Pool sales making splash as coronavirus incentivizes ‘staycations’

Families look to beat summer heat at home

As many public pools remain closed due to COVID-19, one industry is seeing an unexpected spike in sales.

With summer in full swing and festivals, concerts and events canceled because of COVID-19 concerns, many families are looking to make a splash by purchasing a swimming pool for their home.

"We have absolutely seen an increase in both in-ground and above-ground pool sales, as well as spas and swim spas. It's been incredibly busy," said Kara Glover, co-owner of Holiday Pools and Spas, Duncansville.

"Most family vacations have been canceled this summer due to the pandemic," Glover said. "An average family vacation ranges from $5,000 to $8,000, which falls right in range with what an average above-ground pool or spa would cost. We are seeing the vacation dollars turning into staycation dollars and families are investing in their backyards."

"Our sales are up about 10 percent for this time of year," said Randy Colyer, president of Greenwood Pools & Spas. "Everybody is canceling their vacation and staying at home. People have been asking for pools and hot tubs to fulfill their family needs. They are using the money they had planned on spending for vacation so they are not taking anything out of their budget."

However, because of COVID-19, pool suppliers and their parts manufacturers were closed for several months, leaving a lag in supplies that may last all summer. Distributors in certain states fell especially behind as plants shuttered under the virus.

"There had been an increase for the inventory but then the manufacturers shut down. We are waiting for pools to come in, some are expected to come in around mid-July, others not until October. It will take a while to get caught up," said Roxan Hinson, owner of Ridge Pools in Bedford.

"We are out," she said. "We have some that are sold to install. Distributors don't know when they are coming."

"The products are harder to get and that is putting people into a fear mode," Colyer said. "Man­ufacturers were shut down for 8 to 12 weeks at a time when they needed to be producing for the summer. It can take several weeks to get them in. I am out of stock."

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.