As we all know, the California drought is one of the worst droughts in history. Therefore, we all need to be good stewards of our precious water resource. In fact, to save water, build a swimming pool!
This is not counterintuitive. The pool and spa industry is actually a vital component of the California drought solution because
Whenever drought threatens and impacts California, a common response from the state is to ban filling newly built or remodeled pools, amongst many other bans and restrictions in an attempt to save water. However, this is NOT the answer.
Did you know that it actually takes more water to maintain an irrigated lawn than a swimming pool or spa? And this doesn’t even take into consideration the hardscapes that accentuate pools and spas. You don’t need to water hardscaping to make your backyard look amazing.
Pools, spas, and hardscapes usually replace most, if not all, of the backyard landscaping. Any remaining landscaping needs can be done with artificial turf and drought-tolerant plantings to further reduce the home’s water consumption.
Properly maintained pools and spas use very little water. Even a new pool which needs to be filled uses 3,000 gallons LESS in its first year than a traditional lawn would use!
In addition, pools can actually be used as a way to collect rainwater and can serve as a reservoir that firefighters can access. Hot tub water can also be reused to water landscapes.
With California’s drought becoming more serious each day, swimming pools are coming under close scrutiny.
Many communities in the state are moving to Level Three drought restrictions, which often require a 50% reduction in outdoor landscape water use. This, unfortunately, has started conversations about limiting and, in some cases, eliminating new-pool filling or even permits.
It is urgent that California pool builders unite in our efforts to educate local communities that swimming pools are not water wasters.
We must show our strength in numbers and financially back the lobbyist team led by Norwood and Associates.
The California Pool and Spa Association needs more members and litigation support to combat the increasing number of restrictive measures being considered from municipality to municipality.
If you’re ready to explore our design/build services for your outdoor living / water-shaping project, call now to reserve a consultation with our designer. You can call us at (800) 675-5296. Or if you prefer, fill out this form: