Pool Industry Part of The
DROUGHT SOLUTION
Did you know that in California, the swimming pool industry BY ALLISON PIMM
contributes more than $5 billion to the state economy.
D
espite an unseasonably wet winter, the western and southwestern parts of the United States are in the midst of a historic drought. Reservoir levels remain critically low, prompting water authorities to crack down on water usage and localities to create drought plans that can have a significant impact on our industry. Historically, severe drought conditions have led water districts to implement urban water management plans that impose water use restrictions on the construction and refilling of pools and hot tubs, even though such restrictions very rarely result in any measurable water savings. Those within the industry anticipate that continuing drought conditions will only
26
POOL MAGAZINE - VOL 2, ISSUE 3
put more pressure on water districts to limit the building and refilling of new pools. “These restrictions have a real economic impact on the industry, subcontractors, small businesses and the local communities they serve,” said Sabeena Hickman, president and CEO of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. “To protect their livelihood, pool builders and other professionals must take a proactive approach to combat the drought.” As a direct contact with consumers, pool and hot tub professionals like you can provide important resources and knowledge to encourage water conservation among your customer base and help spread the word that pools and hot tubs are not the water wasters that people tend to think they are.
