Industry News
Pool Tariffs Are Coming, Buckle Up
Proposed pool tariffs could impact equipment, chemicals, and supplies—raising costs and disrupting 2025 for pool pros and pool owners.
As summer approaches, the pool and spa industry typically prepares for peak demand with an eye on weather patterns, staffing, and material supply. This year, however, an unexpected wildcard has entered the equation: proposed import tariffs from President Donald Trump. A sweeping trade plan includes a universal 10% tariff on all imported goods and country-specific tariffs as high as 60%—targeting major export nations like China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. These moves could lead to widespread disruptions in pricing, inventory availability, and business strategy across the industry.
While much of the mainstream discussion has focused on global economics, pool professionals are already bracing for a tangible, near-term impact on the supplies that power their day-to-day operations—from pool pumps and patio furniture to chlorine tablets and algaecides.
Pool Tariffs: Countries With Major Increases
🇨🇳 China: Equipment and Essential Components Under Threat
With a proposed 60% tariff on Chinese imports, the pressure on manufacturers and distributors will be immediate. China is a key supplier of:
- Variable-speed pumps
- Pool filters and filter cartridges
- LED lighting
- Control panels and automation systems
- PVC fittings and plumbing parts
These aren’t just high-ticket items; they’re foundational to virtually every new pool build and maintenance route. For builders who spec out entire equipment pads and service companies that stock up for summer maintenance, these costs could spike sharply.
“Higher tariffs on Chinese goods mean we’ll either have to absorb the cost or increase prices across the board,” said Brian Turmail, spokesperson for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). In an interview with Construction Dive, Turmail emphasized that “uncertainty is worse than the tariffs themselves” because it disrupts the ability to plan and price projects effectively.
In the pool world, that uncertainty could result in fewer homeowners committing to backyard upgrades—or worse, delay or cancel their pool builds altogether.
🇻🇳 Vietnam: Outdoor Living Just Got Pricier
Vietnam has emerged as a dominant supplier of outdoor furnishings, including teak and synthetic rattan poolside loungers, umbrellas, shade structures, and pergolas. With a proposed 46% tariff, luxury outdoor living upgrades could become significantly more expensive.
High-end pool contractors and landscape designers often rely on Vietnamese-made furniture to finish out resort-style backyards. If prices skyrocket or lead times extend, many may be forced to switch to domestic or lower-tier alternatives that compromise style, comfort, or durability.
🇹🇼 Taiwan: Plumbing and Hardware Vulnerabilities
Taiwan, which faces a 32% tariff under the proposal, is a major exporter of essential pool parts including:
- Check valves and unions
- Actuators and diverter valves
- PVC components
- Steel hardware and brackets
Although often unseen by the end user, these components are vital for building and repairing pools. Pool plumbers and installers will find themselves paying more for the basic building blocks of their systems, with the potential for backorders as suppliers scramble to adjust.
💥 The Universal 10% Tariff: Chlorine, Acid, and Chemical Supplies
Perhaps most concerning for service pros is the universal 10% tariff on all imported goods, which would hit pool chemicals especially hard. While the U.S. manufactures many of its pool chemicals domestically, a significant share—especially in the offseason—is still imported from countries like China, India, and Canada.
Imports of:
- Trichlor tablets
- Sodium bicarbonate (alkalinity increaser)
- Calcium chloride (hardness increaser)
- Sodium bisulfate and muriatic acid
- Specialty algaecides and phosphate removers
…could all see price increases under the new tariff plan.
After back-to-back years of chemical shortages due to pandemic-era supply chain issues and the catastrophic 2020 BioLab fire, the industry has only recently stabilized. Another round of price hikes or delivery delays could be a painful setback.
According to a 2025 report by Business Insider, construction and service professionals in other sectors are already warning that tariffs on imported materials will impact “everything from floor tiles to aluminum railings.” The pool industry is no different—chemicals and components are linked together, and increased costs in one area can drive up pricing across the board.
