connections, and create long-term value in the industry.
Prior to joining POOLCORP, Watwood served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations at Motion Industries, a leading distributor of industrial parts and value-added solutions and a subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company. During his career, he has led large-scale sales and operations organizations focused on customer growth, supply chain excellence, and market expansion.
“John has gained the trust of our employees, customers, and suppliers in a very short period of time,” said Kenny St. Romain, Senior Vice President at POOLCORP. “He understands distribution at its core, but more importantly, he understands the value of relationships and the local support that our customers need. Our field teams have seen firsthand his commitment to listening, supporting our customers, and helping us continue to evolve our already successful service model. There’s real excitement across the organization about where we’re headed under John’s leadership.”
Watwood’s appointment marks the next chapter for POOLCORP as the company continues to invest in customer-focused solutions, sales and service excellence, operational capabilities, and technology-enabled experiences designed to help industry professionals grow and operate more efficiently.
About Pool Corporation
POOLCORP is the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool and related outdoor living products. The Company operates approximately 455 sales centers in North America, Europe, and Australia, through which it distributes more than 200,000 products to roughly 125,000 wholesale customers, including pool builders, retail stores, and service professionals. For more information, please visit www.poolcorp.com.
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