Automatic Pool Cleaner Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028

The global automatic pool cleaner market size was valued at USD 2.10 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 3.63 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 9.56% during the forecast period. The market growth is driven by increasing demand for convenient and efficient pool cleaning solutions. These cleaners come in various types: suction-side, pressure-side, and robotic pool cleaners. They use advanced technologies such as sensors, artificial intelligence, and remote-control systems to thoroughly clean pool surfaces and optimize energy efficiency. Factors such as the rise in the number of residential and commercial pools, the increasing adoption of smart home technology, and the need for water conservation are key drivers of the automatic pool cleaner market. The market is anticipated to grow in the coming years due to technological advancements and increasing awareness of the importance of pool hygiene.

MARKET TRENDS & OPPORTUNITIES

Rapid Urbanization
The trend toward urbanization and the desire for an urban lifestyle drives the demand for automatic pool cleaners. This is evidenced by rising disposable incomes, increasing numbers of working women, and a growing employment rate among millennials. As developing and developed countries undergo infrastructural developments in residential and commercial sectors, there has been a corresponding increase in residential construction and renovation activities featuring swimming pools. With increased employment opportunities, people are migrating to cities for better living conditions, including access to education and healthcare. This mass migration is expected to increase the number of people living in metropolitan regions over the next 30 years, leading to increased demand for building infrastructure, construction, and household amenities. The resulting rise in expenditure power drives growth in the luxury lifestyle market, including hotels, resorts, spas, and wellness facilities, all of which feature swimming pools and therefore contribute to the growth of the automatic pool cleaner market.

Boom In The Spa Industry

The spa industry has witnessed consistent growth in the past decade concerning revenue generation and penetration rates in the major economies of Europe, APAC, and North America. Commercial centers, malls, hotels, and fitness centers increasingly adopt the spa culture to enhance daily footfall. They are also considered an epicenter of luxurious destinations attracting foreign travelers. It has also become a major symbol of stress relief and sophistication, where premier health spas offer customized wellness boot camps and treatments.

Millennials and Gen X consumers seek spas for relaxation and stress relief, where hot tubs and steam baths are highly prioritized. With the growth in spa facilities, the overall spa economy is also witnessing a rise, which includes spa capital investments, spa education, spa media association and events, and spa consulting. Further, spa swims are built to stimulate blissful peace and bring health and wellness. Increasing spa swim fuelling the need for pool cleaning equipment. These driving factors are helping to increase the demand for the automatic pool cleaner market during the forecast period.

CHALLENGES ANALYSIS

Lack of Awareness in Growing Economies
One of the critical challenges facing the global automatic pool cleaner market is the need for more awareness in growing economies. Despite the increasing number of residential and commercial pools in these regions, consumers need more understanding regarding the benefits and availability of automatic pool cleaners. The primary reason is the low penetration of these products in the market and the limited reach of marketing campaigns. As a result, consumers often resort to manual pool cleaning methods, which are time-consuming and less efficient. To overcome this challenge, manufacturers must focus on educating consumers about the advantages of automatic pool cleaners and the availability of these products in the market. Additionally, they may need to explore new distribution channels and pricing strategies to make these products more accessible to consumers in growing economies.

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY END-USER
The residential segment currently represents the largest end-users segment of the global automatic pool cleaner market. The larger share is attributed to various factors, such as rising disposable income, increasing urbanization, and a desire for a sophisticated lifestyle. Additionally, expanding distribution networks to cater to domestic aftersales services has contributed to the dominance of this segment. While there is significant potential for commercial applications of automatic pool cleaners, the established markets of the US, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region have primarily driven growth in the residential segment. However, there is still room for expansion in growing economies where awareness and penetration of automatic pool cleaners are currently low. With continued innovation and the development of user-friendly products for residential pool applications, this segment is expected to remain significant throughout the forecast period.

The non-residential segment of the global automatic pool cleaner market is expected to see high growth opportunities in the coming years, particularly in new buildings, renovations, remodeling, and refurbishment of public and municipal pools. The segment is projected to grow at an estimated compound annual growth rate of over 10% during the forecast period. APAC is anticipated to experience the fastest growth in revenue for this equipment, with a projected revenue of over USD 268 million by 2028.