Recent Tariff Updates
| Country/Region | Tariff Rate | Status | Effective Date | Key Products Impacted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 25% | Scheduled | April 2, 2025 | All goods |
| Canada | 25% | Active | March 4, 2025 | All goods non-USMCA |
| Canada (energy) | 10% | Active | March 4, 2025 | Crude oil, natural gas |
| Mexico | 25% | Scheduled | April 2, 2025 | All goods |
| Mexico | 25% | Active | March 4, 2025 | All goods non-USMCA |
| Potash (Canada and Mexico) | 10% non-USMCA; Exempt USMCA-qualifying | Active | March 7, 2025 | Potash |
| China | 20% increase | Active | March 4, 2025 | Broad range of products |
| Venezuelan Oil Importer Countries | 25% increase | Scheduled | April 2, 2025 | All goods |
| Global (steel) | 25% | Active | March 12, 2025 | Steel products |
| Global (aluminum) | 25% | Active | March 12, 2025 | Aluminum products |
| Global (copper) | 25% | Announced | TBD | Copper products |
| European Union | 25% | Announced | TBD | Various, cars, wine, spirits, processed foods, luxury items |
| Reciprocal Tariff Plan | Varies | Scheduled | April 2, 2025 | Various, depending on other countries’ tariffs on U.S. goods |
Industry Source for Data: Pool & Hot Tub Alliance – Tariff Policy – Stay engaged with the PHTA’s website for an ongoing and maintained list of the most recent tariff updates.
Inflation and Planning Pressure
Goldman Sachs recently projected that a tariff wave of this magnitude could push the Fed’s preferred core inflation metric up to 3.5% in 2025, compared to 2.8% in February. Pool professionals are already seeing the ripple effects. Prices of imported gear, chemicals, and finish materials may begin to creep up even before tariffs go into effect, as suppliers preemptively increase margins or shift to more expensive sources.
Contractors who submitted bids in early 2024 based on last year’s pricing could be underwater come installation time, forcing difficult conversations with clients.
What Pool Companies Should Do Now
- Review Inventory Sources: Identify products sourced from tariff-impacted countries and work with distributors to plan ahead.
- Communicate with Clients: Let homeowners know that material costs may rise due to macroeconomic factors. Transparency builds trust.
- Negotiate with Distributors: Lock in pricing where possible, and explore domestic alternatives that won’t be subject to increased tariffs.
- Stay Agile with Quotes: Include disclaimers or escalation clauses in contracts to account for unforeseen material cost increases.
- Consider Bulk Buys of Chemicals: Especially for service companies, now may be the time to stock up on chlorine and acid before summer surges and tariffs kick in.
What About Vehicles?
Though not at the forefront of pool-specific concerns, the proposed 25% tariff on foreign-made automobiles could also affect the industry. Many pool companies rely on imported service vehicles—like Toyota Tacomas, Nissan NV vans, or Mercedes Sprinter models—for their fleet. If these become more expensive or less available, companies may face additional costs or delays in expanding or maintaining their operations.
Final Thoughts on Pool Industry Tariffs
While it remains to be seen how many of these proposed tariffs will be implemented—or in what form—pool and spa professionals can’t afford to ignore the potential impact. From chlorine tablets and pool pumps to loungers and loadout vehicles, every aspect of the backyard business could be affected.
As the saying goes, plan for the worst and hope for the best. For the pool industry, that means treating this tariff plan as more than just political posturing—it could be a serious challenge to the stability of the 2025 pool season.
Latham Group, Inc. – the largest designer and manufacturer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia and New Zealand, visited the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square.
The team at Latham proudly rang the Nasdaq Opening Bell. The industry leader took a moment to celebrate its 70th anniversary and five years as a public company, highlighting continued growth, strong market performance, and resilience in a shifting residential construction landscape.
The achievement follows a year of solid performance for Latham Group Inc., which reported 7% year-over-year revenue growth in 2025, even as the broader residential construction market faced ongoing economic headwinds.
In a statement on LinkedIn, the company said:
“For seven decades, innovation has been at the core of what we do, made possible by the trusted builders and partners who bring these backyards to life every day.
Together, we’ve helped transform backyards into spaces where families gather and memories are made.
Here’s to 70 years of progress, partnership, and what we’ll build next!”
Photo Credit: Latham, The Pool Company
SPS’s Recent Acquisition of Pool Troopers Accelerates Company’s Investment in Scaled Infrastructure with ServiceTitan Powering Over 30 Branch Locations Across Five States and Standardizing Operations across the Service Cycle
LOS ANGELES – March 17, 2026— ServiceTitan (Nasdaq: TTAN), the software platform that powers the trades, today announced that SPS PoolCare, the largest residential swimming pool services platform in the United States, is standardizing their 30+ branch locations across five states on the ServiceTitan platform. By unifying their family of brands on ServiceTitan, SPS will leverage a single, enterprise-grade system to unify its vast operations, accelerate its high-velocity acquisition strategy, and scale its platform.
