Pool News
Pool Supply Shortages Are Real
Ongoing shortages continue to beleaguer the pool construction and pool service industry
Pool supply shortages continue to create real problems for the industry as we move further along into the 2021 pool season. One unexpected side effect to the Covid-19 pandemic last year was a renewed interest in swimming pools. For the first time ever, the pool industry has had less competition for discretionary dollars than any time in it’s history.
The Pool Industry Grew 24% in 2020
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance said the industry grew by 24% last year. That kind of growth however, has not come without some noticeable consequences that are beginning to affect the industry in a number of ways.
While popularity for swimming pools has dramatically increased, manufacturing and production has had trouble keeping up with demand. A widening gap between available labor to build swimming pools has created delays in production. The pool construction and pool service industries also continue to struggle with rising costs for essential materials such as PVC pipe, valves, tile, heaters, concrete, the list goes on and on.
Every conceivable component or sector that is involved in the construction, manufacturing, or installation of inground pools has been impacted this year to some degree. Some companies are beginning to notice the impact faster than others. Already large volume builders have begun to find themselves in serious hot water as they seem to be directly effected the most by shortages in labor and materials.
Widening Gap in Labor Force & Manufacturing
The disparity in available bodies to build and service pools is creating a widening gap. The bubble only continues to grow as Americans still find themselves largely still under home quarantine. Despite assertions from the White House that we’d all be vaccinated by May 1st, a large portion of the country still remains unvaccinated. Travel has not yet begun to resume to it’s normal pace. Currently only 32.8% of the population is fully vaccinated. This certainly means that as we rapidly approach the height of the summer months that we can expect a repeat of 2020 in terms of demand.
Coping With Pool Shortages & Price Increases in 2021
How does this bode for pool companies who already have signed contracts with customers based on estimated prices and deadlines? Many builders and service companies we’ve spoken to stated the situation is creating increasing stress on customer relationships. They are concerned that ongoing delays and scarcity can lead to more and more angry customers.
Experts predict with the rising costs on materials and equipment, the average price of a swimming pool will continue to increase from last year. Pool service companies are also impacted. With the rising cost of chlorine tablets and other essential components, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find able bodies to build and service pools.
The Perspective In The Trenches
We spoke with Stephen Little, CEO of Claro Pool in Palm Desert. Little runs a large pool service company which maintains and services roughly 10,000 pools a month. He is also a contractor on the front lines of the issue that has experienced shortages first-hand. From his viewpoint the delays in manufacturing are a large part of the problem. “Manufacturers have shut down due to shelter in place orders.” said Little “They aren’t producing, when they are producing, they’re short labor. With the shelter in place orders folks are required to stay at home.”
Little suggested that recent changes in legislature may also be contributing to the lack of available labor. “The last 12-15 months it’s become so tough to get the products we are accustomed to getting easily.” said Little. “I’m used to placing an order with distribution and getting it within 60 minutes. That is not the case anymore. We have to be much more strategic when we place an order.”
PVC Shortage Looms On The Horizon
Rising costs of PVC are also creating a serious problem. Last years Hurricane impacted production for Petrochemical plants in Texas and Louisiana. The ramifications of that shut down are coming to light this pool season. “PVC has been a problem.” said Little “We’ve seen price increases across the board in fittings, filters and pumps and anything made of PVC.”
Shock & Awe at Soaring Prices
“It has been shock and awe” continued Little “because we’ve had double and triple digit increases in the products and pieces we buy. From labor, to PVC, to dry chlorine products, to parts and equipment.”
Although prices are increasing, swimming pools still need to be properly maintained. Regardless of how chlorine prices may fluctuate this season, experts say – not adhering to proper maintenance guidelines can create a serious health hazard.
The reality is pool service companies are struggling to honor pricing commitments to customers with the increases they’ve seen from distributors. As costs for chemicals continue to rise, Little suggested that now is not the time for consumers to start being penny wise and dollar foolish when it comes to proper maintenance
“Think about the absolute catastrophe if people stop maintaining their pools” said Little “Let’s throw 8 or 10 million pools with algae into the mix and you will have a nuclear pandemic.”
