Pool News
Shortages Delaying Pool Construction
A series of shortages are causing pool construction delays across the nation
Shortages continue to plague the pool industry and have now begun to cause tremendous delays for pool builders. Experts say a serious plastics shortage is trickling down and impacting builders across the pool industry. Diminished supplies and rising costs for raw materials are causing prices to skyrocket with distributors. Supply chains have been dramatically affected by a recent surge in demand for pool products as well as the COVID-19 shutdowns. As manufacturing plants begin to come back online, many in the industry are beginning to wonder if it’s too little too late to save this year’s pool season. Supply delays are already causing serious problems for pool builders across the nation and the situation looks to only be getting worse as the season goes on.
Shortages Cause Distributors to Raise Prices
Across the board – prices for chemicals, components, and machinery have gone up with major distributors. PoolCorp announced price increases earlier this year that are set to start on May 3, 2021. Many pool companies however, have reported wide spread price increases from other distributors in the months prior to the announcement taking effect. Stock on many essential components are in short supply due to Covid causing a series of wide spread factory slowdowns. This following an unprecedented demand for pool and spa goods in 2020.
Hurricane Laura sparked a fire at one of the main chlorine production plants, shutting down more than 40% of the chlorine tablet production in the United States. We have seen significant price increases on chemicals, especially chlorine. The price for chlorine tablets is predicted to increase up to 50% by mid July according to analysts.
Plastics Shortage Impacting The Pool Industry
ISM is reporting a plastics shortage that is already predicted to severely impact the pool industry. Raw material shortages for resin have dramatically impacted supply chains. Dwindling supplies were already tight say leading experts. The recent deep freeze caused by winter storm Uri, took many supplies off the market as pool owners in Texas experienced millions of dollars in unexpected pool equipment repairs.
The Petrochemical industry which is largely based in Texas, was nearly brought to it’s knees during the winter. Uri had disastrous implications on supplies which are impacting the inventory that pool companies have depended on being available for this seasons installation projects.
According to the Wall Street Journal, which cited S& P Global Platts, the freeze in Texas, one of the largest exporters of plastics and other petrochemical products, halted production of 75% of polyethylene, 62% of polypropylene, and 57% of PVC. Texas manufactures about 85 percent of the polyethylene used in the United States, making it the most commonly used plastic in the world. The manufacturing delays have triggered a global plastics shortage.
Maintaining Pricing Structures is Impossible
Maintaining existing pricing structures has already become untenable for pool service companies due to the rising costs of chemicals like trichlor and dichlor. Many pool service companies have begun to send out announcements to customers to expect price increases on weekly pool service this season. “We have absolutely no choice” said Mike Pompura of Pool Masters in Corona, CA. “Distributors have raised their prices considerably this season and unfortunately we are going to have start passing these price increases on to our customers.”
Pompura who has run his pool service company for the past two decades, says he has never seen conditions like this before. “I’ve been in business since 2001 and this is the worst I have seen it. We are having problems getting valves. PVC has also gone way up this year” said Pompura.
The problems Pompura is experiencing seem to echo the sentiments of many pool companies sounding off in pool industry groups on social media. The stress on plastic supplies and a surge on demand for resins are causing bottlenecks in the supply chain across the nation. Experts cite a number of causes for ongoing delays including port closures, over the road capacity shortages, and an increased demand on plastics for food packaging and PPE.
Emile Stinchcombe of Aqua Guard Pools in Detroit says the problem is bigger than just a shortage of materials. The Covid-19 relief bill has provided extra stimulus to the point where the industry finds itself suddenly short of skilled labor during the busiest months of the pool season. “We have a serious shortage of labor this year. Suddenly everyone wants to stay home and collect unemployment instead of work for a living. I’ve never seen anything like it in all my years in the pool industry.” said Stinchcombe.
Winter storm Uri hit petrochemcial plants in Texas and Louisiana hard. Many industry experts fear that supply chains have not yet recovered to make a meaningful impact in time for this years pool season. This could very well be why major distributors are hedging their bets by stating that further price increases may be just around the corner.
Shortages Causing Prices to Soar
One thing is certain, with raw materials increasing in price – consumers can be certain to feel the trickle down effect in their wallet this pool season. The price of an inground swimming pool is predicted to increase 15-25% in most markets throughout the United States this year in comparison to last year. This is on par with the rising costs of raw materials like lumber contributing to an expected additional $36,000 to the price of average new home construction this year.
In addition, timelines for completing inground pool projects have also been dramatically impacted. There is an enormous backlog of homeowners waiting just to get on the list for pool construction. Consumers can expect extended timelines for construction to go up from the typical timeframe of 6-8 weeks to now 3 months or more in many areas of the country.
The news does not bode well for homeowners like Penny Lopez in Las Vegas who contracted with her pool builder back in January and is still waiting for her pool to be finished. “We were told that we would be swimming by May but I’m still looking at a giant hole in my backyard,” said Lopez, whose story seems to resemble that of other homeowners throughout the Las Vegas region.
