If you have lived (or worked) in Texas long enough, you know two things to be true: summer heat is non‑negotiable, and the dream of a backyard swimming pool never really goes out of style. But dreams and data don’t always move in the same direction, and according to the latest Swimming Pool Construction Activity Trend Report from HBW, the state’s pool‑building momentum continues to cool off through the second quarter of 2026.
HBW, a leading provider of building permit data for the construction industry, has recorded 2,916 new swimming pool construction permits statewide through Q2 2026; this figure represents an 11% year‑to‑date decline compared to the same period in 2025. And while an 11% dip may not sound catastrophic, it does extend a multi‑year downward trend that has been reshaping the Texas pool market over time.
Over the past several years, Texas has seen a steady tapering in new swimming pool construction, and the numbers tell the story clearly: 2023 closed with a sharp 31% year‑over‑year decline, 2024 continued the downward trajectory at 18%, 2025 added another 10% drop, and 2026 is currently pacing at an 11% decrease through mid‑year. In other words, Texas pool construction has been on a three‑year diet—and it hasn’t cheated once.
Metro-Level Trends: Dallas and Houston Lead, but Not in the Same Direction
The HBW report focuses on the state’s four major metropolitan markets (Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio), each of which tells its own story.
Dallas: High Volume, Steep Decline
Dallas posted 1,083 new swimming pool construction permits through Q2, the highest of any metro area. But volume alone doesn’t tell the whole story; the region demonstrated a 26% year‑to‑date decrease compared to 2025. That’s not a gentle dip—that’s a full‑on slide. Dallas remains a major hub for residential construction, but pool activity is clearly contracting so far this year.
Houston: Nearly Equal Volume (as Dallas), Opposite Trend
Houston followed closely with 1,064 new permits, but unlike Dallas, the Bayou City posted a 4% year‑to‑date increase. After several years of declines since 2022, this modest uptick is noteworthy. Is it a blip? A rebound? A sign of shifting consumer confidence? Time will tell, but for now, Houston is the only major metro exhibiting higher volume with upward movement.
Austin: Smaller Market, Strong Growth
Austin recorded 500 new permits, reflecting a 14% year‑to‑date increase. While the overall volume is modest compared to Dallas and Houston, the growth rate stands out—especially against the backdrop of statewide decline. Austin continues to behave like Austin: smaller scale, but often marching to the beat of its own economic drum.
San Antonio: Low Volume, Significant Decline
San Antonio added 269 new permits, marking a 24% year‑to‑date decrease. The market remains comparatively small, and the decline suggests that consumer demand or discretionary spending in the region may be tightening more aggressively than in other metros.
County-Level Insights: Where the Activity Concentrates
Looking at the county breakdown provides a more granular view of where construction activity is truly concentrated.
1. Harris County (Houston): 660 permits |9.5% year‑to‑date decrease
Despite the decline, Harris County remains the single largest contributor to statewide pool construction. Its sheer population density and ongoing residential development keep it at the top of the leaderboard.
2. Travis County (Austin): 445 permits | 32% year‑to‑date increase
Travis County reflects one of the most dramatic growth rates in the report. A 32% jump in a declining statewide market is not just notable—it’s worth watching. Travis County continues to attract high‑income relocations and new residential development, which may be fueling demand for luxury amenities like swimming pools.
3. Tarrant County (Dallas): 329 permits | ~7% year‑to‑date increase
Tarrant County’s growth contrasts sharply with the broader Dallas metro decline, suggesting that demand may be shifting within the region rather than disappearing entirely.
4. Collin County (Dallas): 277 permits | 15% year‑to‑date decrease
Collin County has been a residential construction powerhouse for years, but pool construction is clearly cooling off here so far this year.
5. Denton County (Dallas): 249 permits | 17% year‑to‑date decrease
Denton mirrors Collin’s trend: still active, but trending downward.
The statewide decline (currently at 11%) appears to be tracking closely with last year’s 10% drop. Whether 2026 ultimately mirrors 2025 or diverges will depend heavily on economic conditions in the second half of the year, including interest rates, consumer confidence, and regional housing activity. That being stated, there are a few key observations worth noting:
- Dallas remains the volume leader, but its decline is pulling down statewide totals.
- Houston’s slight increase may signal stabilization after several years of contraction.
- Austin is the standout for growth, defying statewide trends with double‑digit increases.
- San Antonio continues to soften, contributing minimally to statewide totals.
- County-level data shows pockets of resilience, particularly in Travis and Tarrant counties.
In short, Texas pool construction appears to be recalibrating a bit. Some markets are cooling, others are warming, and a few are heating up like a sun‑baked pool deck in August. Much like Texas weather, the swimming pool construction market in 2026 is proving to be somewhat unpredictable, regionally varied, and occasionally surprising. While statewide numbers continue to trend downward, the metro and county‑level data reveal a more layered perspective, one where growth and decline coexist, and where local economic conditions play an increasingly important role.
With half the year still ahead, the market has room to shift. Whether Texans decide to double down on backyard investments or continue to pull back, HBW’s permit data will remain a reliable barometer of where the industry is heading.
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.