An optimistic outlook
In 2016, growth in the industry, as measured by the permits for residential pools, was significant—not just in a year-over-year comparison, but also when looking back at the past 25 years. There is always concern about discretionary spending by homeowners, whether the economy is ‘booming’ or ‘sagging.’ Those who have the money and have planned to install a pool will get one… it is the weather that will determine their decision as to when it will happen.
“The outlook for 2017 is fundamentally optimistic,” says the Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada’s (PHTCC’s) executive director, Robert Wood. “During the latter half of 2016, many builders reported success in lining up new orders for the coming spring.”
Another positive sign is the country’s consumer confidence index, which rose nine points in February 110.6—the largest increase since March 2015, and the index’s highest level in more than seven years.
“Although we saw some fluctuation with the Canadian dollar against U.S. currency early in 2016, the Canadian dollar continued to stabilize,” says Teresa Ellul, the marketing manager for Hayward Pool Products Canada. “There was an increase in inground pool construction versus 2015 and the mild weather paved the way for an early start to the season, which continued strong into the fall. The 2017 season is looking favourable as well. With the stability of the Canadian dollar and mild weather we are again experiencing, there is anticipation of another early start for pool construction and a strong season overall.”
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