Price Increases & Delays Are Affecting Industries Across the Board

11/01/2021 | Categories: Pool Builder, Pool Costs

Industries nationwide, including custom pool builders, are currently facing logistical challenges beyond their control. These challenges are affecting both pricing and construction times for new pools. While pool companies continue to do their best to communicate these issues, it’s important to remember they want what’s best for their clients.  Pool builders have zero desire to charge more for their products or push deadlines farther back than necessary. 

Read on to learn more about how the global supply chain continues to affect the pool industry and why it’s more important now than ever to remain patient when working with your builder. 

High Demand for Pools

Simply put, the pandemic pushed people to spend more time at home. Jobs went remote, kids took on virtual learning and homeschooling, and home became the haven many of us had previously neglected. Inevitably, people needed more recreational things to do in the comfort of their own home and pool ownership provides that perfectly. With curtailed spending on things like vacations and new vehicles, families now had more to budget for pools. Builders have been met with multiplying requests for pools, leaving them having to navigate more projects than usual. 

Delayed Cargo

As the demand for pools has increased, so has the requirement for construction material and equipment needed to finish these orders. Unfortunately, this increased demand paired with reduced port capacity has created a backlog of orders. Reduced overland transportation capacity and rising fuel and labor costs have exacerbated the issue. So even though there is a high stream of materials and equipment coming from suppliers, it is not unloading and reaching the markets in a timely manner. As a result, the standard time to build a pool has almost doubled. 

Big Texas Freeze

In February 2021, mother nature delivered an unexpected blow to the pool industry in the form of a historic freeze. Approximately 75,000 pools in the state of Texas suffered some form of freeze damage. To put that into perspective, there are only about 15,000 private residential pools built annually in the state. Replacement parts for filter housings, pumps, and heat exchangers vanished overnight. Even worse, PVC parts and fittings also disappeared. The replenishing of these materials has been slow and expensive and has led to increased pool prices. This unprecedented freeze event and the subsequent electricity outages added even more limitations to an already stressed industry.

What You Can Do

Sure, pools are taking longer to build than in years past, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t getting done. It’s important to remember this is not the pool builder’s fault. Many reputable pool builders have established great relationships with their suppliers allowing them to get materials in the most cost-effective and timely manner possible but allowing for and accepting the flexibility that’s needed during this surge and shortage is valuable to have an enjoyable pool building experience. 

Here are a few things homeowners can do:

1. Plan Ahead

To avoid delays as much as possible, start planning your pool construction well in advance. If you’re looking to have a pool built in 2022, it’s time to schedule your consultation now. Don’t wait to initiate the process.

2. Expect Delays 

The best way of avoiding disappointment is to have realistic and accurate expectations. Your pool construction will get delayed at some point. And it’s impossible to predict what the supply chain will look like in six months. Your pool builder is trying to do their best, but certain elements are out of their control. Instead of adding pressure to your pool builder, go into the process knowing things can and will change. And that’s OK because you are working with a reputable pool builder.

Your Bryan College Station Pool Builder

When it comes to making a commitment for a custom pool, you can trust the pool building experts at Sunshine Fun Pools. With more than 16 years of experience and a continued commitment to superior customer service, exceptional pool construction practices and quality materials, you can rest assured your patience is worth your time and investment. 

 

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