Pool News
Pool Builders Adapt to Inflation in a Post-Covid Economy
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the way we live and work, and it also had a profound impact on the costs of swimming pools over the past few years. Consequently, the price of an inground swimming pool has increased by roughly 30% since 2021. During the height of the pandemic, the pool industry experienced unprecedented demand driven by factors such as quarantining at home and limited options for travel. Consumers sought to create a relaxing oasis in their own backyards, and pool builders were overwhelmed with orders. However, in the post-COVID economy, the industry is adapting to new challenges, including price increases on materials, rising interest rates, and inflation.
Changing Consumer Behavior
The pandemic forced people to stay home, and this prompted a surge in home improvement projects, with swimming pools being a top choice for many. As Bob Mellon, the owner of Signature Pools & Spa in Fresno, CA, notes, “That’s one of the hardest things that I think came out of COVID is the inflation and the pricing has gone up so much.” The demand for pools skyrocketed, but rising costs have continued to be a factor over the past two years.
Mellon adds, “Our equipment costs have gone up 4% recently and they just continue to go up. Our cement prices are up, our rebar costs are up. We had shortages during COVID. So all of the materials that we have no control over have gone up.” These factors are affecting pool builders and their clients alike.
Adaptation to Inflation and Rising Interest Rates
In response to rising costs, builders are finding ways to adapt and mitigate the impact on their customers. Mellon explains, “One of the things that we’ve done is try to be more efficient. We’re kind of at a place where we’re trying to actually tighten our profit margins, and we’re able to do that by streamlining our company.” Pool builders are working harder to control costs and keep prices as reasonable as possible.
Mellon also points out the changing landscape of financing options, saying, “Where banks a couple of years ago were giving loans out very freely, they’re turning some down now. In efforts for the government to try to slow down inflation, they’re raising rates and it’s affecting us a bit.” This shift in lending practices has created challenges for both pool builders and customers who may need financing to afford their dream pools.
Pool Construction Lead Times
During the peak of the pandemic, customers often faced long lead times, with some waiting up to six months between signing a contract and the commencement of their pool project. This was a result of the overwhelming demand and supply chain disruptions. However, the post-COVID environment has seen a recalibration.
Mellon states, “Right now, we have been building pools from day of dig to water four to six weeks.” Pool builders have worked to streamline their processes and adapt to the new landscape, providing more efficient service to meet customer demand. However, Mellon acknowledges that they still allow for a buffer in the timeline due to potential changes and delays, such as material shortages and weather conditions.
A New Reality
After years of significant spending by US consumers, Morgan Stanley economists have recently predicted a potential “hangover effect on consumption”, which could ultimately weigh down economic growth. In the months ahead, American consumers are poised to confront several hurdles, including the resumption of student loan repayments, declining savings accounts, and stricter lending standards imposed by banks.
While the availability of pool builders has improved, consumers should not expect a drop in prices due to the factors mentioned. Inflation, rising material costs, and changing financing options have put increased pressure on the industry. As Mellon emphasizes, “We’re trying to help with the customers and help with the pricing. We’re going into a slower time. Our numbers are off this year compared to last year,” attributing a drop in pool sales to increased costs, recession concerns, and rising interest rates.
How Pool Builders Are Adapting To Inflation
Pool builders are adapting to inflation in a changing economic environment through various strategies and approaches. Some of the methods builders are employing include the following:
- Price Adjustments: Some pool builders have had to increase the prices of their services to reflect the increased costs of materials and labor. Transparent communication with clients about these price adjustments is key to maintaining customer trust.
- Contractual Clauses: In their contracts with clients, builders may include clauses that allow for price adjustments based on fluctuating material costs. This provides a degree of protection against sudden price hikes.
- Diversification: Some pool builders are diversifying their offerings. They may expand into related services, such as pool maintenance, remodeling, or landscaping. This diversification can help stabilize revenue streams and reduce reliance on pool construction alone.
