New swimming pool construction activity in Texas continued to trend downward in 2025, though at a noticeably slower pace than in recent years. According to the most recent HBW Swimming Pool Construction Activity Trend Report, nearly 7,000 new swimming pool construction permits were added to the HBW database statewide through the fourth quarter of 2025. This represents a -10% year-over-year decline compared to 2024.

While the negative year-over-year figure may initially appear concerning, it must be considered in the broader context… The rate of decline has meaningfully decelerated when compared to prior years. By contrast, 2023 recorded a -31% decrease versus 2022, followed by a -18% decline in 2024 versus 2023. From a market cycle perspective, 2025 reflects a period that may be closer to stabilization and approaching a floor.

For our purposes, we will be using the latest trend reports by HBW to examine statewide performance, as well as regional and county-level activity across the four major metro areas of Texas (Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio):

Dallas

The Dallas area led the state in new swimming pool construction activity in 2025. A total of 2,922 new permits were recorded, representing a -9% year-over-year decline versus 2024. Despite the decrease, Dallas continues to show resilience. The 2025 decline is significantly less severe than in prior years, including a -31% year-over-year decline in 2023 and a -26% decline in 2024. This trend indicates a gradual stabilization in consumer demand and project starts, particularly in high-growth suburban counties.

Houston

Houston stood as the second-largest contributor to statewide swimming pool construction permits. In 2025, the region recorded 2,157 new permits, reflecting a -7% year-over-year decline. Pool construction activity in the Houston area has been in decline since 2022, when permits fell 15% year over year, followed by a -33% decline in 2023 and a -9% decline in 2024. The comparatively modest decrease in 2025 further supports the narrative that the market is moving toward stabilization rather than continued steep contraction.

Austin

The Austin metro area recorded 995 new swimming pool construction permits in 2025, ranking third statewide. This total reflects a -18% year-over-year decline versus 2024. While Austin continues to be impacted by affordability pressures and slower residential growth compared to peak years, select counties within the metro showed pockets of relative stability.

San Antonio

San Antonio recorded 622 new swimming pool construction permits in 2025, reflecting a -17% year-over-year decline. As one may expect, volume remained lower than the other major metros, and San Antonio has exhibited a somewhat consistent decline in pool construction in relation to recent years, with a market driven largely by suburban and entry-level residential development.

County-Level Highlights

County-level analysis provides deeper insight into localized performance and identifies areas where market conditions outperformed metro-level trends.

• Harris County (Houston Metro) – Harris County led the state with 1,470 new swimming pool construction permits in 2025. This represents a relatively minor -2% year-over-year decline, positioning Harris County as one of the most stable high-volume markets in Texas.
• Travis County (Austin Metro) – Travis County recorded 780 new permits, reflecting approximately a -19% year-over-year decline. While volume remains strong relative to other counties, the decline mirrors broader softness in the Austin market.
• Dallas County (Dallas–Fort Worth Metro) – Dallas County contributed 723 new permits in 2025, representing a -25% year-over-year decrease. This decline was more pronounced than the metro-wide average, suggesting uneven performance across the DFW region.
• Collin County (Dallas–Fort Worth Metro) – Collin County recorded 636 new permits, reflecting a relatively modest -6% year-over-year decline, highlighting continued strength in suburban residential development.
• Tarrant County (Dallas–Fort Worth Metro) – Tarrant County was one of the few counties statewide to post growth, with 634 new permits in 2025 and close to a 2% year-over-year increase. This makes Tarrant County a notable exception in an otherwise declining statewide market.
• Montgomery County (Houston Metro) – Montgomery County recorded 243 new permits, reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase. While total volume remains moderate, the increase signals localized demand strength north of Houston.
• Williamson County (Austin Metro) – Williamson County posted 183 new permits, representing close to a 5% year-over-year increase. Similar to Montgomery County, this growth reflects stability rather than rapid expansion but stands out against the broader regional decline.
• Rockwall County (Dallas–Fort Worth Metro) – Rockwall County recorded 156 new permits, reflecting a 6% year-over-year increase. While volume is comparatively low, the growth trend makes it a market worth monitoring.

It goes without saying that annual construction activity reports play a critical role in helping swimming pool builders, contractors, suppliers, and related professionals understand long-term market dynamics. While month-to-month fluctuations can be influenced by seasonality or short-term economic factors, annual data provides a clearer view of structural trends and regional performance. When using HBW’s annual reports alongside its archival and monthly construction activity reports, industry professionals are able to:

• Identify markets that are stabilizing, expanding, or contracting
• Pinpoint counties and submarkets showing resilience or early growth
• Align sales, marketing, and expansion strategies with real permitting activity
• Better forecast demand and allocate resources efficiently

By leveraging HBW’s historical data and ongoing monthly insights, industry professionals can more effectively “dial in” their efforts, refine geographic focus, and make informed decisions about where to compete, expand, or hold steady within the Texas swimming pool construction market.

While last year certainly can’t be considered a return to growth for swimming pool construction in Texas, there appears to be a possible shift toward moderation and stability. The slowing rate of decline across major metros and the emergence of growth at the county level suggest that the market may be approaching a more balanced phase. HBW will continue to monitor construction trends closely through its monthly and annual reporting to provide timely, data-driven insight into the evolving swimming pool construction market in Texas, and beyond.

To gain more information on the builders, homeowners and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.