The Current State of the Backyard Pool Industry
26 Jan 27
1:30 PM
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3:00 PM
The Current State of the Backyard Pool Industry” is an interactive discussion session featuring a short film presentation and live audience conversation with Pool Magazine editor Joe Trusty and filmmaker Derek Frey. The session begins with a screening of selected excerpts from the film, which explores the evolving role of the backyard swimming pool in American life and the growing importance of outdoor living spaces. Through storytelling, real-world perspectives, industry observations, and emotional insight, the film examines how pools continue to serve as places of connection, wellness, entertainment, and family memory in a rapidly changing world. Following the screening, Trusty and Frey will lead an open interactive discussion with attendees about the current state of the swimming pool industry and the challenges and opportunities facing pool professionals today. Rather than a traditional lecture format, the session is designed as a collaborative conversation between industry professionals, media voices, creatives, and attendees. Topics will include changing homeowner expectations, market shifts, consumer perception, economic pressures, the emotional value of pools, storytelling in the industry, and the future of backyard living. Attendees will be encouraged to participate directly in the discussion, share experiences from the field, and contribute perspectives from the builder, service, retail, and design sides of the business. The goal of the session is to foster meaningful dialogue about where the industry is today, where it may be headed next, and how professionals can better communicate the real value of the work they do.