How Many Americans Have Pools? Here's the Number of Swimming Pools by State

How Many Americans Have Pools? Here's the Number of Swimming Pools by State

This article originally appeared on Angi and is syndicated by Cheapism.

There’s nothing like a splash in your personal backyard paradise, but it’s no secret that pools can be costly and challenging to maintain. But based on the number of swimming pools by state, many Americans find the splash worth the splurge. Let’s take a look at which states have the highest numbers of U.S. swimming pools, which states saw the most new builds, and which states got their pools up and running in 2022.

Which States Have the Most Residential Pools?

Hotter climates sometimes mean more residential pools, but not always. Some states defy their cold winters by looking forward to a refreshing summertime swim. Here are the U.S. states with the highest number of swimming pools.

Florida

Number of Residential Swimming Pools: 1,590,000

Average Number of People per Pool: 14

It’s no surprise to find the sunshine state claiming the number one spot for the highest number of residential swimming pools. While the state certainly has no shortage of amazing beaches, many Floridians still opt to have their private splash destination just steps from their home.

California

Number of Residential Swimming Pools: 1,343,000

Average Number of People per Pool: 29

With some of the hottest temperatures in the U.S., it’s no wonder that Californians find having a private swimming pool worth the cost and maintenance. Given the state’s high cost of living, it harbors many of America’s wealthiest and most famous people, explaining why many prefer to stay in the privacy of their own homes when they take a dip.

Texas

Number of Residential Swimming Pools: 801,000

Average Number of People per Pool: 36

Texas’s dry, intense heat has led many of its residents to build their own backyard oases to stay cool. The state is the largest in the contiguous U.S. and second-largest following Alaska, so it’s often easier to keep recreation close to home.

Arizona

Number of Residential Swimming Pools: 505,000

Average Number of People per Pool: 13

Arizona’s desert heat can reach record-setting highs, and there are very few natural bodies of water to swim in, so many residents build their own swimming pools. To stay even cooler, residents can take a trip to Flagstaff, Alpine, or Tucson to hit the ski slopes.

New York

Number of Residential Swimming Pools: 503,000

Average Number of People per Pool: 38

Despite being surrounded by water, New York still has one of the highest numbers of U.S. swimming pools. Many people think of New York City when they think of New York, but New York state is surprisingly expansive: upstate New York experiences warm summers and long, cold winters, while downstate New York has hot summers and milder winters. Still, while the temperatures don’t always allow residents to enjoy a swim, many opt to have their own pools either way.

New Jersey

Number of Residential Swimming Pools: 374,000

Average Number of People per Pool: 24

When they aren't enjoying the famous Jersey Shore boardwalks, New Jersey residents enjoy diving into their private pools. Given that temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit for an average of 25 days every summer, it’s no surprise that Jersey residents need a space of their own to cool off from the heat.

Pennsylvania

Number of Residential Swimming Pools: 334,000

Average Number of People per Pool: 38

Pennsylvania has a rich historical background and no shortage of residential swimming pools. The state has a diverse geography of mountains, forests, and waterfronts, but, for many residents, their backyards offer the perfect escape. Winters can get cold, but swimming pools are still popular for cooling down from the summer heat.

Ohio

Number of Residential Swimming Pools: 317,000

Average Number of People per Pool: 37

Ohio is a Midwestern state with large expanses of flat land and plenty of fresh water from Lake Erie and its many rivers. However, residents are fond of their own swimming destinations, with roughly one swimming pool for every 30 people. While Ohians experience their fair share of cold winters and inclement weather, that doesn’t stop residents from building their own backyard paradise.

Michigan

Number of Residential Swimming Pools: 283,000

Average Number of People per Pool: 35

Michigan is no stranger to extremely cold winters, but this doesn’t stop its residents from enjoying their personal swimming pools. Michigan is the only state that touches four Great Lakes—Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie—yet the swimming pool is still the preferred swimming destination for many residents.

Massachusetts

Number of Residential Swimming Pools: 228,000

Average Number of People per Pool: 30

Interestingly enough, the state of Massachusetts is the home of the first swimming pool in the United States. Since then, the state has maintained its enthusiasm for swimming, claiming the 10th spot for the highest number of swimming pools in the U.S. Before the state transitions into cold winters, backyard swimming pools are the perfect escape for its hot summer heat.

Which States Built the Most Inground Pools in 2022?

Inground pools cost an average of $55,000 to install, and our data found that a lot of warmer states are investing in these types of pools. These are the states that built the most inground pools in 2022.

Florida

Inground Pools Built in 2022: 13,382

Florida, the sunny state with the highest number of residential pools overall, also built the most inground pools in 2022. The state is a popular retirement destination, not to mention home to some highly coveted real estate, so it’s no wonder many of its residents invest in luxurious inground pools.

California

Inground Pools Built in 2022: 7,934

Another state that mirrors its spot for the highest number of residential pools, California is the second-ranking state for the most inground pools built in 2022. The state has some of the highest costs of living in the country, but the beautiful sunshine and year-round warm weather continue to attract residents who pay more for luxuries, and inground pools are no exception.

