The coronavirus pandemic created a new normal that shifted the dynamics of how people live and work. Everyday practices evolved as people settled into a lifestyle based on safety, health, social distancing, and remote working. Just as the indoor dynamics changed, so did the outdoor one. Among the noteworthy adjustments seen within American society was the surge in demand for backyard upgrades like pools and other amenities. As Americans sought solace during these trying times, backyards were transformed into sanctuaries. However, as life slowly veers towards normalcy, this trend seems to be taking a decline.
Homebuyers’ frenzied race to upgrade their backyards with extravagant pools has gradually slowed as the situation improves across the country. These backyard luxuries acted as a reprieve, providing families with a private escape when public recreational facilities were off-limits due to lockdown restrictions. However, as we navigate out of the Covid-19 pandemic, it appears the tide is turning and the pool party seems to be simmering down.
It’s essential to understand the shift in consumer behavior and the surge in demand for backyard pools during the Covid-19 era. As retreat options became limited with the enforcement of strict social protocols, homeowners identified their backyards as potential sanctuaries. Seizing the opportunity, Americans invested heavily in backyard upgrades including pools, creating a boom in the industry.
Statistics from the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals demonstrated this surge with a reported increase in residential pool building permits by 23.3% in 2020 in comparison to the previous year. This heightened interest created an influx in demand that dipped into 2021. However, as the intensity of the pandemic decreases, so does the enthusiasm for extravagant backyard upgrades.
The change can be attributed mainly to the ease of social restrictions that followed the effective implementation of mass vaccination across the country. As more people got vaccinated, public recreational facilities began to reopen, and people now had alternatives to their backyard pools. Gradually, the hype for luxury pools and other backyard amenities decreased. This drop is not to suggest that the interest in backyard pools is completely dried up, but the urgency to acquire one has certainly dampened.
Also, the skyrocketing cost of materials contributed to the dip in the wave of enthusiasm for backyard upgrades. For instance, the construction materials for pools, such as PVC and resin, saw a significant increase in prices due to the supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic. With the increasing costs, Americans began reconsidering the value and necessity of these upgrades.
Moreover, given the high maintenance costs associated with pools, homeowners have started to shift their focus towards low-maintenance backyard upgrades not requiring huge investments or maintenance commitments. The focus now lies more on creating functional, comfortable, and cost-effective outdoor spaces rather than extravagant ones.
In conclusion, the Covid-19 phase brought about an ephemeral trend in lavish backyard upgrades which now seems to be easing. As Americans move further away from the constraints of pandemic living, the focus has seemingly shifted from creating private pool paradises to developing practical, manageable, and comfortable outdoor spaces. It’s clear that while the pool parties may be over, the desire to enjoy quality backyard living remains.