Pool prices on the rise due to inflation, sales still climbing

ELKHART, Ind. — As the weather turns toward Summer, families across Michiana are rolling out their pools for the season.

But, as with many goods and services, pool maintenance and building costs are on the rise.

Adam Kinser, Lead Technician with Backyard Pools in Elkhart, says prices go up between 2-3% every year. But that's not enough to slow down the market.

"There's a few customers who say it's more than they expected, but those are people usually who haven't had a pool in the past before. But we're always getting calls every day from people to buy new pools and have them installed." said Kinser.

He also tells us inflation, the cost of steel and concrete all effect build rates, which impacts their prices as well.

"I think for the most part, people understand it's not our fault. Prices on everything go up. We have to follow that ourselves, otherwise we can't stay in business." said Kinser.

Since pools are considered a luxury for many, Kinser adds that many buyers expect an increase each year in costs.

Importing prices are up as well, which means pool chemicals brought in from overseas often have a higher sticker price too.

Karl Sheeks, Store Manager at Great Escape South Bend, says pool prices tend to follow the economy, but not in the typical way.

"Usually, when things get more expensive, pool sales actually go up because it becomes more expensive to go on vacation and leave town, so people do staycations." said Sheeks.

He says Great Escape is able to avoid some of those price hikes by buying early and tracking national trends to find the best time to buy.

Kinser says the recent cooler weather has also lengthened their "opening season" with owners more hesitant to roll out the pools for the year until it warms up more. He expects that to change now that the 80s have arrived.