Pool News
Pool Builders Adapt to Inflation in a Post-Covid Economy
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the way we live and work, and it also had a profound impact on the costs of swimming pools over the past few years. Consequently, the price of an inground swimming pool has increased by roughly 30% since 2021. During the height of the pandemic, the pool industry experienced unprecedented demand driven by factors such as quarantining at home and limited options for travel. Consumers sought to create a relaxing oasis in their own backyards, and pool builders were overwhelmed with orders. However, in the post-COVID economy, the industry is adapting to new challenges, including price increases on materials, rising interest rates, and inflation.
Changing Consumer Behavior
The pandemic forced people to stay home, and this prompted a surge in home improvement projects, with swimming pools being a top choice for many. As Bob Mellon, the owner of Signature Pools & Spa in Fresno, CA, notes, “That’s one of the hardest things that I think came out of COVID is the inflation and the pricing has gone up so much.” The demand for pools skyrocketed, but rising costs have continued to be a factor over the past two years.
Mellon adds, “Our equipment costs have gone up 4% recently and they just continue to go up. Our cement prices are up, our rebar costs are up. We had shortages during COVID. So all of the materials that we have no control over have gone up.” These factors are affecting pool builders and their clients alike.
Adaptation to Inflation and Rising Interest Rates
In response to rising costs, builders are finding ways to adapt and mitigate the impact on their customers. Mellon explains, “One of the things that we’ve done is try to be more efficient. We’re kind of at a place where we’re trying to actually tighten our profit margins, and we’re able to do that by streamlining our company.” Pool builders are working harder to control costs and keep prices as reasonable as possible.
Mellon also points out the changing landscape of financing options, saying, “Where banks a couple of years ago were giving loans out very freely, they’re turning some down now. In efforts for the government to try to slow down inflation, they’re raising rates and it’s affecting us a bit.” This shift in lending practices has created challenges for both pool builders and customers who may need financing to afford their dream pools.
Pool Construction Lead Times
During the peak of the pandemic, customers often faced long lead times, with some waiting up to six months between signing a contract and the commencement of their pool project. This was a result of the overwhelming demand and supply chain disruptions. However, the post-COVID environment has seen a recalibration.
Mellon states, “Right now, we have been building pools from day of dig to water four to six weeks.” Pool builders have worked to streamline their processes and adapt to the new landscape, providing more efficient service to meet customer demand. However, Mellon acknowledges that they still allow for a buffer in the timeline due to potential changes and delays, such as material shortages and weather conditions.
A New Reality
After years of significant spending by US consumers, Morgan Stanley economists have recently predicted a potential “hangover effect on consumption”, which could ultimately weigh down economic growth. In the months ahead, American consumers are poised to confront several hurdles, including the resumption of student loan repayments, declining savings accounts, and stricter lending standards imposed by banks.
While the availability of pool builders has improved, consumers should not expect a drop in prices due to the factors mentioned. Inflation, rising material costs, and changing financing options have put increased pressure on the industry. As Mellon emphasizes, “We’re trying to help with the customers and help with the pricing. We’re going into a slower time. Our numbers are off this year compared to last year,” attributing a drop in pool sales to increased costs, recession concerns, and rising interest rates.
How Pool Builders Are Adapting To Inflation
Pool builders are adapting to inflation in a changing economic environment through various strategies and approaches. Some of the methods builders are employing include the following:
- Price Adjustments: Some pool builders have had to increase the prices of their services to reflect the increased costs of materials and labor. Transparent communication with clients about these price adjustments is key to maintaining customer trust.
- Contractual Clauses: In their contracts with clients, builders may include clauses that allow for price adjustments based on fluctuating material costs. This provides a degree of protection against sudden price hikes.
- Diversification: Some pool builders are diversifying their offerings. They may expand into related services, such as pool maintenance, remodeling, or landscaping. This diversification can help stabilize revenue streams and reduce reliance on pool construction alone.
- Technology Integration: Incorporating technology and software tools can enhance project management, scheduling, and resource allocation, ultimately increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
- Skilled Labor Training: Investing in the training and development of skilled labor can help increase productivity and reduce the reliance on subcontractors, which can help manage labor costs more effectively.
