International border closures are driving a spike in swimming pool construction as people are forced to ‘holiday’ at home.
Pool companies are one of the industries that are benefitting from the pandemic, with reports some are booked out well past the end of this year and into 2022.
Ted Martin owns and directs Compass Pools in Melbourne and spoke to Domain.
“It’s never been busier in the more than 40 years I’ve worked in the industry,” he said.
“I’ve never seen anything like it.”
People are twigging onto the fact they may not be able to travel much for some time and are looking to install a pool as an outlet for them to relax at home.
Mr Martin said both pool installers and manufacturers were being run off their feet.
“All of the factories are at their limit, so it’s not just a matter of getting the pool in the ground, but having it made.”
Albatross Pools operations manager Peita Otterbach told Domain the surge in demand was not just limited to Melbourne and Australia.
“It’s a very good problem to have,” she said.
“I think Victorians are a lot more home-focused now and are homebodies.
“The spa market is exactly the same. People who order a Jacuzzi, which is an American brand of spa, have a 12-month wait.”
The national industry body is the Swimming Pools and Spas Association (SPASA) and chief executive Lindsay McGrath also said the demand was global.
“It’s a global phenomenon,” she told Domain.
“My peers in every state are reporting that most of the pool builders are booked through to 2022.
“We could double the size of the industry and still not keep up.”
Ms McGrath urged those looking to build a pool in their home in the current environment not to rush and to ensure they adhere to the rules and regulations.
