A new year is around the corner, and it is time to recap the events of 2021. From material and labor shortages to waiting lists, winter freeze, and a takeover, we also had wonderful events that keep us going and looking forward to 2022.
The Pandemic Continues, and Remote Work Too
The pandemic of 2020 continued through 2021 with fewer restrictions and more COVID variants. One of the most significant changes in 2021 is the increase of working remotely. Many people decided to either change their home and move to a new area or upgrade by adding special features such as a swimming pool. Hotels, apartment complexes, and gyms are getting more business as people have more time to travel. Remote work is skyrocketing, and more people are working from different locations or taking more vacations. So more remote work equals more swimming pools.
The Texas Snowstorm
Many industries, including the pool business, had significant hits in the year. The abnormal winter freeze rolled into Texas, driving temperatures to shocking lows overnight and power failure. People went to sleep, only to wake the following day with no electricity. It caused pipes to freeze.
When the temperature drops, the freeze protection on the pumps kicks in, so those pumps are running. Unfortunately, with power failure, the filter is full of water with no water circulation, there is pressure, and it starts freezing, causing cracks on the whole filtering system.
Some larger areas around Dallas, Austin, and Houston were without electricity for days, forcing many to replace much of their pool equipment.
Shortage of Materials and Labor
Swimming pool projects increased in 2021. Many pool companies started putting customers on a waiting list as they desperately try to meet demand while dealing with supply shortages.
The demand for raw materials and labor resulted in a more extended waiting period for customers as the pool industry struggled to meet requests. Valves, pool pumps, heaters, PVC pipes, and pavers for pool decks, manufacturers of these popular products, such as Pentair, cannot keep up with demand, and it does not look like the problem is going away anytime soon.
Another issue is a shortage of qualified workers. Many pool companies are desperate for staff but cannot find the employees they need. While there is much debate about what is causing the labor shortage, we want to make our customers aware that due to the labor shortage, the time frame for completing pool projects or maintaining your pool may be longer than you are used to.
Joining Forces
Cody Pools and Platinum Pools joined forces in August 2021. Platinum Pools continues to operate under their well-known branded name. Customers who choose Cody and Platinum Pools now find an unmatched combination of value, quality, and customer service. Both companies offer an extensive range of specialist personnel and expertise in the pool and spa industry, holding similar values and philosophies on doing business:
- Producing an excellent job for the client
- Emphasizing honesty and integrity
- The importance of bringing a positive attitude to work
Awards and Accolades
Platinum Pools had an amazing year of awards and accolades:
- Pool and Spa News – Top 50 Builders 2021 Ranked #21 Nationwide
- Pebble Technology International – The World’s Greatest Pools 2021
- PHTA (Pool and Hot Tub Alliance)
- 2021 Gold Award (Vanishing Edge Category)
- 2021 Silver Award (Geometric Category)
- 2021 Silver Award (Vanishing Edge Category)
- 2021 Merit Award (Traditional Category)
- Houston Chronicle – 2021 Swimming Pool Builder
- Victoria Advocate – Best of the Best 2021
- Better Business Bureau – BBB Awards for Excellence, Pinnacle Award 2021
What We Learned and What to Do in 2022
If you are hoping to have a new pool built sooner than later, now is the time to get in touch with good pool contractors like Platinum Pools. If you start the process early, you’ll have a much better chance of completing your backyard oasis earlier than if you wait to start.
Pool builders need plenty of time to design, plan and source the materials required to ensure the best result. If there is a shortage of pumps and filters, getting all the necessary parts will take longer. We recommend our clients to allow more time. In that way, you can worry less about whether your pool will be ready on time.
We look forward to a New Year with hope, love, and platinum dreams. From all of us at Platinum Pools, Happy 2022!