Using Tried & True Alternative Products
Little who holds a masters degree in organic chemistry, says his company has not been impacted as hard by the recent chlorine tablet shortage as the rest of the country. He suggested that pool service companies begin switching to liquid chlorine.
Borates which decrease the amount of chlorine needed are also part of his regimen. “Hydrogen borate is part of our value proposition when servicing pools. It reduces chlorine demand,” said Little “when you buffer alkalinity and you keep the pH stable, we can keep healthier pools with less chlorine consumption.”
Labor Force Can Make More Staying Home
One of the major catalysts for rising prices has undeniably been a shortage of available skilled labor. The Covid-19 relief bill may have had one major unexpected side effect. Much of the skilled labor pool is still at home this pool season.
Little indicated that a large percentage of the workers that build, service and maintains pools would simply rather collect unemployment right now. “It is possible to protect your employees and your clients in the workplace.” said Little “When an employee can make $25 an hour to stay home in perpetuity or can go to work and make $20 bucks an hour, they won’t even come in for an application.“
It it a hot button topic for many in the pool industry. Pool company owners say that while demand has skyrocketed, the available pool of skilled labor has not kept up. This disparity seems to have created the perfect conditions for rising prices and the shortages the pool industry is now facing.
Shortages Seem Real Enough To Those On The Front Lines
Steve Goodale, also known as Swimming Pool Steve, is one of the most popular bloggers in the pool industry. We asked him to weigh in on the issue when we contacted him Saturday afternoon about the shortages. “In my 30 years in the pool industry I have never seen the supply chain so dried up at this time of year. No pipe available, no valves, pumps and heaters in very short supply” Goodale continued “I definitely believe that chlorine is going to run short this year, along with a great many other things.”
Goodale explained some of the issues he felt were the underlying precursor to the shortages. “There has been unprecedented activity and interest from home owners in their pools. Record numbers of pools being used, built, fixed… and the supply chains have all been hobbled by Covid for over a year now.”
Comparing This Year’s Shortages To Last Year’s Toilet Paper
Many in the industry have drawn an analogy between the announcements of this year’s shortages and last year’s toilet paper craze. Goodale replied “I definitely do not want to be an alarmist and cause a shortage where there is none, but in my experience this is going to be a very hard year for pool owners and pool industry workers alike.”
All over America, supplies are skyrocketing in cost and retailers are explaining it’s because of dwindling supplies, yet the industry itself is sending out mixed messages. Some manufacturers say that there is no shortage and some say there is. Stuck in the middle are consumers who don’t know what to make of the situation. All they know is a bucket of tabs costs substantially much more than it did last year and are in limited supply when they can find them. Most consumers aren’t even aware of the issues with PVC and other supplies yet because Chlorine shortages are currently monopolizing the media’s attention.
We reached out to pool companies on social media and asked what kind of shortages they are experiencing. They weren’t shy about sounding off:
One Reddit user ‘just_tryin_2_make_it‘ said “We have a shortage of pipe fittings down in Texas. People are hoarding and creating a shortage for profit due to the disaster and those in need are without.”
As the pool season progresses, one thing is certain – a lack of available manpower and supplies are real problems that pool service and pool construction firms alike both have to contend with this summer. Listen to our entire interview with Stephen Little, CEO of Claro Pool on the Pool Magazine podcast.
Featured Photo Credit: Alan Smith Pools
Pool Builder
Tenex Capital Management Acquires Pool Builder Franchisor, Blue Haven National Management Inc.
New York, NY – December 3, 2025 – Tenex Capital Management (“Tenex”) is pleased to announce an investment in Blue Haven National Management, Inc. (“Blue Haven” or “The Company”), a 71-year-old franchisor of swimming pool builders.
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, Blue Haven is believed to be the 2nd largest residential-focused pool builder franchisor in the United States. With 60+ locations nationally, Blue Haven is one of the most recognized brands in the pool industry. Blue Haven will continue to be run by Ryan Ripley, President/CEO and Matt Kimball, COO.
