Photo courtesy Piscine Hippocampe

Companies retailing both swimming pool and hot tub products continued to be the largest sector for spa sales.

After seeing a relatively steady market in 2007, the spa/hot tub market in Canada faltered in 2008 with estimated retail sales of 30,400 units, which represents $273 million in acrylic hot tub sales or a decline of 12 per cent. In comparison to the United States, however, Canadian sales are considered strong, since the U.S. spa/hot tub market fell by an estimated 39 per cent from 2007 to 2008.

There is also the promise of increased sales in 2009, as Canadians continue to spend more of their leisure time at home and are therefore investing more of their discretionary income in their residence.

In terms of product distribution of spas and hot tubs, there was little change in 2008. Companies retailing both swimming pool and hot tub products continued to be the largest sector for sales with an estimated 53 per cent of the market. Sales through dedicated spa stores held a 27 per cent share, while plumbing and landscape companies accounted for approximately four per cent of the total market.

Mass merchandisers in Canada maintained a 10 per cent market share while non-traditional sellers, with non-showroom venues, accounted for six per cent of sales.

For a complete report on the 2008 Canadian spa and hot tub industry, watch for the May/June issue of Pool & Spa Marketing.