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While 2009 wasn't the best year for the pool industry, many believe a hot summer and improving economy will make for a better 2010.

While residential swimming pool building permits were down slightly in 2009, industry leaders say the Canadian market is well positioned for a strong 2010 season.

According to Statistics Canada, for the third year in a row, there was a decrease in the inground swimming pool market, but the decline had more to do with poor weather than it did with the economy.

"2009 was obviously a tough year. The weather and the economy didn't co-operate with us," John Bliszczuk of SCP Distributors LLC in Woodbridge, Ont., told Pool & Spa Marketing. "However, some trends emerged at the end of the year that have many thinking the 2010 season may start to recover from the business we lost in 2009."

"Based on the conversations I had with people at the recent Canadian Pool & Spa Conference & Expo, most were looking forward to a prosperous 2010," added Rob Wood, executive director of the Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada.

"Our market was not affected like areas in the sunbelt, as the trend in Canada seems to be that swimming pools are purchased after the consumer is comfortable with their mortgage, not with the new home," explained Phil Bach, territory manager for Pentair Water Pool and Spa, in Cambridge, Ont.

For a complete report on the state of the Canadian swimming pool industry, watch for the March/April 2010 issue of Pool & Spa Marketing.