Post Pandemic Interest, Investment in Florida Pools Soars

Florida may be the Sunshine State, but it also appears to be the swimming pool state with more pools than any other state – and a growing number as people spend more time, and money, at home and on their own outdoor oasis.

As people spent more time working from home, using their backyard more, pools have experienced a flood of interest.

Projects range from site assessment to design, permitting and approvals, excavation and construction to finishing touches such as tiling, decking, and landscaping.

“Swimming pools and backyards are no longer just a playground for the kids,” is the way Champion Pools and Spas, founded by West Palm Beach native David Brams, puts it. “Today they double as living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms and sanctuaries.”

Swimming pool loans and home improvement loans as well as disposable cash are leading to a wealth of water and water features in Florida and the West Palm Beach and Palm Beach areas.

Swimming surge

According to the Florida Swimming Pool Association, “interest in owning a swimming pool soared’ in 2020,” with a 23% increase in new pool permits over the prior year, “the largest single-year increase in more than a decade.” That was until the jump the following year.

There was a 27% increase in 2021, although delays in manufacturing equipment compliance, social distancing and longer delivery times for overseas shipments complicated things. The Florida pool industry also suffered from a worker shortage amid growing demand.

“Swimming pools are a product built by hand by many people and there is a limited labor pool of qualified individuals,” according to the association.

Hurricanes can lead to surges of work for the construction industry, siphoning off labor and materials from the pool industry.

Surging demand has led to months of delays for new construction and renovation as more pools go up nationwide.

Champion notes they “strive to complete all projects as quickly as possible,” but weather and availability of deck materials and custom tiles “will, on occasion, cause minor delays.”

Swimming in numbers

Pools are a big part of life for millions of Americans, as well as a big industry. Only about 8% of U.S. households have swimming pools, including 59% of residential pools in-ground and 41% above-ground.

There are 10.7 million pools in the United States, including 10.4 million residential pools, according to RenoSys, a pool equipment supplier.  There are about 6.1 million residential in-ground pools, 4.3 million residential above ground pools and 309,000 public or commercial pools.

Florida is pool country, leading the nation with 1.59 million pools, followed by California at 1.34 million, although Arizona has the highest number per capita at one for every 14 people. Wyoming is the least wet state with fewer than 3,000 pools and Utah and Dakota, in part due to climate, are pool poor.

“The U.S. swimming pool industry continues to grow, serving as more than just a luxury,” according to RenoSys. “Pools provide essential spaces for recreation, exercise, and community building.”

Water fall

While pools are a big deal in Florida, there has been a decline from pandemic peaks.  There weas a 6% year-over-year drop in construction in 2022 after big increases, although Southwestern Florida has seen the highest volume of new swimming pool construction permits.

The average size of a pool in Florida ranges from 10 ft. x 20 ft. to 20 ft. x 40 ft. People spend $35,000 and up on average on building pools and annual maintenance ranges from $3,030 to $5,995, according to statistics.  In-ground swimming pool construction in Florida, however, costs on average between $35,000 and $65,000, although special features sometimes push costs above $200,000.

In addition to new construction, a kind of pool Renaissance has been going on amid major renovations . Along with residential work, Champion, for instance, has done commercial work, building and renovating community pools and spas as well as fitness center pools and fountains.

Renovation route

While new construction is often the way to go, it’s not the only thing going on as people invest in pools. “Renovating may be the way to go as long as the pool has no existing structural issues,” as Champion puts it. “Consider replacing your pool if it has structural issues or is just built too close to the house.”

You can add a spa or water features for soothing spaces and sounds, go with more creative pool shapes, various types of tile, coping, decking and pool finishes that, as Champion sees it, have a “major influence on the overall look of your backyard.”

If your pool is recreational and you expect to swim year-round. then a heater might come in handy. Columns, spitters and fire features are optional features, as well as beach entry, vanishing edges, raised beams, waterfalls, fire features, deck jets, sun decks, and rocks.

“The material type and color of pool tile, coping, decking and pool finish can pull together a scheme or palette or highlight specific features of your yard,” as Champion sees it. “The choice of materials and color is what makes one backyard a pool and another an oasis.”

Options such as colored lighting or waterfalls make pools beautiful, while operational features such as heaters, automation chlorine generators and floor cleaning system can make a big difference. Pools let you expand your house with patios and furniture, outdoor kitchen grill islands and more.

De luxe decisions

Pools can, essentially, become outdoor rooms thanks to furnishings, designs and special features that make them stand out.

“An outdoor room can be as simple as a summer kitchen with a grill and table with chairs on your pool deck or as elaborate as an outdoor living room with conversational and entertainment seating areas with daybeds, television and 360-degree outdoor fireplace,” according to Champion.

With a little furniture and a patio, you can create summer kitchens, pergolas and gazebos that truly turn a pool into a paradise.

Infinity edge, or vanishing edge, pools create what Champion calls a “stunning visual effect by having water flow over one or more edges.” Lap pools are long, narrow pools “perfect for fitness enthusiasts.” And a rock waterfall can “create a natural and tranquil ambiance, mimicking a peaceful oasis.”

Fire pits can create “a cozy and inviting atmosphere” and swim-up bars “bring the resort experience to your backyard.” Recycled materials such as glass tiles or composite decking “reduce waste and promote sustainability.”

Energy-efficient pumps and filtration systems minimize electricity consumption and lower operational costs. Rainwater harvesting lets you reduce reliance on municipal water sources and conserve resources.

A lot can be done with a pool beyond simply creating a place to swim, adding LED lighting, mosaic tiles or custom water features. As Champion sees it, pools can be as big and beautiful as the budget allows.

“By working with experienced pool designers and builders, you can bring your vision to life and create a one-of-a-kind oasis right in your backyard,” according to the company, which says it doesn’t just build pools, but helps realize “backyard dreams.”