The Trickle Down Effects
The pool and spa industry is just one of many industries affected by this crisis. John Schiegg, VP of Supply Chain Services for Houston-based home builders David Weekley Homes, said he’s seeing shortages and price increases on everything from siding to adhesives to insulation. After winter storm Uri, several PVC manufacturers reported to Schiegg they would be unable to meet their contractual obligations. Schiegg said he was surprised to hear distributors in other neighboring states were impacted as well.
New York based Confer Plastics, manufacturers of pool ladders, steps, and spa accessories; said they would be unable to deliver products planned or scheduled. They’ve already been forced to layoff 40 employees. Vice President Bob Confer said he’s never seen a situation like this in his 47 years in the industry. Confer Plastics is far from the epicenter of the Texas freeze but is still experiencing the long range ripple effects as are many other manufacturers throughout the pool industry.
Select SafeSplash Locations to Offer ParentTot Events, Infant CPR Awareness Sessions and Resources to Help Families Build Safer Habits Around Water
San Rafael, CA (August 31, 2026) – This September, in recognition of Baby Safety Month, SafeSplash Swim School encourages families to introduce safe water habits early through an ongoing combination of parent and caregiver preparedness, foundational skill-building and everyday safety habits that start well before a child can swim independently.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in the U.S. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that swim lessons are one layer of drowning prevention, alongside close supervision, barriers to prevent unintended water access, CPR readiness, emergency preparedness and other safety practices. These statistics highlight the importance of year-round water safety practices, including active supervision, CPR preparedness and early education.
“Families often think about water safety after a child can swim independently, but prevention must start much earlier,” said Alissa Magrum, Executive Director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. “Efforts that help parents and caregivers understand that undistracted supervision, barriers and alarms, life jackets, CPR readiness and emergency preparedness are critical layers of protection should work alongside the process of introducing infants and toddlers to the water in a positive, age-appropriate way. This comprehensive approach to water safety can help build a strong foundation for safer experiences in and around all kinds of water.”
SafeSplash’s ParentTot and Toddler Transition programs introduce babies and toddlers to water safety through age-appropriate instruction, including guided play and songs, while educating parents and caregivers on how to build safe routines and support their swimmer journey. ParentTot classes give babies and young toddlers the opportunity to build comfort with a parent or caregiver in the water, while Toddler Transition classes help young swimmers begin developing more independence with support from trained instructors.
In these early stages, lessons focus on self-rescue skills while building comfort and trust. Babies and toddlers will learn safe pool entry and exits, breath control, supported floating and more through positive water exploration. As children grow, those early experiences help prepare them for more independent swim instruction and continued skill development.
“Water safety is something families should begin thinking about from the earliest stages of childhood,” said Chris Harkness, President of SafeSplash Swim School. “Parents often think about swim lessons when their child is older, but building comfort around water, learning safety practices and understanding how to respond in an emergency are important steps that we encourage to happen much earlier. The habits families create around water today help support a lifetime of safer swimming.”
Participating SafeSplash locations nationwide will host events designed to help families learn more about early water safety. Infant CPR Night for Parents offers free or low-cost infant and child CPR instruction led by certified instructors, local EMS, fire departments or Red Cross providers, along with an overview of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s Five Layers of Protection. ParentTot Open Swim allows families to experience SafeSplash’s early childhood programming, meet instructors, and introduce their baby or toddler to the water.
While Baby Safety Month provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of infant and toddler water safety, SafeSplash emphasizes that drowning prevention is a year-round conversation. This initiative combines with SafeSplash’s ongoing S.A.F.E.R. Swimmer Promise, bringing lifesaving education to more kids nationwide. Through early childhood programs, parent education and community resources, SafeSplash helps families develop the knowledge and confidence needed to create safer experiences around water.
Families can find participating locations and event details at safesplash.com.
About SafeSplash Swim School
SafeSplash Swim School, a part of Youth Enrichment Brands, promotes a lifetime of water safety and opportunity by teaching the joy of swimming. With over 200 swim schools in its network, it uniquely combines learn-to-swim programs with elite competitive instruction, catering to a diverse clientele and allowing franchisees to pursue their passion. The progressive curriculum ensures swimmers learn the correct techniques from the start, fostering safe, strong, and confident individuals who will enjoy the water for years to come. By offering the industry’s most consistent and premium learn-to-swim and competitive programs, SafeSplash Swim School aims to make a lasting impact in the community through exceptional instruction in the industry’s most advanced facilities.
Landmark Aquatic is pleased to announce that three of its aquatic facility projects received 2026 PHTA Awards of Excellence from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), one of the pool and spa industry’s premier design competitions.
