According to HBW’s latest swimming pool construction activity trend report, Texas recorded a total of 5,142 new swimming pool construction permits through the third quarter of 2025. This figure marks an 11% year-over-year decline compared to Q3 2024. While the downward trajectory continues, the rate of decline appears to be moderating: The market experienced a 31% drop in 2023, followed by an 18% decrease in 2024, and now an 11% contraction so far in 2025. This deceleration suggests that the market could be potentially approaching a stabilization phase.
To gain a better understanding of regional dynamics, here is a brief breakdown of the four major metropolitan areas of Texas (Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio):
| Metro Area | Permits (Q3 2025) | YoY Change |
| Dallas | 2,250 | -6% |
| Houston | 1,683 | -8% |
| Austin | 727 | -25% |
| San Antonio | 482 | -18% |
As noted in the above listed table, Dallas continues to dominate the Texas pool construction market, accounting for nearly 44% of all new permits statewide. Despite a modest 6% year-to-date decline, the region remains a stronghold for residential pool development. Houston follows with 1,683 permits, reflecting an 8% year-over-year decrease, indicating a slightly sharper contraction than Dallas. Austin experienced the steepest decline among the major metros, with a 25% year-over-year drop so far this year, suggesting potential market saturation or shifting consumer priorities in the region. And finally, San Antonio carried the lowest volume of new pool construction with 482 new permits through Q3, reflecting an 18% year-over-year decrease.
County Highlights
Drilling down into county-level data reveals nuanced trends that can inform strategic planning for builders and suppliers:
| County | Permits (Q3 2025) | YoY Change |
| Harris (Houston) | 1,142 | -5% |
| Dallas (Dallas) | 574 | >-25% |
| Travis (Austin) | 569 | >-26% |
| Collin (Dallas) | 500 | -4% |
| Denton (Dallas) | 451 | +23% |
| Montgomery (Houston) | 193 | +16% |
As noted in the table above, Harris County stands out with the highest volume of new swimming pool permits (1,142 through Q3 2025), underscoring Houston’s continued relevance as a major market despite broader metro-level declines. In contrast, while both counties of Dallas (574 permits) and Travis (569 permits) held higher volumes of new permits, they experienced significant contractions, each posting year-over-year declines exceeding 25%; this mirrors the overall downward trend in their respective metropolitan areas of Dallas and Austin. Meanwhile, Collin County (500 permits) in the Dallas area demonstrated relative stability, with only a 4% decline in permits, suggesting a more resilient local market. Notably, Denton County (451 permits) in the Dallas area emerged as a growth leader, recording a 23% year-over-year increase in new permits, a trend that may reflect heightened residential development or a shift in consumer preferences. Similarly, Montgomery County exhibited encouraging signs of expansion, with a 16% uptick in permit activity, reinforcing the presence of growth pockets within the broader Houston region.
For construction professionals, pool builders, and suppliers, the latest trends in swimming pool permit activity offer valuable insights into shifting regional demand, market saturation levels, and emerging growth opportunities. The statewide deceleration in year-over-year decline suggests that the market may be approaching a correction point, potentially signaling an inflection moment for strategic investment. Notably, suburban counties such as Denton and Montgomery are exhibiting signs of expansion, likely influenced by factors such as population migration, housing affordability, and evolving lifestyle preferences. In response to such developments, builders who engage in ongoing market monitoring may find it advantageous to reallocate resources or broaden their operational footprint into growth-positive areas. Furthermore, the data highlights the importance of granular market intelligence, as county-level permit trends often reveal localized dynamics that broader metropolitan statistics may overlook.
HBW’s Q3 2025 report provides a valuable lens into the evolving landscape of swimming pool construction across Texas. While the overall market continues to contract, the rate of decline appears to be easing, and select counties have displayed signs of growth, which may offer strategic opportunities for industry stakeholders in the future.
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