INSIGHTS BY PRODUCT
The global automatic pool cleaner market can be segmented by product into three categories suction-side automatic pool cleaners, pressure-side automatic pool cleaners, and robotic automatic pool cleaners. Suction-side automatic pool cleaners are the most traditional and commonly used type, as they are affordable and easy to operate. These cleaners use the suction power of the pool pump to move around the pool and collect debris into the filter. On the other hand, pressure-side automatic pool cleaners use the pressure generated by the pool pump to move around and collect debris. They typically have a separate debris bag, which helps extend the pool filter's lifespan. Robotic automatic pool cleaners are the most advanced and efficient type of pool cleaner, using electric motors and computer chips to navigate and clean the pool precisely. These cleaners have their filtration system, which reduces the workload on the pool's filtration system and can save on energy costs. Each type of automatic pool cleaner has its benefits and disadvantages, and the choice depends on factors such as budget, pool size and shape, and personal preferences.

INSIGHTS BY TYPE
The global automatic pool cleaner market includes in-ground pool cleaners, above-ground pool cleaners, and the in & above ground cleaner. In-ground pools are the most common type and are typically larger than above-ground ones. In-ground pools require more advanced and powerful pool cleaners, such as robotic, automatic ones, to effectively clean the pool's larger surface area and depth. On the other hand, above-ground pools are smaller and shallower, making them easier to clean with simpler and more affordable automatic pool cleaners, such as suction-side or pressure-side cleaners. However, with the increasing popularity of above-ground pools, particularly in the residential market, there is also a growing demand for more advanced and efficient automatic pool cleaners specifically designed for this pool type. Manufacturers are responding to this market by developing more specialized pool cleaners that can cater to the unique needs of above-ground pools, such as smaller sizes, different shapes, and shallower depths.

INSIGHTS BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL
The global automatic pool cleaner market is primarily distributed through various channels such as online sales, retail sales, and direct sales. The online sales channel has gained significant traction in recent years due to the rising trend of e-commerce and increasing penetration of smartphones and the internet across the globe. Online sales platforms such as Amazon, Walmart, and Alibaba offer various automatic pool cleaners from different brands at competitive prices, attracting many consumers.

The retail sales channel includes specialty stores, hypermarkets, and supermarkets, offering a one-stop shop for consumers looking to purchase automatic pool cleaners and other swimming pool accessories. On the other hand, direct sales involve manufacturers or authorized distributors selling products directly to consumers. This channel is mainly used for premium and high-end products requiring personalized sales support and installation services. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on strengthening their distribution networks and improving their after-sales services to increase customer loyalty and gain a competitive edge in the automatic pool cleaner market.

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

North America and Europe are the established automatic pool cleaner markets, with high penetration rates of swimming pools and advanced technology adoption. In 2022, North America held the largest global automatic pool cleaner market share, accounting for over 45%. The U.S. is one of the largest markets in North America for automatic pool cleaners. Green buildings are the latest trends in the U.S., where cities like Austin are the fastest-growing greenhouse building market. The construction projects in the region are also more prone, which drives the development of more swimming pools and related products such as automatic pool cleaners.

Europe has a relatively higher concentration of swimming pools, especially in France, Italy, and Spain. These regions have historically represented high enthusiasm and interest in cleaning solution devices. The region is also a forerunner in adopting sophisticated products and is fragmented with industry-leading players such as Hayward and Pentair.

 The Asia-pacific region is anticipated to witness substantial growth in the automatic pool cleaner market during the forecast period, owing to increasing demand in countries such as China, Japan, India, and Australia. Rapid urbanization, rising disposable income, and growing awareness of the benefits of owning a swimming pool drive the demand for automatic pool cleaners in this region. The growth in the construction industry, particularly in the residential sector, is envisioned to fuel the automatic pool cleaner market in MEA and South America.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The global automatic pool cleaner market is highly competitive, with many local and international players operating. Major players like Hayward Industries, Maytronics, Zodiac Pool Solutions, Waterco, and Pentair dominate the market. These players are constantly investing in R&D to introduce innovative products and expand their distribution networks to cater to the increasing market for automated pool cleaners. Other prominent players in the market include Kokido Development Limited, SmartPool, iRobot Corporation, Fluidra, and Aqua Products. The industry is characterized by intense competition, price wars, and frequent product launches, making it challenging for new entrants to enter. The key approaches adopted by the players in the industry include partnerships, collaborations, and mergers & acquisitions to expand their market presence and increase their customer base. Further, companies also focus on improving their after-sales services to enhance their brand reputation and customer loyalty.