The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) released its 2024 Business Operations Survey Report back in August, which offered an analysis of key operating data from the industry and valuable benchmarking insights. Responses from 368 businesses were evaluated for a detailed look at how pool and hot tub companies are performing across retail, service, and building segments, and what opportunities and challenges are shaping our industry today.
So, what does this PHTA report tell us? Let’s explore the 4 key pool industry trends and how you can leverage them to gain a competitive advantage, drive measurable results, and grow your business.
1. Pool Service Revenue Shows Steady Growth
One of the most notable findings from the PHTA report revealed that service and maintenance accounted for nearly 45% of all pool and spa industry revenue in 2024, with companies tracking 11% growth in this particular category. A 97% average renewal rate was also reported for pool service agreements. All of this is wonderful news, but how can we make it even better? There’s an opportunity in the market to ride the recent growth of pool service demand.
How You Can Turn This Insight Into Action
With an all-in-one business management platform like RB, you can capitalize on rising demand, boost retention, and simplify your operations by easily managing recurring service agreements.
You’ll optimize every opportunity to deliver higher-quality service, streamline technician efficiency, and increase customer retention with features like these:
- Seamless Service Scheduling makes it easy to book services for your clients by automating tasks like scheduling appointments or creating sales orders and invoices.
- Mobile Live Service connects your back office to your technicians in real time, enabling them to update jobs, track inventory, access customer info, and more—right from the field.
- Integrated Electronic Door Hangers allow techs to easily share service updates with customers like chemical readings, time spent, and any special notes.
2. Chemical Sales Account for More than Half of Retail Revenue
Pool and spa retailers averaged 6,500 completed sales in 2024, with an average revenue of $260 per square foot. The report notes that chemicals remain a top revenue driver, accounting for more than half of retail sales. Most businesses also offer free water testing as a strategy to create additional selling opportunities.
How You Can Turn This Insight Into Action
RB makes it easy to turn free water testing into boosted sales by providing businesses with Water Lab Sync, a feature that seamlessly connects industry-leading water testing software directly to your point of sale software. You can use the data to make recommendations to customers and keep a record of their purchases.
3. New Pool Installations Slow While Financing Needs Grow
One area that showed little growth in the PHTA report was new pool installations. Builders reported just a 0.5% median increase in revenue from new pool projects in 2024. Among those still investing in new pools, a growing number are opting for builder-provided financing—used in 16% of projects—over paying in cash.
How You Can Turn This Insight Into Action
With RB Smart Pay and integrated financing options, you can close more sales by offering flexible payment solutions to your customers. This is especially critical as consumers face higher interest rates and tighter budgets.
4. Businesses Adopting Modern Technology Are More Efficient
Here’s an unsurprising survey result: companies that embraced advanced technology in 2024 reported stronger efficiency and higher revenue per employee during the year. Larger businesses with POS, inventory, and service automation solutions were nearly twice as productive as their smaller peers without the same tools in place.
How You Can Turn This Insight Into Action
You can replace your “DIY tech stack” with an all-in-one POS and service management platform like RB. From retail rings to service calls, every transaction flows seamlessly through one system—saving time, reducing duplicate entry, and providing real-time insights.
The PHTA report paints a clear picture: our industry is resilient but evolving. Service and retail diversification are key growth areas, while efficiency and technology adoption separate thriving businesses from those simply surviving. At RB, we’re proud to help pool and spa businesses act on these insights.
See how we can help you leverage industry trends and boost your business—take a self-guided tour today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leveraging Pool Industry Trends to Grow Your Business
Q: What are the biggest growth opportunities in the pool and spa industry?
A. According to the PHTA’s 2024 Business Operations Survey, service and maintenance are leading the way—accounting for nearly 45% of industry revenue with 11% growth and a 97% average renewal rate. Retail chemical sales and tech adoption are also driving business performance.
Q: How can pool businesses use these insights to increase efficiency and revenue?
A. By leveraging trends like rising service demand, recurring agreements, and customer financing, businesses can boost revenue. Tools like RB’s business management software help streamline operations, automate scheduling, and improve customer retention.
Q: Why is now the time to invest in business management software?
A: The most efficient and profitable businesses in the industry are already using integrated tech. With features like mobile technician tools, synced water testing, and financing options, software like RB turns trends into tangible business growth.
