The pool and spa industry impacts Florida’s economy to the tune of $6.9 billion, according to a recent estimate from market research firm Pkdata.
This contribution in 2017 represents a 28% increase since the firm’s 2014 study.
The industry also employs approximately 76,788 full- and part-time workers, a 15% increase since 2014.
The growth is largely attributed to housing starts. Last year, Florida issued approximately 700,000 permits for private housing units. The industry is just now beginning to see gains from the improved market.
“Housing starts have slowly rebounded from the recession, but the upturn has not been fully realized in the swimming pool and hot tub industry,” Pkdata noted in the study.
The report, commissioned by the Florida Swimming Pool Association, pegs the number of new residential inground pools last year at 23,611. The selling price for a pool with attached spa averaged $72,000. Those without a spa fell in the neighborhood of $50,000.
The study also indicated that more than 68% of new pools included an automation system.
“Overall, it points to a strong pool market in the state of Florida,” said Wendy Parker Barsell, FSPA executive director. “We’re very encouraged by that. We’re hoping it continues.”
