
The first quarter of 2025 has delivered a mixed but generally downward picture for the Texas swimming pool construction market. According to the latest building permit data compiled from the HBW database, there were 1,458 new swimming pool construction permits added across the state between January and March. This figure represents a 15% decline compared to the same period last year (Q1-2024), reflecting a continuation of the slowdown that has been evident since 2023.
Statewide Trends
The Texas pool construction market has been experiencing a multiyear deceleration. Following a 31% year-over-year decrease in 2023 and an 18% decline in 2024, the first quarter of 2025 suggests that the downward trend is persisting, at least for now. While the summer and fall seasons will ultimately shape the annual outcome, early data points to continued caution among homeowners and developers when it comes to new pool installations.
Regional Highlights:
The HBW Swimming Pool Construction Activity Trend Report used for gathering the latest stats focuses on four of Texas’s major metro areas: Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Here’s how they stacked up in Q1-2025:
- Dallas: 687 permits, -4% YOY
Dallas remained the largest swimming pool construction market in the state, showing only a modest dip. The area’s resilience may be due to its robust housing market and steady demand for outdoor living enhancements. - Houston: 429 permits, -13% YOY
Houston posted a more pronounced decline, with permitting activity softening compared to last year. Market watchers have noted that weather events, material costs, and shifting homeowner priorities may be contributing to the slowdown. - Austin: 188 permits, -41% YOY
Austin experienced the sharpest drop among major metros. With a 41% decrease, the capital city’s pool construction market has clearly pulled back, potentially due to a cooling housing market and changing economic dynamics following several years of rapid expansion. - San Antonio: 154 permits, -13% YOY
San Antonio mirrored Houston’s trend with a 13% decline, potentially serving as a signal of a broad-based slowdown across South Texas.
Top Counties:
When analyzed by county, five counties accounted for over 63% of all new pool permits in the state:
- Harris County (Houston): 274 permits, -16% YOY
- Dallas County (Dallas): 206 permits, -15% YOY
- Collin County (Dallas): 152 permits, -4% YOY
- Denton County (Dallas): 151 permits, +28% YOY
- Travis County (Austin): 142 permits, -46% YOY
Notably, Denton County was a bright spot among the top counties, recording a 28% increase over last year. Meanwhile, Travis County’s steep 46% decline aligns with the significant pullback observed across the greater Austin area.
Market Insights:
For construction professionals, understanding these shifts is essential for adjusting marketing strategies, workforce planning, and resource allocation.
- Dallas remains the most stable market, providing the best prospects for contractors seeking steady leads in 2025.
- Houston and San Antonio demand more targeted marketing and competitive pricing to win business in a cooling market.
- Austin contractors may need to diversify their service offerings or expand into nearby regions to offset declining local demand.
- Denton County over the coming year may deserve special attention if it continues to prove itself as an emerging hotspot for new residential pool construction.
While the early numbers from Q1-2025 point to continued caution in the Texas swimming pool construction market, the year is far from over. Market conditions can shift rapidly, and seasonal demand often picks up as temperatures rise. HBW will continue to monitor permit activity throughout the year, providing subscribers with timely updates and actionable insights to help navigate the evolving landscape.
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.