Despite modest overall growth of 4% between 2005 and 2006 and similar rates predicted for 2007 and 2008, the market for swimming pool equipment and maintenance products is expected to gain momentum, jumping 26% over the next four years to an estimated $3.8 billion, according to the U.S. Market for Swimming Pool Equipment and Maintenance Products, a new report from market research publisher SBI, a division of MarketResearch.com.

Rising mortgage costs, declining home values, and increased pool-product prices, driven by rising commodity prices, have contributed to an overall market slowdown. But SBI forecasts that the pool market will accelerate once the housing market stabilizes, stretching from 5%+ growth in 2009 to 8% in 2011.

SBI reports that pool product manufacturers will be the least affected by current housing market adjustments. Their growth relies primarily on aftermarket pool consumables, including chemicals, maintenance products, and replacement equipment, which must be purchased to maintain existing pools. Pool builders will be hit slightly harder due to fewer installs, but will be rescued in the interim by product innovation and residential pool renovation.

"Even though the frenzy in buying homes has slowed down, remodeling spending is expected to pick up in 2007," notes Tatjana Meerman, Managing Editor of SBI. "An increase in home improvement expenditures implies an increase in sales in pools, and ongoing advancements in pool technology and new product developments will make owning or renovating a pool more enticing to consumers."

Product coverage in this all-new report includes items manufactured specifically for the operation and maintenance of above-ground and in-ground pools and includes pumps, heaters, liners, lights, cleaning apparatus, and chemical treatments.