The Election Dilemma – Thinking about getting a pool, but unsure if the 2024 election chaos will throw off your plans? With so much economic uncertainty swirling around, it’s no wonder people are wondering if they should hold off on major purchases like a new pool until after the election.

Having been in the pool industry for almost 60 years, we’ve seen the market ebb and flow through political and economic shifts for decades, and we understand your hesitation. We’ve been there with clients through multiple election cycles and know how national events can feel like a wild card in your pool-buying plans.

In this article, we’ll break down what you should consider when deciding whether to wait until after the 2024 election to buy your pool. 

From potential price impacts to supply chain considerations, we’ve got you covered with the facts—so you can feel confident about your next step.

Will Prices Be Affected by the Election?

Let’s cut right to the chase—prices can fluctuate, but predicting exactly how the election will impact pool prices is tricky. 

Historically, elections can cause market jitters that affect consumer behavior, but it’s not always a guarantee that pool prices will drop or skyrocket afterward. 

Here are a few key factors to keep in mind:

• Material Costs: Supply chains for key materials like steel, concrete, and fiberglass can be influenced by global events, tariffs, or new policies. If you’re banking on lower costs after the election, remember that it’s a gamble. Political shifts may help or hurt material availability.
• Interest Rates: If you’re financing your pool, the Federal Reserve’s decisions on interest rates might matter more than the election itself. A post-election interest rate hike could make financing your pool more expensive.
• Demand Surge: Everyone and their neighbor might be waiting to see what happens post-election. If many people hold off, demand could skyrocket afterward, driving prices up instead of down.

Waiting might feel like a safer bet, but there’s no clear signal that holding off will save you money. Sometimes, it’s better to act when demand is stable to avoid a future rush.

Supply Chain Disruptions: Are They Still a Problem?

Here’s the good news: supply chain issues have significantly eased up since the pandemic threw everything into chaos. But, elections can trigger uncertainties, especially if policies related to imports or labor change. Here’s what you should consider:

• Pool Builders’ Schedules: Experienced pool builders often fill up their schedules months in advance, and any political or economic instability could make planning more chaotic. Waiting too long might mean missing your ideal installation window.
• Material Delays: If new trade policies come into play after the election, materials could face delays. Why risk being caught in a potential shortage when materials are currently more accessible?

While it’s tempting to wait for a clearer political picture, supply chains are still unpredictable. Getting your pool project started now might save you the stress of potential post-election delays.

Financing Your Pool: Does Election Year Make a Difference?

If you’re financing your pool, interest rates and loan terms are more important to consider than the election itself. Here’s why:

• Economic Stability: Election years can cause economic uncertainty, which may lead banks to adjust lending practices. If the economy takes a hit or inflation rises, financing options could tighten.
• Interest Rate Trends: The Federal Reserve, not the election, controls interest rates. If rates continue to rise in 2024, waiting might mean higher monthly payments on a pool loan.

Pro tip: Locking in your loan now, when you know the current rates, could save you from rising costs down the line. You can always talk to a financial advisor or your pool consultant about the best timing based on your unique situation.

What About the Economy? Will It Crash?

Worrying about a post-election economic downturn is valid, but here’s the thing—nobody knows for sure how the election will shake out. 

We’ve seen a range of outcomes in past elections, from market booms to brief downturns, and there’s no consistent pattern.

While waiting for a political shake-up to settle might seem smart, timing the economy is notoriously difficult. Instead of focusing on what might happen, think about your current situation.

Do you have the budget now? 

Are you in a stable financial position? 

Then maybe it’s worth moving forward.

Should You Wait or Dive In – your pool buying journey?

If you’re thinking about waiting for the 2024 election to decide whether to buy a pool, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Elections can cause uncertainty, but they don’t necessarily lead to better deals or easier pool installations.

The main risks of waiting are potential price hikes, supply chain disruptions, and tighter financing. By starting your pool project now, you could avoid future headaches.

If you’re ready to take the plunge (pun intended!), why not schedule a consultation with our pool experts? 

We’ll help you assess your situation and guide you through every step of the process.

At Shasta Pools, we’ve navigated countless election cycles with our clients. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your home and family, no matter the political climate. Let’s build something that lasts longer than a presidential term—your dream pool!