The latest HBW reports for new pool construction across Texas reflect continued demand for outdoor residential amenities, despite seasonal headwinds typical of early-year construction cycles. For contractors, suppliers, and industry stakeholders, this dataset provides not only a snapshot of current activity, but also actionable insight into regional market concentration, valuation trends, and month-over-month performance.
Across the four primary metro areas reviewed (Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio), Texas recorded a combined total of 385 new residential swimming pool permits in January 2026; this represents approximately a 14% month-over-month decrease from December 2025, when 451 permits were on record. While the decline is notable, it aligns with historical seasonal normalization.
The total valuation of new pool construction across the four metros reached more than $27.6 million in January. The weighted average construction value statewide (based on total valuation divided by total permits) equates to approximately $71,750 per project, signaling sustained investment in mid- to upper-tier residential outdoor improvements. Here is a closer look at permit distribution by region:
Houston
In January, Houston led out of all regions reviewed with the following:
- 140 total permits
- $11,331,531.00 in total construction value
- $80,940.00 average value per permit
- 108 permits issued in Harris County
Houston not only recorded the highest permit volume but also the highest average valuation among the four metros analyzed. The concentration of 108 permits in Harris County indicates strong geographic clustering, suggesting consistent residential development pipelines and high homeowner reinvestment activity within the county. From a strategic standpoint, Houston’s elevated average valuation signals a market favorable to higher-end design-build firms, specialty subcontractors, and premium material suppliers.
Dallas
Last month, Dallas followed closely behind Houston in total volume with the following:
- 128 total permits
- $9,318,229.00 in total construction value
- $72,799.00 average value per permit
County-level distribution shows division across the area, with 45 permits issued in Collin County, 31 permits in Tarrant County, and 30 permits in Denton County, reflecting a broad dispersion of new swimming pool construction activity throughout the region. Unlike Houston’s centralized concentration, the Dallas market demonstrates multi-county distribution, reflecting broader suburban expansion patterns. This dispersion can create both opportunity and logistical complexity; contractors positioned with multi-county operational reach may hold a competitive advantage in capturing consistent volume. The average valuation in Dallas remains strong, though moderately below that of Houston.
Austin
For the month of January, the Austin area reported:
- 75 total permits
- $4,886,098.00 in total construction value
- $65,148.00 average value per permit
- 70 permits concentrated in Travis County
Nearly all new swimming pool construction activity took place in Travis County, underscoring a highly centralized permitting environment. Austin’s permit volume, while significantly lower than Houston and Dallas, continues to reflect steady demand within a high-growth residential market. The lower average valuation relative to Houston and Dallas may be indicative of more cost-sensitive builds or streamlined project scopes. However, Austin remains a high-opportunity market due to demographic growth trends and sustained single-family development.
San Antonio
Last month, San Antonio recorded:
- 42 total permits
- $2,088,000.00 in total construction value
- $49,714.00 average value per permit
- 33 permits in Bexar County
San Antonio posted the lowest total volume and lowest average project valuation among the four metros analyzed. With 33 of 42 permits concentrated in Bexar County, the market exhibits moderate centralization similar to Austin, though at a smaller scale. The comparatively lower valuation may reflect more standardized installations, entry-level builds, or smaller residential lot configurations.
From a macro-level perspective, the data for January illustrates three key trends:
- Houston landed as the dominant high-value market for new swimming pool construction in Texas.
- Dallas offers volume diversification across multiple high-growth counties.
- Austin and San Antonio present concentrated but comparatively lower-value opportunities, requiring refined pricing and cost-control strategies.
The month-over-month decline of approximately 14% in total permits should not be interpreted as a contraction in demand, but rather as a seasonal recalibration. As Q1 progresses, continued monitoring of HBW’s construction data reports will be critical in identifying trend reversals, acceleration patterns, or shifts in county-level concentration. For construction professionals seeking to strategically position their firms, permit data remains one of the most reliable leading indicators of near-term residential construction activity.
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.