Texas

Inground Pools Built in 2022: 7,546

The Lone Star state scored the third spot for the most inground pools in 2022, just as it came in third for the highest number of residential swimming pools overall. Another state with hot weather and temperatures that stay warm year-round, Texans prioritize building inground pools to get relief from the heat.

Arizona

Inground Pools Built in 2022: 2,492

Yet another state that maintains its rank from the highest number of residential pools, Arizona (once again) claims the fourth spot for the most inground pools built in 2022. The state’s desert heat has motivated residents to create their dream pools, despite the steep price tag.

Georgia

Inground Pools Built in 2022: 2,366

Another Southern U.S. state on the list, Georgia residents prioritize having a luxurious inground pool to soak up the sunshine. While temperatures can reach triple digits, the state still cools down during the cool seasons, but that doesn’t stop residents from enjoying their inground pools as much as possible.

North Carolina

Inground Pools Built in 2022: 1,270

Yet another Southern state on the list, North Carolina has many residents who find having an inground pool worthy of the extra splurge. The state is home to some beautiful coastlines, but some residents opt for a luxurious splash in their own backyards.

New York

Inground Pools Built in 2022: 1,268

New York has a surprisingly vast amount of land beyond the city, and many New Yorkers are filling the space with beautiful inground pools. The state is also home to the Hamptons, a popular spot for summer getaways, so it’s not a stretch to assume that’s where many of these inground pools were built in 2022.

New Jersey

Inground Pools Built in 2022: 1,130

New Jersey, the state with the sixth-highest number of residential pools, also falls on the list of the most inground pools built in 2022. With hot summers, many residents opted to build their own inground pools to stay cool.

Maryland

Inground Pools Built in 2022: 1,089

Maryland lies in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., but many residents favor building an inground pool in addition to taking trips to the coastline. Winters can get moderately cold with the occasional snowfall, but residents still splurged on an inground pool for the hot, humid summers.

Pennsylvania

Inground Pools Built in 2022: 1,064

Pennsylvania winters can get cold, but its residents are still building pools to enjoy in the hot summer weather. The state ranks in every category on our lists of how many Americans have pools, so it clearly gets enough hot days to swim.

Which States Built the Most Above Ground Pools in 2022?

Building an above ground pool costs significantly less than building an inground pool, so it’s the perfect way to make a splash on a budget. Here are the top 10 states that built the most above ground pools in 2022.

Texas

Above Ground Pools Built in 2022: 3,290

Once again, Texas ranks for the highest number of residential pools, claiming the top spot for the most above ground pools. The state offers hot weather with more affordable costs of living, so it’s no surprise that many residents opt for a more budget-friendly swim.

Florida

Above Ground Pools Built in 2022: 3,219

Unsurprisingly, the hot and sunny state of Florida claims another high-ranking spot, coming in second for the most above ground pools built in 2022. Thanks to its sweltering summers, there is no shortage of above ground pools of all sizes in the Sunshine State.

Pennsylvania

Above Ground Pools Built in 2022: 2,200

Appearing yet again on our list, Pennsylvania claims third, its highest-ranking spot, for the most above ground pools built in 2022. Despite its cold winters, residents seeking a more budget-friendly pool still value a cool splash during the hot summer.

New York

Above Ground Pools Built in 2022: 2,068

Another state with cold winters, New York comes in fourth place for the most above ground pools built, a higher-ranking spot than its newly-built inground pools in 2022. When New Yorkers aren’t enjoying the state's diverse range of mountains, streams, lakes, and waterfalls, they’re taking a dip in their backyard swimming pools.

New Jersey

Above Ground Pools Built in 2022: 1,941

Another state that ranks high across the board, New Jersey has the fifth spot for the most above ground pools in 2022. The state has a wealth of amazing beaches, including the stunning Palisades along the Hudson River. Still, when the weather’s hot, you’ll find many of its residents making time to enjoy their backyard pools.

Ohio

Above Ground Pools Built in 2022: 1,897

Home to rolling plains and bordering the beautiful Lake Erie, Ohio has no shortage of nature to enjoy. Still, when the state’s cold winters transition to hot summers, residents love taking a dip in their own above ground swimming pools.

California

Above Ground Pools Built in 2022: 1,712

It’s no surprise to find hot and sunny California ranking again, but it comes in at a lower spot for above ground versus inground pools built in 2022. On days when they can’t get to one of California’s beautiful beaches, residents take refuge from the heat in their backyard above ground pools.

North Carolina

Above Ground Pools Built in 2022: 1,617

Ranking slightly lower than its spot for inground pools, North Carolina has the eighth spot for above ground pools built in 2022. The warm Southern state has no shortage of stunning natural features, but backyard swims are still a popular way to spend time when the weather gets hot.

