A Market Pulse Check Across Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio
In Texas, the month of June is traditionally a month defined by rising temperatures, rising electric bills, and—if you are in the construction industry—rising demand for backyard oases. According to the latest HBW construction data, last month delivered exactly that: a notable surge in new swimming pool construction across the state’s four major metro markets. A total of 530 new swimming pool construction permits, representing approximately $44.3 million in total construction value, were added to the HBW database in June. That figure marks a 10 percent month‑over‑month increase compared to May 2026—an encouraging sign for builders, subcontractors, suppliers, and anyone else whose livelihood depends on Texans’ enduring love for cool water and hot summers.
To understand where the market is heating up fastest, here is a quick break down of the regional data and highlights of the counties driving the most activity:
Houston
Houston once again claimed the top spot for new pool construction activity, pulling 223 permits—a commanding 42 percent of all new pool permits statewide for June.
- Total Permits: 223
- Total Construction Value: $20,632,094
- Average Value: $92,521
Houston also posted the highest average value of all four metros, suggesting a strong appetite for larger, more complex, or perhaps more amenity‑rich pool projects. Whether it is expansive resort‑style builds or high‑end residential upgrades, Houston’s pool market is clearly operating at full throttle. The top counties where the highest concentration of new pool permits could be found include:
- Harris County: 135 permits | $10,946,094
- Galveston County: 54 permits | $6,785,000
Harris County alone accounts for more than 60 percent of Houston’s total pool permits, reinforcing its position as the region’s construction engine. Galveston’s numbers, while smaller, reflect a strong coastal demand—because if you live near the Gulf, you might as well double down on cool spots to be in and on the water.
Dallas
Dallas secured the second‑highest volume of new pool permits with 179 permits, representing roughly 34 percent of the statewide total. While Dallas trails Houston in volume, it remains a powerhouse market with robust activity across multiple counties.
- Total Permits: 179
- Total Construction Value: $16,028,675
- Average Value: $89,546
Dallas posted the second‑highest average value, just shy of Houston’s, indicating a similarly strong demand for higher‑end pool construction. From a county-perspective, there were three leading the charge:
- Tarrant County: 52 permits | $4,884,110
- Denton County: 51 permits | $3,300,528
- Collin County: 53 permits | $6,456,762
The Dallas metro’s strength lies in its balanced distribution of activity. The counties of Tarrant, Denton, and Collin all posted comparable permit volumes, creating a diversified regional market rather than a single‑county concentration. Collin County stands out with the highest total value among the three, hinting at more premium‑priced projects.
Austin
HBW recorded 85 permits in the Austin area last month, accounting for about 16 percent of statewide activity. While smaller in volume compared to Houston and Dallas, Austin’s pool market remains steady and predictable—much like its famously consistent demand for modern design and outdoor living spaces.
- Total Permits: 85
- Total Construction Value: $5,569,055
- Average Value: $65,518
Austin’s average value is notably lower than Houston and Dallas, suggesting a higher concentration of mid‑range projects or maybe even compact pool designs. From a county view, there was one that carried the majority of new permitting activity:
- Travis County: 72 permits | $4,633,600
Travis County overwhelmingly dominates Austin’s pool activity, representing 85 percent of the metro’s total permits. If you are a builder targeting Austin, Travis County currently appears to be the most reliable hunting ground.
San Antonio
San Antonio posted 43 permits, representing roughly 8 percent of statewide activity. While the smallest of the four metros, San Antonio’s pool construction market remains consistent—think of it as the “slow and steady” performer in the statewide lineup.
- Total Permits: 43
- Total Construction Value: $2,080,000
- Average Value: $48,372
San Antonio recorded the lowest average value of all metros last month, indicating a market skewed toward smaller or more budget‑conscious pool projects. Out of all the counties that make up the San Antonio area, there was a clear leader when it comes to new pool construction:
- Bexar County: 33 permits | $1,625,000
Bexar County accounts for the vast majority of San Antonio’s pool activity, reinforcing its role as the region’s primary construction hub.
Statewide Insights
1. Houston Dominates in Both Volume and Value – With 223 permits and the highest average value, Houston is the clear leader. Its share of statewide permits (42 percent) underscores its importance for builders seeking high‑volume opportunities.
2. Dallas Shows Strong, Evenly Distributed Growth – The three major counties in Dallas—Tarrant, Denton, and Collin—each posted strong numbers, making the metro a stable and diversified market.
3. Austin and San Antonio Offer Predictable, Steady Demand – While smaller in scale, both metros continue to deliver consistent permit activity. Austin’s mid‑range values and San Antonio’s budget‑friendly averages reflect distinct consumer profiles.
4. Average Values Reveal Market Positioning
- Highest Average Value: Houston ($92,521)
- Second Highest: Dallas ($89,546)
- Mid‑Range: Austin ($65,518)
- Lowest: San Antonio ($48,372)
Keeping an eye on figures related to value provides insight into regional construction trends, consumer spending patterns, and the types of projects dominating each market.
5. Month‑Over‑Month Growth Signals Strong Seasonal Momentum – The noted 10 percent increase from May to June suggests that Texas pool construction is entering its peak seasonal stride. Builders may anticipate continued demand through the summer months.
The pool construction data last month paints a clear picture: Texas is building, and building big (as to be expected). No matter what your role is in the industry, staying attuned to permit activity is essential for forecasting demand, allocating resources, and identifying emerging opportunities. To recap… Houston and Dallas remain the state’s juggernauts, Austin continues to deliver steady mid‑range projects, and San Antonio offers reliable but modest activity. With statewide permit volume up 10 percent month‑over‑month, the market is signaling strength—and perhaps a collective desire among Texans to beat the heat in style.
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.