- Doris Roznovak Aquatic Center, Taylor, TX — Merit Award, Commercial Aquatic Facilities
- Danville High School Natatorium Danville, IN — Merit Award, Commercial Aquatic Facilities
- Astra Tower Apartments, Salt Lake City, UT — Silver Award, Elevated Pool and Spa Structures
PHTA is the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry. Its annual International Awards of Excellence is one of the industry’s largest and most respected design competitions, recognizing the most creative and innovative pools, spas, hot tubs, and water features built each year. Hundreds of entries are submitted annually by professionals across the U.S. and around the world.
“PHTA is proud to recognize our members for their craftsmanship, inspired design, and dedication to elevating the industry,” said Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President and CEO of PHTA.
“These awards reflect what it takes to design, build, operate, and maintain a truly successful aquatic facility,” said J. Ryan Casserly, Chief Executive Officer of Landmark Aquatic. “That level of commitment shows up in the work of everyone on our team, and we’re proud to keep investing in serving our customers and the communities who enjoy these facilities.”
About Landmark
Landmark Aquatic is a nationwide provider of commercial aquatic facility design, construction, and maintenance services, with more than six decades of industry experience. Landmark supports clients across most of the U.S. through construction-led solutions and its AquatiCare maintenance program — delivering excellence “for the life of your pool” and building long-term partnerships through exceptional service and forward-thinking solutions. Learn more at www.landmarkaquatic.com
NORRISTOWN, Pennsylvania – Women in the Industry (WITI), an initiative of the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), is proud to host its 3rd Annual WITI Walk on Sunday, October 11, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at scenic Norristown Farm Park in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Participants may also join virtually from anywhere in the country, allowing supporters nationwide to walk, run, or donate in support of a shared mission: ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn the life-saving skill of swimming.
The walk benefits Every Child a Swimmer (ECAS), a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing childhood drowning by providing swim lesson scholarships to children from low-income families, promoting water safety education, and advancing legislation that expands access to drowning prevention resources. Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages one to four, making access to swimming lessons and water safety education more important than ever.
The partnership between NESPA, WITI, and Every Child a Swimmer reflects the pool industry’s unwavering commitment to safety. While WITI exists to empower, mentor, and elevate women throughout the industry, its members also recognize the important role they play in protecting families and promoting the safe enjoyment of water. Together, these organizations help educate communities, expand access to swim lessons, and work toward a future where every child has the opportunity to learn to swim.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Every Child a Swimmer,” said WITI leadership. “As women in the pool industry, we understand that our work extends beyond building and maintaining pools, it includes educating communities, promoting water safety, and helping save lives. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.”
Leading Every Child a Swimmer is Executive Director Casey McGovern, whose commitment to drowning prevention is deeply personal.
After losing her 19-month-old daughter, Edna Mae (“Em”), to drowning in 2009, McGovern dedicated her life to ensuring other families never experience the same tragedy. Today, her leadership has helped grow Every Child a Swimmer into a national network of more than 430 participating swim school locations across 46 states, providing nearly $1 million annually in swim lesson scholarships for children in need.
“Our mission is simple,” said McGovern. “Every child deserves the opportunity to learn this life-saving skill, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. Through partnerships like WITI, we’re expanding access to swim lessons, measuring outcomes, and helping ensure more children gain the skills they need to stay safe around water.”
Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to register, walk, run, sponsor the event, or donate. Those unable to attend in Pennsylvania can participate virtually from anywhere in the country by walking in their own communities while supporting the cause online.
Register Today
https://nespa.users.membersuite.com/events/683a8c52-0078-ce39-202f-0b49bfa98b74/details
Event Information:
2026 WITI Walk
Sunday, October 11, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Norristown Farm Park
2500 Upper Farm Road
Norristown, PA 19403
Virtual participation is available nationwide.
Every registration, sponsorship, and donation helps provide life-saving swim lessons to children who otherwise could not afford them. Thanks to generous matching support, every dollar donated will be quadrupled, significantly increasing the impact for children and families.
About Women in the Industry (WITI)
Women in the Industry (WITI), an initiative of the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), is dedicated to empowering, connecting, mentoring, and supporting women throughout the pool, spa, and outdoor living industry. Through education, networking, philanthropy, and leadership opportunities, WITI fosters professional growth while giving back to communities through charitable initiatives such as the annual WITI Walk.
About the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA)
The Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA) is a regional trade association serving the pool, spa, and outdoor living industry throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. For more than 65 years, NESPA has supported its members through education, advocacy, professional development, networking, and consumer outreach while promoting the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and industry excellence.
About Every Child a Swimmer
Every Child a Swimmer is a national nonprofit dedicated to reducing childhood drowning by providing swim lesson scholarships to children from low-income families, promoting water safety education, and advocating for legislation that expands access to drowning prevention initiatives. The organization believes every child deserves the opportunity to learn the life-saving skill of swimming.
Media Contact
Phone: 609.689.9111
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nespapool.org
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