That Pool You Paid For? It Might Be Late—Again.
If you’ve been dreaming of a backyard oasis and already cut the check, chances are you’re still waiting. From unfinished in-ground pools to swim spas on indefinite backorder, frustrated homeowners are discovering that their summer splash plans have been swept away by a perfect storm of delays—and this year, the waters just got murkier.
The pandemic may be behind us, but its ripple effects are not. And now, new tariffs on imported construction materials and equipment are threatening to make the wait longer and the cost steeper.
What’s Still Causing Pool Project Delays?
Let’s start with the basics. Even in 2025, the pool industry is still trying to recover from massive supply chain disruptions that began in 2020. Here’s what’s still creating headaches:
- Material shortages: Core materials like vinyl liners, PVC piping, pool heaters, and pump parts are often imported. Disruptions in global shipping routes and raw material shortages continue to cause unpredictable delays.
- Backlogs from 2023–24: Many pool contractors are still working through a queue of projects that piled up during the last two years due to labor shortages and inconsistent supplier deliveries.
- Soaring demand: Homeowners are still prioritizing outdoor upgrades, keeping pressure high on an already strained industry.
One homeowner who wrote to us reported waiting over a year for a swim spa after paying in full. Another paid thousands for a pool liner only to hear... silence. These aren't isolated cases, they're symptoms of an industry struggling to tread water.
Now Add Tariffs to the Mix
This year, the newly implemented tariffs on imported Chinese goods (which include certain types of steel and vinyl used in pool parts) have made an already pricey project even more expensive.
What does this mean for you?
- Higher prices: If your quote is more than you expected, you’re not imagining it. Tariffs are increasing the cost of components, and contractors are passing that cost to consumers.
- Longer lead times: Some suppliers are switching manufacturers to avoid tariffs, but retooling takes time. Expect shifting delivery dates as companies adjust.
- Smaller contractor pool: Tariffs are squeezing smaller builders who rely on affordable parts. Many are scaling back or pausing new projects altogether.
This new economic wrinkle adds urgency to an already delicate consumer equation: How do you move forward on a dream project without drowning in delays or hidden costs?
Smart Steps to Protect Yourself
Before you break ground or hand over your deposit, consider these practical safeguards:
1. Ask about material sources and timelines upfront
Don’t just ask when the job starts—ask where the materials come from and whether tariffs or supplier changes could impact the delivery. Get it in writing.
2. Avoid paying in full too early
A large upfront payment leaves you vulnerable. A reputable contractor will structure payments around milestones—dig day, delivery, installation—not vague promises.
3. Check the fine print
Review your contract for clauses about delays and price increases. Are you locked into the original quote, or can prices change with market conditions? If it’s not spelled out, ask for clarity.
4. Vet your contractor thoroughly
Check business licenses, read reviews, and use local watchdogs like the Better Business Bureau. Or better yet, find a contractor backed by an independent consumer advocate.
Don't Let Pool Delays Sink Your Summer
Let’s be honest, no one wants to spend their summer watching weeds grow where a pool should be. But today’s market demands a patient, informed consumer.
The good news? With smart planning, transparent communication, and a little flexibility, you can still make a splash – just maybe not as soon as you'd hoped.
If you’re stuck or want to avoid becoming another frustrated homeowner story, visit TrustDALE.com to find professionals who are vetted, reliable, and ready to work with today’s realities.
