2 minute read
Pool Construction Makes a Splash in the Midlands
Crystal Pools and Spas
Less people than ever before are jealous of their neighbor’s pool or hot tub — because they’ve turned wishing into action and have gotten one put in themselves! The pool industry has seen a definite spike in activity, starting around March 2020, when kids were sent home to do virtual learning across the state.
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Jack Oliver of Jack Oliver’s Pool, Spa & Patio knows that first hand. “Our business has been ballistic with no sign of slowing down!” he exclaims. “The pandemic has caused the pool industry to have its best time ever. People with pools made their neighbors and families jealous, especially ones with kids.”
Oliver’s business does pool construction, pool maintenance, and remodeling of pools, plus they have a 13,000 square foot storefront with full size patio furniture, hot tubs, and swimming pool supplies. He says the retail side of the business has been just as busy as the construction and maintenance side. It’s a surefire sign people are looking to their backyards and outdoor living space to maximize what they can do while staying on their home turf.
As for what’s changed in the pool industry beyond sheer demand, Oliver notes the trends are shifting. People don’t want traditional pools with eight foot deep ends and diving boards as much anymore. Instead, they are looking for sun ledges, fountains, and special resort-like water features in their modern pool designs to create an outdoor oasis feel in their own backyard. “What we’ve seen is the American consumers shift
Crystal Pools and Spas
JACK OLIVER, JACK OLIVER’S POOL, SPA & PATIO
their travel dollar spending to their house, instead of taking a cruise or a vacation,” says Oliver.
With high demand comes a higher cost and of course, a longer wait time. “We are booked nine to ten months out on signed contracts for concrete pool construction,” says Oliver. “Be prepared to wait and be prepared to pay a premium.”
Unfortunately, the hot tub industry is seeing similar delays, but it’s more due to supply chain issues caused by COVID. Oliver says the industry — which is based in California, with factories in Mexico — have had to deal with closures that have created a backlog and a subsequent long wait time for hot tubs and saunas too.
COVID has caused a lot of changes in the pool and spa industry. One of those has encouraged pool and spa stores to hurry and create online sales portals so customers can order chemicals and other pool supplies while still supporting local businesses from the comfort of their homes. “It’s been an interesting time and we’ve all had to learn to adapt to the situation,” says Oliver.
For anyone considering how they’ll cool off in the summer heat, sooner than later may be the ideal time to call a pool construction company to come out and give estimates on both price and timeline, as they may only continue to increase as people continue to stay home more and invest in their homes and its family entertainment value. u
