According to the latest HBW construction data, May 2026 was a strong month for new swimming pool construction across the Lone Star State. Combined from the four major metro areas (Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio) there were 482 new swimming pool construction permits added to the HBW database, representing a total construction value of approximately $35.4 million. That’s an 18% jump from April’s totals, a month-over-month increase that would make even the most seasoned market analyst raise an eyebrow.
For this reason, let’s take a moment to break down where Texans are digging, building, and splashing the most:
Houston
Last month, Houston led the pack, pulling in the greatest number of new swimming pool permits last month:
- Total Permits: 187
- Total Value: $14,466,500
- Average Value: $77,361
County Spotlight: Harris County (111 permits) | Total Value: $7,971,500
Houston accounts for 38.8% of all new pool permits statewide, making it the undisputed leader for May. With an average value north of $77K, the market is exhibiting strong mid-to-high-tier residential investment. Harris County alone represents nearly 60% of Houston’s pool activity, reinforcing its role as the region’s construction engine.
Dallas
Dallas wasn’t far behind Houston in total permits, and it actually surpassed Houston in average construction value:
- Total Permits: 178
- Total Value: $14,157,687
- Average Value: $79,538 (highest among all metros)
Top Counties: Tarrant County (57 permits) | Total Value: $5,232,494; Collin County (44 permits) |Total Value: $3,370,998
Dallas represents 36.9% of all statewide permits, making it a close second to Houston, but the real headline here is the average value, which led all metros at just under $80K; this suggests a strong appetite for premium pool builds—think custom features, upgraded materials, and maybe even a tanning ledge or two.
Austin
Austin may not match Houston or Dallas in volume, but it continues to punch above its weight in construction value:
- Total Permits: 68
- Total Value: $4,545,792
- Average Value: $66,850
County Spotlight: Travis County (62 permits) | Total Value: $4,211,868
Austin accounts for 14.1% of statewide permits, and Travis County alone represents a remarkable 91% of the metro’s pool activity. The average value is solid, reflecting a market that favors quality over quantity—very on-brand for Austin.
San Antonio
San Antonio rounds out the list with the lowest permit volume and the lowest average value, maintaining its standing as a more modest market:
- Total Permits: 49
- Total Value: $2,240,000
- Average Value: $45,714 (lowest among all metros)
County Spotlight: Bexar County (37 permits) | Total Value: $1,715,000
San Antonio represents just over 10% of statewide pool permits. With the lowest average value, this market appears to be driven by more budget-conscious builds—likely standard residential pools without extensive customization.
The data for last month paints a fairly clear picture – Texas pool construction is heating up faster than a concrete deck in August. Here’s a few takeaways for industry pros:
- Demand is rising statewide, with an 18% month-over-month increase signaling strong consumer confidence (and seasonal demand).
- Houston and Dallas remain the dominant markets, both in volume and total value.
- Dallas leads in premium builds, making it a prime target for high-end contractors and specialty pool designers.
- Austin’s concentrated activity in Travis County suggests a highly focused market with consistent demand.
- San Antonio offers opportunities for volume-based builders, especially those specializing in cost-efficient designs.
From pool builders to suppliers, and everyone in between, the latest data serves as a valuable compass for navigating the evolving construction landscape of the Lone Star State. And if the current trend continues, Texas may soon need as many pool cleaners as it has barbecue joints. (Okay, maybe not that many—but you get the idea.)
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.