High-end Swimming Pools Selling Well in Canada

Canadian Pool & Hot Tub Dealers Positioned Well for Recession?

Mar 12, 2009 Thomas Alan Gray

Swimming pool sales increased in Canada in 2008. Availability of credit, low mortgage rates, and government renovation incentives may make 2009 a good time to buy.

Is this the time for Canadians to buy a swimming pool or high-end hot tub? A relatively strong Canadian economy and government renovation rebates suggest it might well be.

Sales of high-end in-ground (concrete and vinyl-lined) swimming pool installations in Canada increased in 2008, according to information from Pool and Spa Marketing Magazine released March 12, 2009 in their online newsletter.

Positive Signs for Swimming Pool Industry

The magazine cites figures from Statistics Canada showing that 2008 sales increased over 2007 for the first eight months. There are a number of positive markers:

  • British Columbia - 6.7 per cent increase in sales
  • Quebec - 8.7 per cent over 2007.
  • Urban pool building permits up 2.9% on average
  • Montreal pool permits up 22%
  • Equipment and accessory sales increased about 4% .

Most of these pools were high-end concrete and vinyl-lined installations. The continued popularity of salt chlorine generators accounted for part of the increase in accessory sales.

Canadian Economy Outperforms US

'One reason for the increased demand for higher-end pools is Canada's economy, which is outperforming the U.S. With the value of the Canadian dollar hovering in the mid-70 cent (US) range, many experts believe exports should improve, which will help improve the business climate in Canada." notes the report.

Some additional factors -

  • Credit is still available
  • Bank of Canada has brought lending rates down to record lows.
  • Canadian banks are more regulated and have not suffered losses comparable to US banks
  • The devalued Canadian dollar will encourage "stay-cations"
  • A trend to "cocooning" will stimulate further investment in backyard lifestyles

Although Canada, like the rest of the world, is suffering aftershocks from the U.S. economic quake, many economists feel that Canada is positioned well by comparison.

Renovation Incentives for Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs

The Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada agrees that the industry outlook is not entirely gloomy, The Canadian government's Home Renovation program offers grants to consumers undertaking "permanent and substantial" renovations [link to the program]. The Council recently sent a note to its members stating that permanent pools qualified under the program.

One new Federal government initiative has the potential to pay substantial dividends for our industry. We have recently received confirmation from the Canada Revenue Agency that swimming pools (Permanent - inground and aboveground) qualify under the program. A homeowner may be eligible to claim a Home Renovation tax credit up to $1350 by investing in their dream pool.

It appears that while portable hot tubs would not qualify for the rebate, units partially submerged or built into a deck or enclosure might. The Council plans to ask for a further ruling on hot tubs.

The copyright of the article High-end Swimming Pools Selling Well in Canada in Home Renovation/Repair is owned by Thomas Alan Gray. Permission to republish High-end Swimming Pools Selling Well in Canada in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
In-Ground Swimming Pool, Nevit Dilmen In-Ground Swimming Pool
In-Ground Swimming Pool, Nevit Dilmen In-Ground Swimming Pool
 
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