Earlier this month, we examined the Texas pool builders that claimed the top spots in September’s rankings. Now, we’re shifting the focus from who is building pools to where pools are being built. Using the latest HBW construction data reports, we took a deeper dive into new residential swimming pool permit activity across Texas’ four largest metropolitan markets: Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.

As previously reported, HBW recorded 427 new swimming pool permits statewide during September 2026, representing approximately $31.4 million in new construction value. While that marked a 25% decline from August, the slowdown is not entirely unexpected. Seasonal transitions, changing weather patterns, and shifting homeowner spending priorities often begin influencing permit activity as Texas moves from summer into fall. That being stated, the figures from September reveal a market that remains remarkably active, with several metro areas continuing to demonstrate strong demand for new pool construction despite the month-over-month decline.

Dallas

For September, the Dallas market remained Texas’ most active region for new pool construction, accounting for 167 permits, or approximately 39.1% of all permits issued statewide.

Dallas generated:

• 167 total permits
• $12.7 million in total construction value
• $76,022 average project value

Not only did Dallas lead Texas in permit volume, but it also posted the highest total construction value among all major metros. Digging deeper into county-level activity reveals that permit activity was distributed across the broader metroplex, although two counties clearly dominated:

• Tarrant County – 48 permits | $4.93 million in construction value
• Denton County – 47 permits | $3.37 million in construction value

Together, Tarrant and Denton Counties accounted for 95 permits, representing nearly 57% of all new pool permits within the Dallas market. From an industry perspective, Dallas continues to reflect a mature, high-volume pool construction environment. Strong suburban growth, continued residential development, and large concentrations of single-family housing have consistently helped support demand throughout the region. Even with the statewide monthly slowdown, Dallas maintained a clear lead over every other metro area in permit activity.

Houston

The Houston area followed closely behind Dallas with 144 new permits, representing roughly 33.7% of all permits issued statewide.

Houston recorded:

• 144 total permits
• $11.37 million in total construction value
• $78,972 average project value

While Dallas generated more permits, Houston posted the highest average project value of any major Texas metro during September. This distinction is significant, as higher average values often indicate greater customization, larger pool footprints, premium features, outdoor living integrations, or more complex site conditions. In other words, Houston homeowners may have filed fewer permits than Dallas, but the projects themselves tended to carry slightly larger price tags.

From a county perspective, two counties carried the bulk of new pool construction activity last month:

• Harris County -88 permits | $7.19 million in construction value
• Galveston County – 23 permits | $2.11 million in construction value

With 88 permits, Harris County alone accounted for approximately 61% of all permits issued within the Houston market, confirming the county’s continued dominance. The concentration of activity in Harris County isn’t surprising. As the most populous county in Texas, it remains one of the state’s strongest generators of residential construction activity overall. For pool builders operating in Southeast Texas, Harris County continues to be the market that commands attention.

Austin

The Austin metro recorded 90 permits, making it the third most active region in Texas during September.

Austin generated:

• 90 total permits
• $5.72 million in total construction value
• $63,596 average project value

While permit volume remained healthy, Austin’s average project value was noticeably lower than both Dallas and Houston. What stands out most in the data is the extraordinary concentration of activity within a single county:

• Travis County -84 permits | $5.10 million in construction value

Travis County represented approximately 93% of all Austin-area permits, making it one of the most concentrated pool construction markets in the state (out of the metros reviewed). This level of concentration suggests that most new swimming pool demand remains centered within Austin’s primary urban and suburban footprint rather than extending broadly throughout surrounding counties. For builders, that concentration can be both advantageous and competitive. The market remains active, but companies are often pursuing projects within the same geographic corridors, potentially leading to tighter competition.

San Antonio

San Antonio posted the smallest volume among the four major Texas metros, with 26 permits issued during September.

The region recorded:

• 26 total permits
• $1.63 million in total construction value
• $62,731 average project value

The 26 permits represented approximately 6.1% of statewide permit activity, making San Antonio the least active major market for new pool construction during the month. From a county perspective, there was one county where the vast majority of new construction activity took place:

• Bexar County – 20 permits |$1.36 million in construction value

Bexar County accounted for nearly 77% of all permits issued in the San Antonio market, confirming that most activity remained concentrated around the metro core. Although San Antonio posted the lowest permit volume, it’s important to view the data within context. Lower permit totals do not necessarily indicate market weakness. Instead, they often reflect differences in population density, housing stock, development patterns, and regional consumer spending habits.

What the September Data Tells Us

If the permit activity from September could tell a story, it would be one of selective cooling rather than contraction. Yes, statewide permits declined by 25% from the prior month, but a market producing more than $31 million in new swimming pool construction value in a single month is hardly showing signs of retreat. Instead, the numbers suggest that demand remains fundamentally healthy, particularly in Dallas and Houston, which continue to serve as the engines of the Lone Star State’s pool construction market. Austin remains active but geographically concentrated, while San Antonio maintains a smaller yet steady stream of projects centered in Bexar County.

For construction professionals, permit data serves as an early indicator of future project pipelines. Today’s permit is tomorrow’s excavation, gunite application, decking installation, equipment set, and final inspection. Understanding where permits are being pulled helps builders allocate crews, suppliers forecast material demand, and industry stakeholders identify emerging opportunities. After all, in Texas, swimming pools are more than a backyard luxury; they are a reflection of housing trends, consumer confidence, and lifestyle investment. And while the temperatures may begin cooling as summer fades into fall, the state’s appetite for new pool construction will likely remain in the deep end.

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.