Pool Stock Surges to Top 462 in Trading Volume Despite Price Drop

On April 3, 2025, Pool's trading volume reached 3.01 billion, marking a significant 172.15% increase from the previous day. This surge placed Pool among the top 462 stocks in terms of trading volume for the day. However, despite the high trading volume, Pool's stock price experienced a decline of 3.63%.

Proposed tariffs on pool equipment, chemicals, and supplies are expected to raise costs and disrupt the industry in 2025. These tariffs could impact a wide range of products, including variable-speed pumps, pool filters, LED lighting, control panels, PVC fittings, and more. The proposed 60% tariff on Chinese imports, in particular, could significantly affect manufacturers and distributors, leading to increased costs for builders and service companies. This uncertainty could result in fewer homeowners committing to backyard upgrades or delaying pool builds altogether.

In addition to equipment, the proposed 10% universal tariff on all imported goods could also impact pool chemicals. This includes trichlor tablets, sodium bicarbonate, calcium chloride, sodium bisulfate, muriatic acid, specialty algaecides, and phosphate removers. The industry has only recently stabilized after back-to-back years of chemical shortages due to pandemic-era supply chain issues and the catastrophic 2020 BioLab fire. Another round of price hikes or delivery delays could be a painful setback for the industry.

Pool professionals are advised to review their inventory sources, communicate with clients about potential material cost increases, negotiate with distributors, stay agile with quotes, and consider bulk buys of chemicals to mitigate the impact of these tariffs. The proposed 25% tariff on foreign-made automobiles could also affect the industry, as many pool companies rely on imported service vehicles for their fleet. If these vehicles become more expensive or less available, companies may face additional costs or delays in expanding or maintaining their operations.