By Duke Loper
Hobert Pools
If you’ve always dreamed of having a pool in your backyard, you aren’t alone. Pool ownership is a wonderful experience filled with a lifetime of memories. In 2021, you may be noticing a trend in the cost of living — and that’s the cost of living. While investing in a pool these days means preparing your pockets for the deep end, it shouldn’t deter you from making your dreams come true.
With a growing number of people flocking to suburban areas, thousands of homeowners have decided to invest in swimming pools which have caused a skyrocketing demand for materials. This has been met with manufacturing issues, shipping delays, among other factors.
Before you take the dive into pool ownership, here’s what you need to know about the rising cost of building a pool this year and beyond.
Increase in Demand
Over the last year, people have spent more time at home than ever before. For months, millions of people were stuck not only living, but working, learning, exercising, and entertaining from home. In turn, people have realized the importance of creating a space that is multi-functional.
While there are endless ways to entertain, exercise, and relax, a pool encompasses all of these. You can entertain family and friends, enjoy a swim after a long day at work, keep your body active by just swimming 20 minutes a day, the list goes on and on.
It’s no wonder why many families have decided to invest in a backyard pool. Whether you’re hanging out in the shallow end, watching the little kids splash around, or you find yourself drifting around on a giant float, a pool is the ultimate form of relaxation and entertainment.
Supply Shortages = Higher Costs
While pool construction companies and pool equipment suppliers have experienced phenomenal success during the great pool boom, consumers, on the other hand, have not. Some homeowners have been waiting more than a year for their pool to be finished.
Not only is it taking longer to build pools, but it’s also become more expensive than ever. The pandemic has had a significant impact on supply chains. A large number of pool materials are imported, including items such as:
- PVC plastic
- Fiberglass
- Concrete
- Galvanized steel and metal
- Polyurethane foam
With shipping paused and delayed for months, prospective pool owners faced delays they may not have anticipated. Reputable pool builders like Hobert Pools & Spas understand the frustration customers may be experiencing. Still, you can rest assured that pool builders are working hard to provide custom pools without compromising quality or integrity.
Equipment Shortages Are Expected
Not only have there been shortages of items needed to build pools, but maintenance products have also been in short supply. Last August, a fire in Louisiana destroyed a chemical plant that manufactures chlorine.
The unusual winter storm in Texas this past February also had an impact. The weather damaged hundreds of pools, which led to a spike in demand for new pool equipment to replace damaged items. Products like tiles, lights, and pumps were routinely out of stock.
Natural disasters combined with an already backlogged supply chain have caused nothing but issues for pool owners. If items aren’t out of stock, they’re being sold at prices that are 20 times higher than average.
Many pool builders anticipated the shortages and ordered their supplies and equipment accordingly. However, pool equipment manufacturers have faced more challenges than expected. Even builders who were expecting short supplies and planned in advance are still affected.
Your Choice Pool Builder in Murphy & Rockwall
While pool ownership may come at a higher cost than you initially anticipated, it’s beyond worth it. As demand for pools starts to decline slowly and the supply chain normalizes again, we’re hopeful that things will even out in the near future. Until then, it’s essential to start the pool building process to avoid the rising construction costs as much as possible. The longer you wait, the more expensive your project can become.
Until then, you can rest assured that the professional pool builders at Hobert Pools & Spas are working hard to bring your outdoor living vision to life. Give us a call today to learn more about our current construction schedules, costs, and how we can work with you to build the pool of your dreams.
