According to the latest Swimming Pool Construction Activity Trend Report from HBW, new swimming pool construction activity across the 24 counties that comprise the Metro Atlanta area remained relatively steady through the second quarter of 2025. From January through June, a total of 1,347 new swimming pool permits were on record in the HBW database, reflecting a nominal 1 percent year-over-year (YOY) decrease when compared to the same period in 2024.
Mixed Performance Across Leading Counties
While overall permit volume remained mostly flat, the market has shown shifting dynamics at the county level. Some of the region’s historically high-volume areas experienced slight pullbacks, while several outlying counties posted noticeable gains.
- Fulton County maintained its lead in volume with 272 new swimming pool permits, though this figure reflects a 4 percent YOY decrease.
- Cobb County recorded 145 permits, marking a 21 percent decline from Q2 2024.
- In contrast, Cherokee County issued 135 permits, representing a 16 percent YOY increase.
- Forsyth County followed with 110 permits, posting a healthy 9 percent gain.
- Notably, Coweta County saw a significant surge, with 107 permits representing a 30 percent increase over the same time period last year.
Emerging Growth Markets
Beyond the top five counties, several emerging markets have shown promising upward movement so far this year. Walton County stood out with a remarkable 40 percent year-over-year increase in new swimming pool permits. Jackson County followed with a 20 percent increase, while both Paulding County and Fayette County registered solid 18 percent gains. All of these counties had experienced declines in permit activity last year, making their current growth noteworthy. While it is still early to determine whether these figures represent a lasting upward trend or a temporary rebound, the data suggests that interest in pool construction is beginning to extend beyond the traditionally high-volume counties.
Market Outlook and Considerations
From a market analysis standpoint, the Metro Atlanta area is showing signs of regional redistribution of demand. The marginal overall decrease in permit totals reflects a stable market, while the increased activity in outlying counties may indicate rising interest in suburban and exurban living, driven by affordability, larger lot sizes, and evolving homeowner preferences.
Additionally, factors such as rising material costs, labor availability, and interest rates continue to play a role in moderating growth in high-demand counties like Fulton and Cobb. Meanwhile, lower-cost counties may be benefiting from contractors expanding their service areas and homeowners seeking more cost-effective options.
Overall, and as noted above, swimming pool construction in Metro Atlanta through Q2 2025 is holding steady, with a nominal YOY dip that masks a more nuanced landscape of localized growth and contraction. While core markets such as Fulton and Cobb are experiencing minor slowdowns, a number of outlying counties—particularly Coweta, Cherokee, and Walton—are emerging as potential bright spots. With six months still ahead, the trajectory for the remainder of the year will determine whether these trends are part of a larger market shift or simply seasonal variations.
Information utilized for the above listed figures for Metro Atlanta swimming pool construction was directly derived from HBW 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.