Navigating Rising Pool Costs

Something unexpected is bubbling beneath the surface of pool ownership in 2025, and it has nothing to do with chlorine levels or pH balance. New tariffs on imported pool equipment are reshaping the industry, leading to rising costs, supply chain uncertainty and a push for smarter strategies from pool professionals and homeowners.

As companies scramble to maintain service levels and pricing stability, and as manufacturers assess their production pipelines, the ripple effects of these tariffs are already being felt. Helping homeowners stay ahead of the curve now means more than scheduling summer cleanings — it also means understanding the broader forces at play.

Imported equipment, imported costs

The pool equipment market has long relied on international manufacturers for pumps, filters, heaters and other essential tools. With new tariffs targeting a broad swath of imported goods, the cost of many of these items is poised to rise sharply in the months ahead.

Whether it’s a robotic pool cleaner from overseas or a high-efficiency heater that’s suddenly subject to a hefty import duty, pool service companies are facing higher costs for the tools that keep backyard oases running smoothly. And when suppliers start charging more, those increases tend to trickle down to the customer, especially when there is no easy domestic alternative.

Adapting on the fly

For pool pros, managing these cost increases has become a balancing act. Some are absorbing a portion of the added expense in the short term, while others are adjusting prices to reflect the new economic reality.

GL Pools, a leading service provider in Southern California, is taking a two-pronged approach. We’re doubling down on customer education and preventive maintenance. We believe helping customers extend the life of their equipment through regular maintenance is one of the most effective ways to offset rising replacement costs.

Beyond messaging, GL Pools is also leveraging its scale to negotiate directly with manufacturers, aiming to secure better pricing that can help mitigate tariff impacts. It’s a strategy built on long-term relationships and operational efficiency, two factors that can make a meaningful difference in a volatile market.

Shortages during peak season?

The timing couldn’t be worse. As pool owners gear up for warmer weather, supply chain disruptions driven by tariff pressures could result in seasonal shortages of key components. Filters, heaters and cleaning tools may all see limited availability when demand is at its highest in the summer.

While manufacturers are currently working through their inventories, the full effect of tariffs won’t be felt until new orders begin moving through the supply chain under revised pricing models. For the moment, industry professionals are keeping a close eye on evolving regulations and trade decisions, bracing for what could be a turbulent few quarters.

In the longer term, there’s hope these tariffs could incentivize a shift toward domestic production. If U.S.-based manufacturers step in to fill the void left by higher-cost imports, the pool industry could see a slow but steady rebalancing. That shift, however, won’t happen overnight.

For now, pool service providers and homeowners are navigating pricing volatility while keeping an eye on future developments.

Smart moves for pool owners

What can service pros help pool owners do today to safeguard their budgets and avoid midseason surprises?

It starts with a proactive mindset. We recommend scheduling maintenance well in advance, especially before peak season. This allows service providers to identify any emerging issues early and plan accordingly, rather than scrambling when parts are scarce or prices spike.

Investing in long-lasting, energy-efficient equipment is another smart move. While upfront costs may be higher, quality gear typically lasts longer and runs more efficiently, meaning fewer repairs and lower utility bills over time. Maintaining water chemistry, cleaning filters regularly and inspecting components are all simple but effective practices that help extend the life of expensive equipment.

For homeowners weighing whether to replace aging systems now or wait, we suggest evaluating the risks. If you’re already anticipating a replacement in the next year or two, it may be worth acting sooner rather than later. With tariffs, prices are more likely to go up than down.

Looking ahead

Although the tariff landscape is evolving, one thing is clear: The cost of pool ownership is changing. Service providers are rethinking their operations, manufacturers are reassessing their supply chains and homeowners are being asked to think more strategically than ever before.

For companies like GL Pools, that means staying nimble — offering expert guidance, optimizing service offerings and helping customers weather these shifts without compromising the quality or reliability of their pools.