Forecasts only matter when they help you make better moves. We lay out a clear-eyed view of the 2026 pool season: modest 2–3% industry growth, a slowdown in new builds, and a steady shift toward service demand—especially across apartments, HOAs, and townhome communities where shared pools are now standard amenities. If you’ve wondered whether to raise rates, chase commercial accounts, or lean into software, this conversation connects the dots with straightforward guidance you can use.

We unpack why service remains resilient even in a flat economy: convenience, safety, and complex equipment keep homeowners outsourcing. At the same time, AI is compressing some white-collar job markets and nudging more people into the trades, which means more competition without a surge in backyard pools. That’s your cue to prioritize commercial accounts, tighten operations, and adopt simple tech that trims windshield time and improves documentation. Expect incremental product improvements—not breakthroughs—and plan for equipment and chemical prices that rarely roll back once they rise.

You’ll hear a practical plan for communicating price increases, using data from last year’s costs to set fair, sustainable rates. We cover regulatory currents—from single-speed pump restrictions to shifting 1099 employment rules—and how to adapt without drama. Along the way, we spotlight tools like modern routing and service apps that streamline reporting, build client trust, and strengthen proposals for upgrades. The message is steady and actionable: protect margins, seek reliable commercial revenue, and use technology to deliver consistent, transparent service.

If this helped you get your 2026 plan in shape, subscribe, share the show with another pool pro, and leave a quick review to help others find it. Got questions or want the price increase template? Email David at swimmingpoollearning.com and let’s dial in your strategy.

We share a grounded forecast for the 2026 pool season, from modest industry growth and rising input costs to the emerging edge in commercial accounts and

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