Pool Equipment Market Statistics 2026: Pumps, Heaters, and Automation

The U.S. pool equipment market represents approximately $6.2 billion in annual sales, with variable speed pumps, heaters, and automation systems driving growth even as new pool construction has declined.[1]Pentair PLC 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing

This data comes from SEC filings of the three major pool equipment manufacturers--Pentair, Hayward, and Fluidra--as well as Pool Corporation, the largest equipment distributor.

Equipment Market by Category

Pool equipment sales break down into several major categories. Each represents a significant business opportunity for pool service professionals who install and maintain this equipment.

The Variable Speed Pump Revolution

The pool pump market has undergone a dramatic transformation. In 2019, only 15% of pumps sold were variable speed. By 2024, that number reached 80%--driven primarily by DOE energy efficiency regulations that took effect in July 2021.[2]Hayward Holdings 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing

This represents a 5.3× increase in VS pump adoption in just five years. The average VS pump now sells for $800+, compared to $200-300 for legacy single-speed models.[3]Pool Corporation 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing

Energy Savings Drive Adoption

Variable speed pumps deliver significant energy savings that justify their higher upfront cost:

Pump Type	Average kWh/Year	Annual Cost*	10-Year Cost
Single Speed (1.5 HP)	3,000 - 4,500	$450 - $675	$4,500 - $6,750
Two Speed	1,800 - 2,400	$270 - $360	$2,700 - $3,600
Variable Speed	500 - 1,500	$75 - $225	$750 - $2,250

*Assumes $0.15/kWh national average. Calculate your specific savings with our pump energy cost calculator.

Pool Automation Growth

Pool automation systems represent the fastest-growing equipment category, expanding at 12% annually through 2028.[1]Pentair PLC 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing This growth is driven by:

• Smart home integration - Pool controls connecting to Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit
• Remote monitoring - Homeowners want to check pool status from their phones
• Energy optimization - Automated systems can schedule equipment for off-peak rates
• Service professional tools - Remote diagnostics reduce service calls

The three major automation platforms are Pentair IntelliCenter, Hayward OmniLogic, and Fluidra's iAquaLink. Each has a connected app ecosystem and professional installer network.

Major Equipment Manufacturers

The pool equipment market is dominated by three major manufacturers, all publicly traded with detailed financial disclosures:

Company	Pool Revenue (2024)	Key Brands	Market Focus
Pentair	$2.1B	Pentair, IntelliFlo, IntelliCenter	Pumps, automation, filtration
Hayward	$1.0B	Hayward, OmniLogic, TriStar	Full equipment line
Fluidra	$900M (U.S.)	Jandy, Zodiac, Polaris	Cleaners, heaters, automation

Source: Pentair 10-K, Hayward 10-K, Fluidra Annual Report

Aftermarket vs. New Construction

A critical insight for pool service businesses: 60% of equipment revenue comes from aftermarket replacement and upgrades, not new pool construction.[3]Pool Corporation 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing

This means the equipment market is relatively insulated from new construction downturns. With 5.4 million in-ground pools in the U.S. and equipment lasting 7-10 years on average, there's a continuous replacement demand of roughly 540,000-770,000 pumps, filters, and heaters per year.[2]Hayward Holdings 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing

The breakdown: 60% comes from aftermarket replacement, 25% from remodel and upgrade projects, and only 15% from new pool construction. This means 85% of all equipment revenue comes from existing pools.[3]Pool Corporation 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing

Heat Pump Market Growth

Electric heat pumps are gaining market share against traditional gas heaters, driven by energy efficiency and electrification trends:[2]Hayward Holdings 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing

• Heat pumps: 300-400% efficiency (COP 3-4), $3,000-5,000 installed
• Gas heaters: 80-95% efficiency, $2,500-4,000 installed, faster heating
• Solar: Essentially free operation, $3,000-7,000 installed, climate-dependent

Heat pump sales have grown approximately 8% annually while gas heater sales have remained flat, reflecting broader electrification trends in residential equipment.[2]Hayward Holdings 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing

Calculate heating costs for your customers with our pool heater cost calculator.

Salt Chlorine Generator Market

Salt chlorine generators (salt cells) have become a significant equipment category, now installed on approximately 15% of in-ground pools (roughly 800,000 pools).[3]Pool Corporation 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing

Salt systems create recurring revenue through:

• Cell replacement: Every 3-7 years, $400-800 per cell
• Salt additions: Annual top-offs after draining or splash-out
• Maintenance: Cell cleaning, calibration, water balance adjustments

Distribution Channel Market Share

Pool equipment reaches end consumers through three primary channels:[3]Pool Corporation 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing

Channel	Market Share	Key Players
Professional Distributors	55%	Pool Corp (POOLCORP), SCP, Superior
Retail	30%	Leslie's, Pinch A Penny, local stores
Direct/Online	15%	Amazon, specialty e-commerce

Pool Corporation alone controls approximately 40% of the professional distribution market, operating 456 sales centers across the U.S.[3]Pool Corporation 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing

What This Means for Pool Service Businesses

The equipment market data reveals several strategic opportunities:

1. Variable speed pump upgrades are a major revenue opportunity. With 80% of the installed base still on older pumps, there's a huge upgrade market. Use our energy calculator to show customers their savings.
2. Automation upsells are growing. Homeowners increasingly expect smart pool control. Position yourself as an automation expert.
3. Aftermarket dominates. Your existing customer base is your best source of equipment sales. Track equipment age and proactively suggest replacements.
4. Heat pumps are the future. As gas becomes less favored, heat pump installation expertise becomes more valuable.
5. Salt systems create recurring revenue. Cell replacements and maintenance add predictable income.

For more industry data, see our complete 2026 pool industry statistics or state-by-state pool counts.