Blue Haven CEO, Ryan Ripley, commented, “We were very impressed by Tenex’s experience and network in the pool space and other similar industries. They offer extensive operational expertise and are poised to support our efforts in expanding our footprint by enabling us to better service existing and new franchisees. We have spent the past couple of years developing new technology for pool builders that is designed to improve the customer experience, and we believe Tenex will be a valuable partner as we continue to develop and implement Blue Haven’s offerings.”
Blue Haven COO, Matt Kimball stated, “Tenex provides the capital and resources that we believe will support our growth plans. We expect this partnership to help us move more quickly and make targeted investments for the benefit of our franchisee base and other stakeholders.”
Tenex Managing Director, Gabe Wood, remarked, “We are thrilled to partner with the Blue Haven management team & franchise operators. We look forward to providing marketing and technology support, as well as other capabilities that will allow Blue Haven to pursue their strategic and operational objectives to drive sustainable growth for this respected brand.”
The transaction closed on November 26th, 2025.
The Grit Game is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Watershape University—a collaboration built to strengthen professional training, expand access to high-quality education, and raise the standards of excellence across the pool and spa industry.
Education is the foundation of progress, and Watershape University has distinguished itself as the premier institution for meaningful, lasting continuing education for pool builders, designers, and service professionals. Rather than teaching to the minimum standards, Watershape U delivers meaningful, hands-on learning, technical accuracy, and ongoing support. Their classes help professionals truly master their craft and build safer, smarter, and more profitable projects. Watershape U is committed to ongoing learning and mentorship, not simply transactional one-time education.
Host Watershape University Training at Your Location
Through this partnership, distribution centers, pool builders, and service companies now have additional resources to host their own Watershape University mini events. WU provides the instructors, The Grit Game provides the support—hosts simply provide the space and light hospitality.
Hosting benefits include:
- Bring high-quality customers that invest in their education directly to your facility
- Bring highly qualified educators directly to your facility
- Offer technical training for builders, installers, designers, and service technicians
- Provide IACET CEU-eligible education for your customers or team
- Strengthen dealer loyalty and foot traffic
- Improve workmanship and reduce callbacks through better training
This initiative makes high-quality pool builder education more accessible than ever.
About Watershape University
Watershape University delivers comprehensive education in construction, engineering, design, business, and service & repair for outdoor living projects, including pools, spas, and other watershapes. Its curriculum—developed by respected industry masters—emphasizes:
- Technical mastery in hydraulics, structures, and water-in-transit systems
- Design excellence built on creativity, safety, and sustainability
- Business and leadership training to help companies scale and thrive
- Service and repair best practices that ensure long-term performance
Every course is taught by educators who uphold the same values: excellence, integrity, accuracy, and ongoing support.
“I came to Watershape University with a big vision for what education can be–and needs to be–for our industry. I recognized a big problem with attracting good people to work in the pool business at all levels. I firmly believe our trade deserves to be viewed with the same respect as other major trades, and in order to make that happen, we need a higher education and ongoing mentorship. I want everyone in this industry to have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
I am excited to bring on The Grit Game, because they are a great fit for our mission, in that they have demonstrated exceptional skills that we need. More importantly, we are completely aligned with our values. With The Grit Game’s help, we can reach more people, host more private events around the country, and provide value that students cannot get anywhere else.” – Eric Knight, Executive Director, Watershape University.
About The Grit Game
The Grit Game is redefining what a modern manufacturer’s rep agency can be. Named Pool Nation’s 2024 Sales Rep Group of the Year and nominated again for 2025, the team combines high-performance sales with education, digital content, dealer engagement, and brand-building for many of the industry’s most respected manufacturers.
By partnering with Watershape University, The Grit Game expands its mission of empowering pool pros with practical, reliable education. TGG will support the initiative through social media promotion, digital marketing, and regional event planning, helping more companies bring professional-grade training to their teams and customers.
