Currently in the Houston, TX market we are seeing a steady increase in direct costs. This originates from multiple triggers. A couple years ago the freeze that hit Texas destroyed millions and millions of dollars of pool equipment and plumbing. This coupled with the supply chain issues resulted in a very limited supply, which was a major cost driver. Equipment controllers have chips and electrical boards… yup, we all know about that issue as well if you bought a vehicle during 2020-2022.

An increase in pool sales starting in 2020 also took place. Consumers have put a higher value on quality time and making memories. If you’ve owned a pool, you know it is a great addition to any home and really enhances your ability to entertain and spend time with loved ones.

Labor has been affected. If you build a quality pool, it’s obvious you need quality and skilled labor to execute. Prior to 2020 there wasn’t much pressure on labor to create more skilled labor but now there is. New companies are popping up, but in order to operate, they need to hire skilled workers from other companies, which means they need to incentivize them financially to do so.

Lastly, the materials have increased. Remember when gas was $5.00 a gallon? All the materials used (Gunite, steel, PVC, pumps, filters, lights, tile, stone, concrete, plaster, etc.) are shipped by truck and sometimes by ship. For instance, most travertine comes from Turkey by ship. We do our best to source locally but to get the best materials and equipment, you can’t always rely on finding them locally.

It’s been somewhat of a perfect storm. Increased overall pool sales, covid supply chain issues and the freeze. We often get asked “will prices go down?”. Based on all the indicators, we don’t foresee costs dropping anytime soon. It would be great if they did. It’s kind of like cars, I don’t recall a time when prices dropped or went back to a “norm” that people thought was the right price. Once consumers get used to a cost, they eventually get accustomed to it.

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Pool Envy Designs
1322 Space Park Dr B103, Houston, TX 77058
281-947-3232