- Supplier Negotiations: Establishing strong relationships with suppliers can lead to favorable terms, bulk discounts, and priority access to materials, mitigating supply chain disruptions and costs.
- Financing and Payment Options: Offering flexible financing and payment options to clients can make pool construction more affordable for customers, potentially offsetting the impact of rising interest rates.
- Market Research and Adaptation: Pool builders may adapt their offerings to meet changing demand. For example, they may shift towards smaller, more budget-friendly pool designs if that is what the market demands.
- Customer Education: Educating customers about the benefits of their pool choices and how they affect long-term operational costs can justify higher initial costs and encourage more efficient pool designs and features.
- Insurance and Risk Management: Pool builders may review and update their insurance policies to protect against unexpected costs, such as project delays or unexpected material price increases.
Ultimately, the post-COVID economy has brought significant changes to the pool industry, affecting both consumers and pool builders. The unprecedented demand for pools during the pandemic has been replaced by more cautious consumer spending. Pool builders are adapting to this changing economic environment. While lead times have improved, prices remain relatively high due to inflation and other factors. Analysts expect discretionary spending, including investments in new pool construction to continually moderate through the coming months.
Pool News
French Diver Makes Splash After Flop At Opening of Olympic Pool
French Olympic diver, Alexis Jandard, created a memorable moment at the grand opening of Paris’s new Olympic pool, though not quite in the manner he had envisioned.
A startling video captured during the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Paris Aquatics Center on Thursday showcased the 26-year-old Olympian’s unfortunate landing on his right foot while gearing up to dive alongside two fellow athletes. Adorned in a Speedo reflecting the hues of the French flag, Jandard’s discomforting descent saw him landing on his back, ricocheting off the nearly 10-foot-high dive board, and somersaulting into the pool in a rather ungraceful manner.
The incident unfolded in front of a sizable crowd of onlookers, including French President Emmanuel Macron and various dignitaries. Jandard later displayed his scraped back on his Instagram account, maintaining a light-hearted approach to his embarrassing mishap by quipping, “For your information, my back is fine, but my ego…”
Sharing a photo of his reddened back, courtesy of the encounter with the diving board, on Instagram Stories, Jandard assured followers of his well-being. Speaking to RMC Sport, he recounted the unexpected turn of events, stating, “I’m fine. I didn’t hurt myself; unfortunately, these things happen. It happened at a time when I wasn’t expecting it at all.”
Reflecting on the incident, Jandard humorously noted, “I’ve broken boards before, but the board had never broken me before. Now it has.” Despite the hiccup, he maintained an optimistic outlook, remarking, “I would have preferred this ceremony to have gone well from A to Z. There was that little hitch. If it made people smile a little, so much the better.”
Explaining the mishap, Jandard clarified that his leg gave way upon landing but denied any slippage, emphasizing, “It’s a non-slip [board], and what’s more, the board was new, beautiful, and I think there’s still [some of] my back on the board there.”
With a silver and bronze under his belt at the 2022 and 2023 World Aquatics Championships, respectively, Jandard took the incident in stride, admitting, “It’s a shame, but it’s funny. When you take a step back, it’s funny.”
Looking ahead to the 2024 Paris Games this summer, where he is set to compete, Jandard acknowledged the inevitability of such occurrences in his sport, jesting, “These things happen,” while playfully lamenting, “It had to happen in front of the president and the whole of France. I think we chose the right moment.”
Despite being inundated with supportive messages and playful jabs, Jandard maintained a good-natured stance, urging his followers on Instagram, “Enjoy yourselves, make fun of me. I seriously deserve it!”
Pool News
Earthquake in Taiwan Causes Waterfall From Rooftop Pool
A massive earthquake in Taiwan transforms a rooftop pool into a waterfall. View viral footage.
In a harrowing turn of events, Taiwan was struck by a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake, leaving devastation in its wake. The quake, the strongest to hit the island in 25 years, shook the east coast of Taiwan, particularly affecting the city of Hualien and its surrounding areas. With a depth of 34.8 kilometers, the epicenter of the earthquake was located 18 kilometers south of Hualien, according to the US Geological Survey.