Georgia

Above Ground Pools Built in 2022: 1,482

Another Southern state ranking slightly lower for above ground versus inground pools, Georgia still had a considerable amount of above ground pool builds in 2022. Aside from its delicious peaches, private swimming pools are another easy thing to find in this beautiful subtropical state.

llinois

Above Ground Pools Built in 2022: 1,364

Despite Illinois’ long, cold winters, residents are still building many above ground pools. Illinoisans have the beaches of Lake Michigan, a beautiful (albeit often cold) place to have a splash. Still, there are vast expansions of plains and prairies, so it makes sense for residents to have their own pools for a close-to-home swim.

Which States Take the Best Care of Their Pools?

Comparing the states ranking for inground and above ground pools, you’ll see many of the usual suspects investing in pool maintenance costs for their existing pools. Here are the states with the highest number of pool maintenance and cleaning requests in 2022.

Florida

Pool Maintenance and Cleaning Requests in 2022: 13,923

Once again claiming the top spot, Florida has more pool-loving residents than almost anywhere in the U.S. In 2022, the state has the highest number of pool maintenance requests as well as the highest number of residential pools overall.

California

Pool Maintenance and Cleaning Requests in 2022: 12,660

Mirroring its second spot for the highest number of inground pools and the highest number of residential pools overall, California ranks high (once again) for the number of pool cleaning and maintenance requests in 2022. Clearly, the West Coast harbors a serious love of private swimming pools.

Texas

Pool Maintenance and Cleaning Requests in 2022: 11,515

Another state ranking across the board, Texas came in third for the most pool maintenance and cleaning requests in 2022. Swimming pools are a big part of the state’s lifestyle, and with so much dry, flat desert land, it makes sense to have a cool dip close to home.

Arizona

Pool Maintenance and Cleaning Requests in 2022: 5,339

If there's one thing Arizona doesn’t have much of, it’s water. Being mostly desert, Arizona sees some of the highest temperatures in the country, sometimes so sweltering that even air conditioning doesn't help. Since the state is consistently hot, the backyard pool is a common sight, so it’s no surprise to see it at the fourth spot for the highest number of pool cleaning and maintenance requests in 2022.

New York

Pool Maintenance and Cleaning Requests in 2022: 3,511

Another state ranking high in all of our categories, New York also made the fifth-most service calls for their swimming pools in 2022. Despite the cold winters, private swimming pools are a huge part of the state’s culture.

Georgia

Pool Maintenance and Cleaning Requests in 2022: 3,189

The peachy state of Georgia ranks for the most pools built in 2022 and has the highest number of cleaning and service requests, too. It may not have ideal swimming weather year-round, but Georgia still has plenty of hot days and private pools to enjoy them in.

New Jersey

Pool Maintenance and Cleaning Requests in 2022: 2,825

Yet another state ranking in every category, New Jersey came in seventh for the highest number of cleaning and service requests for residential swimming pools in 2022. The weather can get nippy in the winter, but residents still maintain their private pools to enjoy them in the heat.

Nevada

Pool Maintenance and Cleaning Requests in 2022: 2,349

A new state on the list, Nevada residents are investing more in existing pools than new builds in 2022. Many residents live in the Las Vegas-Paradise metropolitan area, where hot desert temperatures can get extremely intense. All that considered, many residents decided to build an oasis of their own and keep it cleaned, maintained, and ready to enjoy in 2022.

North Carolina

Pool Maintenance and Cleaning Requests in 2022: 2,192

North Carolina ranks once again, this time for cleaning and maintenance on their existing swimming pools. The East Coast state experiences chilly winter weather, but people are still building record numbers of swimming pools and keeping them maintained in 2022.

Pennsylvania

Pool Maintenance and Cleaning Requests in 2022: 1,713

Perhaps the most surprising state to find ranking in every category, Pennsylvania comes in tenth for the most cleaning and maintenance on its swimming pools in 2022. The state’s wildly fluctuating weather, from hot summers to frigid winters, doesn’t stop residents from investing in their swimming pools year after year.

States With the Fastest-Growing Rates of Pool Builds and Maintenance Since 2020

The years 2020 through 2022 saw a significant shift in American culture, with more residents spending time at home than ever. The number of private swimming pools being built followed suit, with many states seeing double, triple, and even quadruple the growth in previous years. Our most notable example is the state of Idaho, which saw a whopping 538.1% more above ground pools built compared to pre-2020.

As for the number of pool maintenance and cleaning requests, Angi’s data found similar percentages that doubled in 2022 versus pre-2020 years. However, we also saw some states taking a huge leap: For example, Nebraska and North Dakota each had increases of over 600%. The most shocking percentage growth came from Alaska, which saw an incredible 4,833.3% increase in pool and maintenance requests from 2020 to 2022.

With Americans investing in home improvement projects at a higher rate, the swimming pool industry saw record growth after 2020. People had a lot of free time, giving them plenty of reasons to get their hibernating pools up and running for the hotter months, or to take the plunge of building their own.