Swimming Pool Statistics 2026: Ownership, Costs, and Safety

Homebuyer interest in swimming pools remains strong as the pool industry in the United States continues to grow. Understanding current swimming pool statistics is essential for homeowners, real estate investors, builders, and policymakers alike. This report provides a data-driven breakdown of pool ownership, construction costs, maintenance expenses, property value impact, market growth trends, and accident statistics as of February 2026.

How Many Swimming Pools Are There in the U.S. In 2026?

The United States is home to 10.7 million swimming pools, according to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (RubyHome). This figure underscores how embedded pools have become in American residential life. Of that total:

• 6.1 million are residential in-ground pools
• 4.3 million are residential above-ground pools
• 309,000 are commercial or public swimming pools

This equates to roughly one swimming pool for every 32 people in the United States. With approximately 130 million households nationwide, about 8% of U.S. Homes have a swimming pool (RubyHome, PoolGuardUSA).

Residential vs. Commercial Pool Ownership

The overwhelming majority of pools in America are residential. With 10.4 million residential swimming pools compared to just 309,000 commercial pools, private ownership drives the industry (RubyHome). Commercial pools include those at hotels, resorts, apartment complexes, fitness centers, and municipal recreation facilities.

In-Ground vs. Above-Ground Pool Ownership Trends

Approximately 59% of residential pools are in-ground, while 41% are above-ground (RubyHome). In-ground pools offer greater durability, enhance curb appeal, and are more likely to increase property value. Above-ground pools are attractive due to their significantly lower installation costs and faster installation times.

How Much Do Swimming Pools Cost?

The average cost to build an in-ground pool in 2026 is $65,000 (RubyHome). Annual maintenance ranges from $3,030 to $5,995. Above-ground pools average $4,000.

Do Pools Increase a Home’s Value?

Swimming pools can boost the value of a home by up to 7% (RubyHome). However, the return on investment varies by region.

Swimming Pool Accident Statistics

Approximately 379 children younger than 15 drown in a swimming pool or spa each year (RubyHome). 71% of these drowning deaths occur at private residences (RubyHome).

U.S. Swimming Pool Market Size and Growth

The U.S. Swimming pool market is projected to reach $2 billion in 2025, reflecting steady industry growth (RubyHome).

Number of Swimming Pools by State

The states with the highest concentration of residential swimming pools are:

• Florida – 1.59 million residential pools (PoolGuardUSA)
• California – 1.34 million residential pools (PoolGuardUSA)
• Texas – 801,000 residential pools (RubyHome)
• Arizona – 505,000 residential pools (RubyHome)
• Novel York – 503,000 residential pools (RubyHome)

Arizona leads the country with one swimming pool for every 13 residents, followed closely by Florida and New Mexico (PoolGuardUSA).

Key Takeaways

• 10.7 million total swimming pools nationwide
• 10.4 million residential pools drive market demand
• 6.1 million in-ground pools dominate long-term installations
• 4.3 million above-ground pools reflect cost-conscious ownership
• 8% of American households own a swimming pool
• One pool exists for every 32 U.S. Residents

These figures establish the foundation for deeper analysis into swimming pool construction costs, maintenance expenses, property value impact, market growth trends, and safety statistics. Pool ownership is not merely a recreational choice; it is a structural element of American real estate and a measurable component of housing economics.