“SPS is demonstrating how purpose-built technology can transform a traditionally fragmented industry,” said Connor Theilmann, Chief Business Officer of ServiceTitan. “Their leadership team has made a deliberate investment in enterprise infrastructure, and we’re proud to support their continued growth. Standardizing on ServiceTitan will allow SPS to meet the needs of a large, multi-location operation, with Fraser Ramseyer, Storr Group, and the SPS leadership team making this one of the most seamless large-scale integrations we’ve ever seen.”
The move reflects SPS PoolCare’s continued investment in enterprise-grade infrastructure, as it advances its position as the dominant market leader in a highly fragmented industry. Founded in 2021 and backed by Storr Group, an investment firm that builds and scales industry-leading platforms, SPS PoolCare operates across Texas, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia, where it employs more than 1,000 team members and is on track to perform more than two million weekly recurring pool services in 2026. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based platform serves as SPS PoolCare’s technology backbone, enabling SPS to manage complexity across geography, workforce scale, and service frequency.
“We’ve worked closely with the ServiceTitan team for several years, and this decision reflects the trust and alignment we’ve built as long-term partners,” said Lance Martin, CEO and COO of SPS PoolCare. “Our objective has always been to build a durable platform that enables our team to deliver exceptional service to our customers. Standardizing on ServiceTitan gives us the operational visibility, integration speed, and performance discipline required to scale responsibly and create long-term value.”
Ranked #1 on Pool and Spa News Top 50 Service list, SPS continues to solidify its position as the industry leader, driven by the company’s ability to pair high-velocity revenue growth with a deep commitment to staff training and retention, active industry leadership, and an early adopter of innovative technology within the pool service space. SPS PoolCare is dedicated to the communities it serves, ensuring that its national scale translates into a positive local impact across its entire service footprint.
“From inception, our thesis at Storr Group has been to build the pool industry’s first scaled category-defining operating platform,” Fraser Ramseyer, CEO of Storr Group and Founder of SPS PoolCare. “Technology is not ancillary to that vision – it is foundational. ServiceTitan provides the infrastructure necessary to integrate acquisitions efficiently, drive operational consistency, and support disciplined expansion.”
SPS PoolCare’s focus on being the employer-of-choice is supported by ServiceTitan’s mobile-first capabilities, which empower their over 1,000 staff team members with the tools they need to succeed in the field.
ServiceTitan continues to invest in purpose-built technology for the pool industry, offering features like route optimization, automated chemical tracking, and integrated project management for renovations. By providing real-time visibility into multi-location operations, ServiceTitan enables enterprise-scale businesses like SPS PoolCare to make data-driven decisions that fuel organic growth.
About ServiceTitan ServiceTitan is the software platform that powers trades businesses. The company’s cloud-based, end-to-end solution gives contractors the tools they need to run and grow their business, manage their back office, and provide a stellar customer experience. By bringing an integrated SaaS platform to an industry historically underserved by technology, ServiceTitan is equipping tradespeople with the technology they need to keep the world running.
About SPS PoolCare
As the #1 swimming pool services company in the United States, SPS PoolCare is on track to perform over 2,000,000 weekly recurring pool services in 2026 and employs more than 1,000 staff across five states. Backed by Storr Group, the company is focused on growing its family of brands across the Sun Belt, as it continues to make owning a pool a joy. SPS PoolCare is committed to creating a world-class service experience for its customers and being an employer-of-choice for its team members. Read more at spspoolcare.com.
About Storr Group
Storr Group is an operationally focused lower-middle-market private equity firm that backs, builds, and scales industry-leading platforms. With a rich background in business building, Storr combines world-class operators with strategic M&A, deep integration, and sophisticated technology to drive sustainable growth and long-term value. To partner today, visit storrgroup.com.
Press Contact
Max Wertheimer
ServiceTitan, Inc.
© 2026 ServiceTitan. All rights reserved. ServiceTitan, the ServiceTitan logo, and all ServiceTitan product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or unregistered trademarks of ServiceTitan, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other brand names and marks mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective holder(s).
Celebrating the long-standing industry leaders whose dedication, vision,
and service-first mindset have shaped the future of the aquatics industry.
