Why Pool Demand Has Grown in Idaho’s Treasure Valley

Over the past decade, swimming pools have become an increasingly visible part of outdoor living throughout Idaho’s Treasure Valley. From Eagle and Meridian to Nampa, Star, Kuna, and Caldwell, more homeowners are considering pools as part of a larger investment in their homes and backyards.

There isn't one reason behind the shift. Rapid population growth, continued residential development, hot and dry summers, and changing expectations for outdoor living have all helped create a market where a swimming pool makes sense for more homeowners than it once did.

Rapid Popula

tion Growth Changed the Market

Population growth is perhaps the clearest factor.

The Boise metropolitan area's population increased from approximately 675,000 in 2015 to more than 864,000 in 2025, an increase of roughly 28%. Ada County grew about 26% during that decade, while Canyon County grew approximately 33%.

Growth has been especially noticeable in communities surrounding Boise. Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna, and Star continue to add residents, homes, and subdivisions. In 2025 alone, Caldwell, Meridian, Nampa, Star, and Kuna recorded some of Idaho's largest population gains.

More homes naturally create more opportunities for backyard improvements—including swimming pools, spas, patios, outdoor kitchens, and other permanent outdoor-living features.

Treasure Valley Summers Make Backyard Pools Practical

Southwest Idaho's climate is another important part of the equation.

Treasure Valley summers are generally hot, sunny, and dry. Boise's current climate normals put the average July high at about 93°F, making convenient access to water especially appealing during the peak summer months.

A backyard pool also offers something lakes, rivers, and public facilities cannot: immediate access.

Instead of packing the car and planning an outing, homeowners can swim after work, entertain friends on the weekend, or simply cool off for an hour in their own backyard.

For many homeowners, that convenience is a major part of a pool's value.

New Homes Have Created New Outdoor-Living Opportunities

The Treasure Valley's population boom has also produced significant residential development.

As subdivisions have expanded throughout Meridian, Eagle, Star, Kuna, Nampa, Caldwell, and surrounding areas, thousands of homeowners have begun investing in their outdoor spaces.

A new home's backyard may initially consist of basic landscaping and a patio. Over time, homeowners often add permanent improvements such as shade structures, outdoor kitchens, fire features, spas, landscaping, and pools.

Swimming pools are increasingly being considered as part of the overall backyard design, rather than as an isolated feature.

That change has influenced pool design as well. Bigger isn't necessarily better. Many homeowners are looking for straightforward designs that maximize usability while minimizing unnecessary maintenance.

Popular priorities include:

• Automatic pool covers

• Integrated spas

• Energy-efficient variable-speed equipment

• Automation

• Simple, easy-to-maintain pool shapes

• Usable shallow areas and steps

• Well-planned decking and landscaping

The goal is often less about creating the largest possible pool and more about creating an outdoor space the homeowner will actually use.

The Pandemic Accelerated Investment in the Home

The COVID-19 pandemic also changed how Americans viewed their homes.

Nationally, spending on improvements and repairs to owner-occupied homes increased significantly between 2019 and 2021 as people spent more time working, relaxing, and entertaining at home.

The pool industry experienced the same effect. Industry estimates indicated U.S. new-pool construction increased from approximately 80,000 pools in 2019 to 100,000 in 2020 as households invested more heavily in backyard recreation and outdoor living.

While that surge was national rather than specific to Idaho, it reinforced a trend already well suited to the Treasure Valley: homeowners treating the backyard as an extension of the home.

Today's Pool Buyers Are Thinking About Efficiency

Growth in pool ownership also comes with practical concerns—particularly water use, maintenance, energy costs, and Idaho's seasonal climate.

Modern pool design can address many of these issues.

Automatic covers are especially valuable in Southwest Idaho because they can reduce evaporation while also helping retain heat and keep debris out of the pool. The EPA reports that solid pool covers, when properly used, can reduce evaporation by more than 90%.

Variable-speed pumps, efficient heaters, automation, appropriately sized equipment, thoughtful plumbing design, and simpler pool layouts can also make today's pools easier and more efficient to operate than older designs.

This is particularly important in Idaho, where a pool needs to be designed not only for summer enjoyment but also for winterization and significant seasonal temperature changes.

Pool Demand Is

Evolving

The Treasure Valley pool market isn't simply moving toward "more pools." It is moving toward better-planned pools.

Homeowners increasingly have to balance:

• Available backyard space

• Construction budget

• Maintenance requirements

• Water and energy use

• Safety

• Automatic-cover compatibility

• Seasonal operation

• Long-term durability

For some properties, that may mean a traditional full-size swimming pool and spa. For others, a smaller rectangular pool or compact plunge pool may provide more value.

The right design depends on the property and how the homeowner actually intends to use it.

What This Means for Treasure Valley Homeowners

The Treasure Valley has changed dramatically over the past decade. The Boise metro has added nearly 190,000 residents since 2015, suburban communities have continued to expand, and homeowners are investing more intentionally in outdoor living.

Against that backdrop, increased interest in swimming pools isn't surprising.

A well-designed pool provides recreation, a place to gather, and convenient relief during Idaho's hot summers. But successful pool ownership starts with choosing a design that fits the property, climate, budget, and homeowner's long-term expectations.

For Treasure Valley homeowners considering a pool, the question is no longer simply "Do we have room for one?"

The better question is:

"What kind of pool will work best for the way we actually live?"