Ontario pool companies now taking orders for next summer as pandemic drags on
As families stayed close to home last summer it led to a surge in swimming pool sale, a trend that's continued into this year as well.
Gaetan Hachey of Milton, Ontario ordered his in-ground pool in July of 2020 and it was finally installed. He is waiting to have some landscaping done and hopes his family will be able to swim in it within the next two weeks.
“I’m extremely excited, but it doesn't match the excitement of my spouse and my children. They are counting down the days until it’s finished" said Hachey.
The pool industry has enjoyed massive sales as many people stayed close to home and self isolated during the pandemic.
Frank Blanchet owner of Betz Pools of Stouffville, Ont. said the sale of swimming pools usually slows down in the winter, but this year it didn't.
“We generally never sell out for a year [in advance] but this year we are sold out and we are selling in 2022 now" said Blanchet.
Many pool companies are scrambling to keep up with orders and some parts and chemicals are on back order and in short supply.
Blanchet said it’s been good for the pool industry but frustrating for customers.
‘We are running out of materials for pools and for landscaping. We need patience on everybody's end to try and get through this" said Blanchet.
Harry Martyniuk with Pioneer Family Pools said his company is working non-stop to fulfill pool orders and added "we are tracking for a 80 to 100 per cent increase over last year, and last year was a record year."
Some in the pool industry feel sales could be strong for several more years as many people who have saved money on their travel budgets are willing to channel that money into home improvements.
“People are spending more on their backyard environment and are willing to spend more money investing in their backyards" said Martyniuk.
That includes the Hacheys who used to spend their summers traveling, but when the pandemic hit they decided to invest in a pool instead.
“We saw quickly we would be spending more time at home and less traveling so we thought we needed to do something as soon as possible" said Hachey.
While you may have to wait a year to get an in-ground or above ground pool, smaller wading and inflatable pools are still available online, but only while supplies last and some are already selling out.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.