- Technology Integration: Incorporating technology and software tools can enhance project management, scheduling, and resource allocation, ultimately increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
- Skilled Labor Training: Investing in the training and development of skilled labor can help increase productivity and reduce the reliance on subcontractors, which can help manage labor costs more effectively.
- Supplier Negotiations: Establishing strong relationships with suppliers can lead to favorable terms, bulk discounts, and priority access to materials, mitigating supply chain disruptions and costs.
- Financing and Payment Options: Offering flexible financing and payment options to clients can make pool construction more affordable for customers, potentially offsetting the impact of rising interest rates.
- Market Research and Adaptation: Pool builders may adapt their offerings to meet changing demand. For example, they may shift towards smaller, more budget-friendly pool designs if that is what the market demands.
- Customer Education: Educating customers about the benefits of their pool choices and how they affect long-term operational costs can justify higher initial costs and encourage more efficient pool designs and features.
- Insurance and Risk Management: Pool builders may review and update their insurance policies to protect against unexpected costs, such as project delays or unexpected material price increases.
Ultimately, the post-COVID economy has brought significant changes to the pool industry, affecting both consumers and pool builders. The unprecedented demand for pools during the pandemic has been replaced by more cautious consumer spending. Pool builders are adapting to this changing economic environment. While lead times have improved, prices remain relatively high due to inflation and other factors. Analysts expect discretionary spending, including investments in new pool construction to continually moderate through the coming months.
Blue Wave has issued a recall affecting multiple above-ground swimming pool models after federal safety officials identified a potential drowning hazard involving children.
The recall, announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on December 18, covers approximately 13,400 Blue Wave brand above-ground pools that are 48 inches deep or taller and utilize an exterior compression strap as part of the pool’s frame system.
Reason for the Recall
The affected pools feature a compression strap positioned around the outside of the vertical support poles. While the strap is designed to provide structural stability, the CPSC determined that its placement may unintentionally create a foothold.
According to the agency, this foothold could allow children to climb into the pool, even when the ladder has been removed, creating a risk of unsupervised access and potential drowning.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported in connection with the recalled products at the time of the announcement.
Affected Models
The recall applies to the following Blue Wave above-ground pool models:
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Rd 48-In Active Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Rd 52-In Active Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Rd 52-In Dark Cocoa Wicker Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 24-Ft Rd 52-In Dark Cocoa Wicker Frame Pool
• Blue Wave Rustic Cedar 15-Ft Round 48-In Deep Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave Rustic Cedar 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Gray Rattan Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Espresso Wicker Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Round 48-In Navy Blue Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Navy Blue Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Round 48-In Aspen Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave Mocha Wicker 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Mocha Wicker 24-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Laguna 15-Ft Round 48-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Laguna 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
All affected models share a common design feature: an exterior compression strap that encircles the pool’s vertical supports.
Sales Channels and Distribution
The recalled pools were sold nationwide from January 2021 through July 2025 through a mix of big-box retailers, sporting goods stores, and online marketplaces, including:
• The Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• Dunham’s Sports
• Amazon
• Walmart
• Wayfair
Retailers have been notified to halt sales of affected models and to direct customers to the manufacturer’s recall remedy.
What Dealers and Retailers Should Know
For dealers and retail partners, the recall highlights the importance of prompt inventory review and customer outreach. Any remaining unsold stock matching the recalled models should be removed from the sales floor and distribution channels immediately.
Retailers that sold affected units during the recall period may see an increase in customer inquiries regarding eligibility, repair kits, and interim safety measures. Clear communication at the point of contact will be critical, particularly around the distinction between structural components and ladders, which many consumers assume are the primary access risk.
Service professionals and retail staff should also be prepared to explain that the recall does not involve a full product replacement, but rather a manufacturer-provided modification designed to eliminate the foothold while maintaining frame integrity.