“Education is the backbone of a strong industry. As the pool industry continues to evolve, dealers and distributors are hungry for training that actually moves their needles, and Watershape University delivers the kind of learning that genuinely changes how people build, service, and run their businesses. That impact is exactly where our values connect, and it’s why this partnership is exciting. WU and The Grit Game are both doing things differently with the common goal of helping the pool pro excel and a shared belief that this industry is at its best when the people in it are committed to helping one another. If we can create more spaces for that kind of education- that kind of community, then this industry’s future will be incredibly healthy and very bright.” – Laci Davis, The Grit Game CEO
Education Vacation 2025 – Phoenix, AZ
As part of this partnership, The Grit Game will attend Watershape University’s Education Vacation, held in Phoenix, AZ, December 4–6, 2025. The event features hands-on classes, advanced technical workshops, and builder-focused training, guided by leading experts. Many sessions have already sold out, with limited availability remaining for select advanced courses.
A Shared Commitment to Raising Industry Standards
Together, The Grit Game and Watershape University are committed to raising standards, expanding access to education, and supporting the next generation of builders and service technicians through training that moves the industry forward.
For more information on hosting a class or exploring upcoming events, visit Watershape.org. To learn more about The Grit Game, visit TheGritGame.com or contact your local rep about hosting your own WU event.
Industry News
Florida Pool Permits Down Roughly 3% YTD as Market Continues Post-Boom Adjustment
A closer look at Florida’s pool permit numbers tells a larger tale
Florida has always been one of the strongest performing markets in the pool industry. When Florida grows, the rest of the pool world feels it. When Florida slows, that slowdown echoes across every major pool market in the country. With permit data now available through September, we finally have a complete view of how the state is performing year-to-date — and what the numbers reflect is a market still cooling, but in a steady and predictable way.
When measuring true year-to-date performance from January through September, Florida recorded 21,268 permits for 2025 compared to 21,908 during the same period in 2024. That’s a decline of 640 permits, or –2.92% YOY.
This marks the third consecutive year of softening permit activity since the highs of the pandemic boom. But the pace of the decline, and the underlying factors behind it, tell a far more balanced story than simply calling it a slump.
📊 Florida Pool Permit Data Overview (Jan 2024 – Sep 2025)
Month-by-month YOY totals sourced directly from Florida Pool Pro Magazine & HB Weekly.
| Month | 2024 | 2025 | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2,230 (Jan 2024) | 2,043 (Jan 2025) | –187 | –8.39% |
| Feb | 1,980 (Feb 2024) | 2,316 (Feb 2025) | +336 | +16.97% |
| Mar | 2,160 (Mar 2024) | 2,522 (Mar 2025) | +362 | +16.76% |
| Apr | 2,850 (Apr 2024) | 2,218 (Apr 2025) | –632 | –22.18% |
| May | 2,001 (May 2024) | 2,239 (May 2025) | +238 | +11.89% |
| Jun | 2,862 (Jun 2024) | 2,350 (Jun 2025) | –512 | –17.89% |
| Jul | 2,088 (Jul 2024) | 2,427 (Jul 2025) | +339 | +16.24% |
| Aug | 2,898 (Aug 2024) | 2,269 (Aug 2025) | –629 | –21.70% |
| Sep | 2,839 (Sep 2024) | 2,884 (Sep 2025) | +45 | +1.58% |
📈 Top 10 Counties with the Biggest YOY Increases
| County | 2024 Permits | 2025 Permits | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Rosa County | 219 | 437 | +99.5 % |
| Columbia County | 84 | 142 | +69.0 % |
| Bay County | 255 | 393 | +54.1 % |
| Hernando County | 433 | 658 | +51.9 % |
| Alachua County | 195 | 280 | +43.6 % |
| Escambia County | 205 | 287 | +40.0 % |
| Lake County | 1,084 | 1,373 | +26.7 % |
| Okaloosa County | 296 | 367 | +24.0 % |
| Pasco County | 1,313 | 1,595 | +21.5 % |
| Clay County | 315 | 374 | +18.7 % |
📉 Top 10 Counties with the Sharpest YOY Declines
| County | 2024 Permits | 2025 Permits | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Johns County | 1,227 | 877 | –28.6 % |
| Citrus County | 581 | 428 | –26.3 % |
| Charlotte County | 867 | 666 | –23.1 % |
| Osceola County | 1,721 | 1,345 | –21.9 % |
| Hillsborough County | 2,142 | 1,678 | –21.7 % |
| Manatee County | 1,621 | 1,304 | –19.6 % |
| Sarasota County | 1,459 | 1,177 | –19.3 % |
| Marion County | 1,112 | 911 | –18.1 % |
| Indian River County | 634 | 537 | –15.3 % |
| Lee County | 2,311 | 2,001 | –13.4 % |
A Market Cooling, But Much Less Than Expected
The COVID surge pushed the industry to extraordinary highs. Builders saw unprecedented demand and permit numbers that were never meant to be the new normal. With rising rates and higher construction costs, some cooling was predictable as the market settled into a more sustainable rhythm.
