On-Going Pool Industry Challenges – 2022

Although many of the COVID-19 restrictions throughout Arizona have been lifted, pool builders are still reeling from a hefty shortage of both supplies and workers.

Across the globe, pool builders have experienced a myriad of challenges throughout the pandemic, as detailed by Pool Magazine. As demands for new pools have skyrocketed, a growing shortage of necessary building materials and workers has grown as well. Because of each of these issues, pool prices are continuing to increase, also recently detailed in a different Pool Magazine article.

We understand how frustrating it can be to wait longer than you had anticipated. Our customers are our top priority, and we strive to continually provide exceptional pools for every customer, even in these uncertain times. 

In parts of the country, construction timelines have increased. Many pool building companies have extensive backlogs of customers just waiting to get on a list for construction. The pool industry grew 24% between 2020 and 2021, according to the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance. 

Many of these supply chain issues have been exacerbated by a lack of delivery drivers for essential supplies such as cement. The American Trucking Association recently reported that the current driver shortage has risen to 80,000, which they said is an all-time high for the industry. 

As COVID-19 has caused a serious strain on the manufacturing industry, Industrial Specialties Mfg. (ISM) predicts these problems are far from over, with a severe plastics shortage continuing to grow. The demand for plastic is booming, especially for products such as food packaging, personal protective equipment (PPE) and automobile components.

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors is fully aware of these problems, and is urging contractors to stay vigilant in their communication with homeowners. AZ ROC is also encouraging homeowners to try and resolve any issues with the contractor before filing a complaint with them, as such complaints will not cause these shortages to disappear.

In February 2021, we detailed one of the unique challenges we have faced – a shortage of qualified skilled tradesmen, with plumbers and electricians in high demand. We pride ourselves on the craftsmanship of our pools and are working to grow our team while still maintaining a high quality of expertise. 

In the spring of 2021, the National Homebuilders Association found a 55% shortage of plumbers available for work. As for electricians, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that over 84,000 electrician positions will become available each year for the next decade.  

This disruption in consumer buying behavior is trickling down and affecting pool builders by impacting their supply inventory, including products such as pool ladders and steps. Some pool builders have seen the cost of necessary parts and components double or even triple in cost. 

Other essential pool building materials, such as valves, tile, concrete and heaters, have also seen rising costs. At Shasta, we need to purchase these products regularly in order to build our pools, and have felt the impact of these higher prices and shortages. 

Due to these challenges, most pool markets throughout the country are predicting a 15 to 25% increase in new in-ground swimming pool costs compared to 2020. 

Unfortunately, each of these situations has caused many Arizona families a great deal of frustration. At Shasta, we never want our customers to feel this way, and are working diligently every day to provide new pools for families to love for years to come. 

As we continue to navigate through these challenging times, we appreciate your patience and understanding. We can’t wait for you to dive in!