Industry News
What a $2 Trillion Market Crash Means for the Pool & Spa Industry
On what many are already calling a historic market nosedive, the stock market just hit an all-time low not seen since 2020, wiping out nearly $2 trillion in value in a single day. For many sectors, this event signals uncertainty, tighter budgets, and reevaluated priorities — and the pool and spa industry is no exception.
So what does this mean for pool builders, hot tub dealers, service techs, and suppliers? Let’s break it down.
🧊 Consumer Confidence May Take a Cold Plunge
When trillions vanish from the market in a day, the psychological impact is swift and powerful. Even homeowners with secure jobs and stable finances may begin rethinking large discretionary purchases, especially those tied to luxury and lifestyle — like pools, spas, and backyard renovations. The sentiment amongst economists correlates with what one insider told Pool Magazine at an industry event just last month.
“We’ve had a few clients hit pause on their projects, just to see how this plays out. It’s a gut reaction to economic fear,” said one of the nation’s largest pool builders who requested to remain anonymous for this article.
What We See Happening Today
While builders are concerned that rising prices may be causing consumer confidence to falter, the sentiment is doubly troubling for those supplying their materials. What we see happening in the market today are tariff rumors spurring concern amongst manufacturers and suppliers.
Many have already begun sending notices that they may begin raising prices to offset increases. With numerous suppliers already following suit, it’s logical to presume that recent declines in market confidence have been largely attributed to investor concerns over the economic impact of newly imposed tariffs. This could be what is sparking fears of slowed growth and rising inflation. If the trend persists, industry analysts warn it could have a ripple effect across the outdoor living and pool sectors.
The Most Recent One-Day Declines Are Raising Eyebrows (April 3, 2025):
- S&P 500: Fell 4.8% (274.45 points) to close at 5,396.52.
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: Dropped 1,679.39 points (4%) to close at 40,545.93.
- Nasdaq Composite: Declined 6% (1,050.44 points) to close at 16,550.61.
Continuing the trend we saw throughout 2024, right now we expect to see slower sales in new pool construction during Q1 and Q2, as homeowners grow more cautious with big-ticket purchases. Hot tub and swim spa sales have also declined as buyers began taking a more measured approach. The trend resulted in delaying purchases or opting for lower-priced models. Additionally, following the trend from 2023 through 2024, luxury enhancements in outdoor living spaces—such as custom lighting, premium decking, and high-end features—could see reduced demand as consumers tighten their belts.
In our latest Industry Check-In, we polled members of the “Pool & Spa Industry Professionals” LinkedIn group to find out what they believe is the biggest challenge facing the industry right now. The overwhelming response centered around inflation—particularly the rising costs of labor and materials. Many pool pros shared concerns about how these increases are squeezing margins and making it more difficult to price projects competitively. While some mentioned tariffs and softening demand, it was clear that inflation remains the top issue on everyone’s mind as companies navigate a more expensive and unpredictable 2025.
💰 Financing Becomes a Hurdle
For pool builders who’ve been leaning on financing options to help customers afford projects, now is the time to watch that channel closely. Market deviations can prompt lenders to:
- Tighten credit standards
- Raise interest rates
- Reduce available credit limits
This could result in fewer approvals and less attractive loan terms — a double hit for homeowners considering a new pool or hot tub who may now find financing terms fluctuating.
🏡 Luxury May Lag… or Lead
It might seem counterintuitive, but historically, the high-end market often remains resilient during downturns. In 2020, even at the peak of COVID-related economic fear, pool and outdoor living projects soared — in part because homeowners stayed home more and looked to invest in their surroundings. Despite ongoing inflationary pressures and tariff concerns, demand for outdoor living projects is expected to remain well above pre-pandemic levels, according to a recent report from The Freedonia Group.
🔧 The Service Sector Stays Strong
While new construction may cool off, one segment is always in demand: pool maintenance and repair. Whether the economy is booming or busting, pool owners still need:
- Weekly cleaning and chemical balancing
- Filter changes, pump repairs, and heater diagnostics
- Pool openings, closings, and seasonal tune-ups
For many companies, the service department could become the reliable foundation that helps them weather any extended downturn.
“Anytime there is a monumental drop, we all need to take note and make prudent choices going forward in the new reality. We have historically survived downturns like this fairly well. When the housing bubble burst, the service industry weathered that better than the construction segment of the industry,” said Jerry Wallace, President of Swim Chem, Inc., “We will persevere through this as we have other downturns in the past.”
📉 Builder & Supplier Outlook
Builders who rely heavily on new projects may need to pivot, fast. If contracts stall and leads slow down, having cash reserves and flexible operating models will be key. At the same time, suppliers may tighten terms, requiring faster payment or changing order minimums.
We may see:
- Delayed start dates on already-sold projects
- Longer sales cycles
- Cash flow challenges for smaller builders
- Pressure on pricing from discount competitors
📦 Smart Shoppers Look for Smaller, Simpler Options
While the premium market may remain steady, many middle-market buyers will look for more affordable ways to upgrade their backyards:
- Plug-and-play spas
- Pre-cast, container, or modular pools
- DIY-friendly above-ground setups
Retailers who stock these options may see an uptick in foot traffic from customers who still want a slice of the good life — just with a lower price tag and less risk.
🔮 Industry Insiders Remain Cautiously Optimistic About a Better Second Half to 2025
Some industry insiders are expressing cautious optimism, viewing the recent market crash as a temporary setback rather than a long-term downturn for the pool and spa industry. Jared Schwab, President of Alpha Group, remains hopeful about what’s ahead.
“I believe we will see an interest rate decline and a renewing of Trump tax cuts leading to a blissful second half,” Jared Schwab, President of manufacturer representative firm, The Alpha Group said. “Advice: stay the course — this too shall pass.”
His sentiment echoes a broader belief among industry veterans that while uncertainty may define the moment, resilience and long-term demand will prevail. For many, it’s not the time to panic — but to prepare.
✅ How to Respond Right Now
While it’s too early to tell how long this volatility will last, the time to act is now. Here’s what pool and spa professionals should do today:
✔️ Double Down on Digital
Stay visible. Keep posting on social, stay active on Google, and keep SEO up to date. When customers are ready, you want to be easy to find.
✔️ Sell Stability
Remind homeowners that pools and spas aren’t just luxuries — they’re investments in family, wellness, and home value. That message will land well in times of uncertainty.
✔️ Promote Service Plans
Your recurring revenue could be your lifeline. Offer seasonal packages, loyalty discounts, or pre-paid maintenance plans.
✔️ Reassess Financing
Talk with your financing partners. Explore new options or incentives that can help close the deal.
✔️ Diversify Your Offering
Think beyond the pool. Lighting, landscaping, outdoor audio, patio covers, fire features — these are all lower-cost ways clients can upgrade without committing to a major project.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Every downturn eventually ends — and often, the companies that thrive in the recovery are the ones who adapted early. A $2 trillion market crash is a wake-up call, but it’s also an opportunity to sharpen your strategy, focus on what’s essential, and be the steady hand clients trust in uncertain times.
If you’re in the pool and spa industry, the message is clear: stay visible, stay flexible, and stay ready. Your next opportunity might come sooner than you think.
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.
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).
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