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Swimming In Sales: Backyard Pools On The Rise Due To COVID

Pool sales are surging nationwide but if you buy one you may have to install it yourself because of high demand.
Chris Grazioli
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Pool sales are surging nationwide but if you buy one you may have to install it yourself because of high demand.

Pool sales are making a splash during the pandemic. The Tri-State is mirroring a national trend as people avoid public pools and make an above ground or in-ground pool part of their staycation.

The Cincinnati area outdoor recreation company Watson's says business "has been crazy off-the-hook busy."

Sharonville Watson's sales manager Jerry Smith says despite COVID-19 the interest surprised him. "It did. We had people still working in the store while we were closed taking phone calls and we could tell the interest level was very high and we were even selling pools over the phone. So we got an early indication but certainly nothing this strong."

Smith says some customers told him they are very scared about the coronavirus and not planning on traveling at all. Others say they will travel this fall but for now will enjoy their new backyard pool.

Other pool companies, which didn't want to be named, tell WVXU sales are equally as strong. One in-ground pool installer says they are booked well into next year.

If you want an above-ground pool this summer you'll have to install it yourself or hire somebody else to do it because Watson's says it is booked until the fall.

Looking for a cheaper alternative?Even inflatable pools are in high demand.

Copyright 2021 91.7 WVXU. To see more, visit 91.7 WVXU.

With more than 30 years of journalism experience in the Greater Cincinnati market, Ann Thompson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her reporting. She has reported for WKRC, WCKY, WHIO-TV, Metro Networks and CBS/ABC Radio. Her work has been recognized by the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists. In 2019 and 2011 A-P named her “Best Reporter” for large market radio in Ohio. She has won awards from the Association of Women in Communications and the Alliance for Women in Media. Ann reports regularly on science and technology in Focus on Technology.