Many analysts predicted sharp declines in the 10% range for 2025.
Instead, Florida is hovering just under a 3% decline year-to-date, and several months posted meaningful year-over-year growth:
February 2025: +16.97%
March 2025: +16.76%
May 2025: +11.89%
July 2025: +16.24%
September 2025: +1.58%
These gains counterbalance weaker months, showing a market that has stayed resilient despite challenging economic conditions.
The only true outliers pulling the year down are the months of April and August.
A Weak Spring and a Soft End to Summer
If there were two stretches that really weighed on Florida’s 2025 permit numbers, it was a weak spring and a soft end to summer.
April 2024: 2,850 permits
April 2025: 2,218 permits
Difference: –632 permits
Drop: –22.2%
August 2024: 2,898 permits
August 2025: 2,269 permits
Difference: –629 permits
Drop: –21.7%
Industry veterans know that a couple of bad months don’t define a year. But the fact is, a dip during those two traditionally big pool months dragged down the curve for the reporting period. A weak spring and a soft end to summer were enough to tip the scales, keeping 2025 in negative territory despite steady performance across most other months.
Why Florida’s Market Remains Fundamentally Strong
Despite the mild 2.92% YTD dip, on-the-ground activity tells a different story. Builders, service companies, and renovation specialists across the state are staying busy.
Here’s why:
Renovation Work Is Robust
Even if homeowners aren’t building new pools, they’re investing in:
- Pool resurfacing
- Pool equipment upgrades
- New tile and coping
- Pool automation
- Pool remodeling
The renovation market continues to prop up revenue and stabilize contractor schedules even as new pool construction projects continue to cool in 2025.
High-End Construction Hasn’t Slowed
Florida’s high-end residential pool market — especially in counties like Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Lee, Sarasota and Collier — continues to show resilient demand. Miami-Dade posted a roughly +22% increase in permits year-over-year, Lee moved about +13%, Sarasota climbed about +11%.
Population Growth Continues
Florida remains one of the top inbound migration states. More residents = more long-term pool demand. That pipeline remains extremely healthy.
Swimming Pools Still in High Demand
A slowdown could be driven by hesitation, but it is certainly not a lack of desire. Swimming pools still rank high on homeowners’ wish lists; roughly 15% of the homes in the state of Florida have a pool.
Final Thoughts
Economic Headwinds Are Real — But Not Overwhelming
The factors shaping today’s environment are challenging but aren’t going away quickly:
- Interest rates remain elevated
- Construction costs remain high
- Insurance premiums are a major pressure point
- Homeowners are more cautious
Florida’s pool industry enters 2026 on steadier footing than many expected. Even with the current market conditions, permits are down less than 3% for the year — a far better outcome than the double-digit drop analysts were bracing for.
Looking ahead, 2026 has room for quiet but meaningful growth. Even a modest improvement in rates could unlock a wave of buyers who have been waiting for the right moment, and continued in-migration keeps Florida’s long-term demand solid. Homeowners are still building, still upgrading, and still prioritizing their outdoor spaces — just with more intention than in the frenzy years.
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