‘It has blown us out of the water’ Pool companies busy during the pandemic

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WTVF) — An influx of Middle Tennesseans are buying pools since many families are choosing to stay home due to COVID-19.

Construction and install teams have their work cut out for them. “In this time some look at it and they’re like ‘Nobody’s going to be buying pools right now, nobody’s interested in that, we’re talking about saving money,’ and that sort of thing," Lauren Sparks said, "but with interest rates dropping, and having more equity in their homes, and wanting to stay home and invite their family in, and because of the scares of the virus, it has blown us out of the water! No pun intended.”

At Kevin Sparks Signature Pools, Sparks said people are looking for safe ways to have some summer fun, and not get COVID-19.

“People are either reconnecting with themselves, or getting their people together, we all have our 'corona crew,' those are your safe people to be around, and so I’ve seen these backyards be a space where people can do that.”

This summer Lauren said they’ve sold 5 to 6 times more pools than usual. She said some manufacturers are struggling to keep up with demand. “Automatic covers, just getting the materials in, we’ve seen shortage in pavers because there’s such an influx.”

They have a fiberglass pool with safety steps because many people are staying home with their kids and families. “Which makes it very comforting... to know their kids can quickly get out of the pool.”

To handle the uptick in interested customers, they’ve had to get help. “We actually brought in another team member just to answer phone calls.”

As the pandemic persists, many families will look forward to quality time at the pool. “If I could see loneliness be ended in our greater Nashville area, what a huge honor to get to be a part of that.”