For decades, Australians have had a love affair with the backyard swimming pool but the coronavirus pandemic took the relationship to new heights.
Key points:
- The demand for pools and spas has never been higher, according to the industry
- COVID-19 eliminated the sector’s largest competitor — travel
- But supply and trade shortages are limiting the sector’s growth and causing delays for customers
COVID-19 eliminated the pool and spa industry’s largest competitor — travel.
The Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia (SPASA) said there had been between a 30 to 50 per cent increase in demand for pools and spas across the country.
“The demand has never been higher,” SPASA CEO Lindsay McGrath said.
“The aspiration to improve homes and have a better quality of life, while being at home with loved ones, has been a major windfall from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Industry booming
COVID-19 eliminated travel, which was the industry’s largest competitor.(Supplied: Sun City Pools)
When travel restrictions were introduced due to the pandemic, the industry saw a downturn in pool servicing, construction, and retail.
Then the boom hit businesses across the country in 2021.
Townsville pool shop office manager Tania Thomson has been busy ever since.
“People aren’t travelling. They’re spending more time at home,” she said.
“They’re putting money into their backyards and into their pools because that’s their holiday destination now.”
Townsville fibreglass pool specialist Terry Dwyer was thankful to have stock to meet demand.
“We had 15 pools when this boom hit. It’s been a blessing to have that,” he said.
“During February, we’ll have another 15 to 17 pools arrive.”
The only limits to the sector’s growth are trades and material shortages.(Supplied)
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Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-30/demand-for-pools-and-spas-never-higher/100581322