The Pentair Pool Pro Awards shine a spotlight on pool professionals who elevate the
standard of excellence — those who champion safety, embrace innovation, and support
the next generation of industry talent. Among this year’s honorees, the Lifetime
Achievement Award holds special significance. It recognizes individuals whose years of
service, leadership, and impact have left lasting imprints on their teams, their customers,
and the pool community at large.
The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winners exemplify what it means to lead with
purpose. Their stories reflect a shared commitment to uplifting others, advancing the
industry, and showing what’s possible through hard work, humility, and a dedication to
doing things the right way.
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Shannon Jones
Owner, Graves Pools and Spas | Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
For Shannon Jones, the pool industry is more than a career — it’s a legacy. Celebrating 50
years in business, Graves Pools and Spas has been family-run for generations, and Jones is
proud to continue the mission her grandfather began… And share it with all three of her
children, who are also involved in the business. Early in her leadership journey, she created
a personal mission statement that still guides her today: to make a positive difference in
every life she meets.
That philosophy is woven through her business. Guided by servant leadership, Jones
focuses first on caring for her team, trusting that empowered employees deliver
exceptional experiences for customers. “The more I take care of them,” she says, “the more
they feel fulfilled, and the more they care for others.” Many members of her management
team have been with the company for 16, 18, even 25 years, a testament to her example-driven approach.
Jones’ commitment to excellence shows up in everyday actions, from celebrating safe
driving with the company’s “Golden Steering Wheel” award, to openly acknowledging and
correcting mistakes as part of a culture rooted in honesty. And her impact extends beyond
the business. Graves Pools and Spas supports swim education across three local YMCA chapters, providing equipment and services free of charge and hosting swim lessons in the
company’s pools. “If we save one child from drowning,” she says, “it would be worth
everything we give.”
As automation and A.I. reshape the industry, Jones is focused on bringing modern tools to
both residential and commercial customers, helping her community stay ahead of the
curve. And with all three of her children now part of the company, the future feels bright.
“Our opportunities are limitless,” she says. “And the more we grow, the more positive
differences we get to make. I’m honored to be recognized with this award, but having the
ability to make a difference in the world through my company, I’ve already won big time.”
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Sean Johnson
Executive Vice President, Field Services, Amenity Pool Services | New York City, NY
For Sean Johnson, the pool industry became a calling long before it became a career.
Growing up in New York City, Johnson didn’t learn to swim until he was a teenager, but he
was hooked from the moment he did. That first experience sparked a passion for aquatics
and lifeguarding that eventually led him to a career path, where he rose from an entry-level
role to leading an entire office by age 20.
Johnson’s lifelong dedication is rooted in helping people build meaningful careers. Whether
mentoring young lifeguards, developing leaders, or promoting from within, he has always
believed the strongest customer relationships start with strong teams. Throughout his
career with The Amenity Collective, a leader in aquatics, fitness, and recreation solutions,
Sean has been instrumental in the growth of its aquatics platform, including American Pool
and Amenity Pool Services, while mentoring field teams and building operational depth and
process across the organization. Under his leadership, his New York office grew from 40
commercial customers to more than 300, maintaining one of the highest customer
retention rates in the region.
His commitment to going above and beyond is perhaps best illustrated through his work
with Erickson Senior Living. Tasked with automating pools across dozens of properties,
Johnson personally visited every location — traveling more than 200 nights over three years
— to install systems, build relationships, and ensure residents enjoyed safe, perfectly
balanced pools. “It was one of the few things I got exactly right in my life,” he says, laughing.
“I made real personal friends along the way.”
Johnson also contributes beyond the industry, giving his time to Boy Scouts of America by
restoring trail systems, writing hiking guides, and continuing to serve as a scout leader. He’s
also a proud member of his local high school’s board.
Winning the Lifetime Achievement Award, he says, feels deeply personal. “I’ve worked in
this business my whole life,” Johnson shares. “To be recognized like this… it means
everything to me. I hope it shows young people that the pool industry is a real career —
something you can grow in, lead in, and truly be proud of. And beyond that, it’s just plain
fun!”
Celebrating All the 2025 Pentair Pool Pro Award Winners
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement honorees, Pentair recognized winners across
multiple categories, including Premier Pool Pro, Unsung Hero, Safety Advocate, and
Advancing Automation. Visit www.pentair.com/en-us/pool-spa/pool-pro-awards to meet
all the remarkable individuals shaping the future of pools one customer at a time.
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