Manufacturer Remedy
Blue Wave is offering a free repair kit to affected pool owners. The kit replaces the exterior compression strap with a lower-profile system installed closer to ground level. Once the repair is completed, the original strap can be removed.
Until the repair is installed, the manufacturer and CPSC recommend that pool owners prevent unsupervised access to the pool area or drain the pool temporarily.
Dealers and service professionals should advise customers not to remove or cut the compression strap prior to installing the repair kit, as doing so could compromise the pool’s structural stability.
Poolsafe LLC, offers new mesh, removable safety fencing designed to be installed around any pool shape or size. Uses patented, transparent, large-hole ClearGuard™ Mesh for better visibility into the pool area, while also blending the fence into backyard. Lockable, self-closing Triton™ gate features a curved top bar to help prevent climbing. Unique Tri-Pod Truss system keeps gate aligned with daily usage. Available in 4ft and 5ft heights, in black, brown, beige, or gray colors.
https://poolsafe.com/
(888) 489-2282
Latham Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWIM), the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, appoints Sean Gadd as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer as part of a CEO transition that will take effect on January 5, 2026. The appointment follows a comprehensive search as part of a succession planning process led by the Board and current CEO Scott Rajeski, who will be retiring from Latham and will serve as a special advisor to the company.
Sean Gadd comes to Latham following a 21-year career at James Hardie. He most recently served as President of North America since 2022, where he has had full P&L responsibility for James Hardie’s largest regional business. Prior to his role as President of North America, Sean served as Executive Vice President, North America, Commercial (2018-2022) and Executive Vice President, Markets and Segments, North America (2015-2018) at James Hardie, leading the front end of the business across product, marketing, and sales. Sean has been instrumental in spearheading James Hardie’s substantial organic net sales growth since 2022, driving material conversion and deeper market penetration through a refined go-to-market strategy targeting end-users via channel partners. Sean brings experience that is directly comparable to Latham’s material conversion and Sand State initiatives, and his demonstrated success in driving strategic growth will be invaluable for Latham and its shareholders.
James E. Cline, Chairman, commented, “Sean is known as a strong leader and brand-builder and has an impressive track record of driving growth at James Hardie. We are thrilled that he has accepted the CEO role at Latham, and the Board believes Sean will be able to leverage his robust commercial experience, sector knowledge, and branding expertise to accelerate our ability to continue to gain share and further the conversion to fiberglass from concrete pools.”
“I am pleased to be joining Latham and am looking forward to building on its achievements to date. This is an excellent opportunity for me to utilize my experience in the building products category to drive further market penetration and adoption of Latham’s top-quality products and greater recognition for its superior service standards,” Mr. Gadd commented.
Mr. Gadd will also become a member of Latham’s Board of Directors, replacing Mr. Rajeski, who is resigning from the Board concurrently with his retirement.
Mr. Cline commented, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our deep appreciation for the contributions that Scott Rajeski has made to Latham during his long tenure at the company, first as Chief Financial Officer and, since 2017, as President and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership and that of his executive and operating teams, the company went public in April of 2021 and has experienced substantial growth, demonstrated resilience within a difficult industry environment, and built a strong financial position.”
Mr. Rajeski noted, “It has been a privilege to serve as the President & CEO of Latham alongside the talented executive and operating teams that we have at the company. Together, we have advanced the awareness and adoption of fiberglass pools and autocovers, while implementing production and related efficiencies that have streamlined our operations. I am proud to be retiring as CEO of Latham with the company in a strong financial position and in very capable hands. Throughout my conversations with Sean, I have been very impressed with his leadership capabilities and background, and I am confident that he will bring a unique skillset that will allow Latham to continue to outperform the industry, gain further traction in the important Sand States, and remain an acquirer of choice.”
About Latham Group, Inc.
Latham Group, Inc., headquartered in Latham, NY, is the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Latham has a coast-to-coast operations platform consisting of approximately 1,850 employees across around 30 locations.
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