As rescue efforts are underway to free those trapped under rubble and debris, the toll of the disaster continues to rise. At least nine individuals have lost their lives, while over 900 others have sustained injuries. The aftermath of the earthquake has left over 100 buildings damaged, with reports of landslides and collapsed structures adding to the chaos.
The force of the quake was so immense that it caused a surreal sight—a rooftop swimming pool overflowing and cascading down the side of a building, creating an impromptu waterfall. Footage captured during the earthquake also shows the sheer force as a man inside a pool struggles to maintain balance, the water swaying violently from side to side.
The region of Hualien County, with a population of approximately 300,000, faces immense challenges in assessing the full extent of the damage. Many inhabitants reside in remote coastal or mountain communities, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach them promptly. The precarious situation is exacerbated by the expectation of aftershocks, with 29 aftershocks greater than a magnitude of 4.0 already recorded near the epicenter.
Compounding the crisis are reports of miners trapped in two mines in Hualien, adding urgency to the rescue operations. Furthermore, over 91,000 households are grappling with power cuts, amplifying the difficulties faced by residents in the aftermath of the disaster.
Despite the widespread destruction, medical facilities in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei City, are functioning, albeit damaged. The Municipal Government has confirmed that hospitals are operating normally, providing critical care to the injured.
The international community has responded swiftly to the catastrophe, with the Biden administration monitoring the situation closely and expressing readiness to offer assistance. In the face of adversity, Taiwan is rallying its resources and resilience, demonstrating solidarity and resolve in confronting this natural disaster.
As the dust settles and the extent of the damage becomes clearer, questions arise about the effectiveness of early warning detection systems in mitigating the impact of natural disasters. Despite Taiwan’s investment in advanced seismic technology, including early warning systems designed to provide crucial seconds of alert before an earthquake strikes, many residents were caught off guard by the sudden and violent tremors. Reports indicate that the early warning detection system, while operational, did not reach a significant portion of the population in time to take preventive action
Pool News
Patent Pending Apple Watch SOS Feature Could Prevent Drownings
A forthcoming feature potentially destined for the Apple Watch, as detailed in a recent patent application, could serve as a lifesaver for swimmers at risk of drowning.
Outlined in the patent is a capability for the Watch to identify “irregular behavior” and automatically trigger a distress call for assistance.
Apple underscores the alarming statistics surrounding drowning, particularly its prevalence among children, as a leading cause of accidental fatalities.
In the United States alone, drowning claims the lives of over 3,500 individuals annually, ranking as the fifth most common form of accidental death. Tragically, a significant portion of these victims are children.
Emphasizing the critical importance of swift intervention during water emergencies, Apple highlights the dire consequences of prolonged submersion without resuscitation, which can result in brain damage and ultimately, drowning.
A Growing Need For Cost-Effective Wearable Solutions
While acknowledging existing underwater camera systems in some swimming pools aimed at detecting distressed swimmers and alerting lifeguards, Apple notes their costliness and unreliability.
Consequently, there’s a pressing need for a simpler, more cost-effective drowning prevention solution suitable for all types of water bodies, including public and private pools, as well as natural settings like lakes and ponds where installing underwater cameras is impractical.
The patent proposes leveraging wearable devices such as the Apple Watch for broader applicability, increased reliability, and the ability to detect various types of emergencies.
Alerting When Swimmers Are In Distress
For instance, if the Watch detects a wearer who is not proficient in swimming entering deeper water, it can promptly dispatch an alert instead of waiting for signs of distress.
These alerts can be transmitted to nearby devices, including those of friends and family, and seamlessly integrate with existing drowning detection and alarm systems to ensure lifeguards are promptly notified.
Apple Watches already boast capabilities to detect and respond to falls, vehicle accidents, and cardiac irregularities. Heartwarming testimonials featured in Apple’s “Dear Apple” video series show individuals whose lives were saved by these functionalities.
As with many patents from Apple, it’s important to note that not all concepts may materialize into actual products. Nonetheless, this innovation stands as a promising addition for potential integration into future watchOS updates.
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