The Facts About the California Drought and Pools

Unless you’ve been living in under a dry, dusty rock, you’re well aware that California is experiencing yet another drought.

This is a big one, too.

For what seems like forever, we’ve had to keep a close eye on water consumption, leaving lawns withering in the heat and cars collecting dust.

Well, right now would be just about the stupidest time in history to install a swimming pool, right?

The Thirsty Pool Fallacy

Turns out installing and filling a pool uses less water than the lawn it replaces.

Yeah, I know that’s hard to believe.

But studies cited by the California Pool and Spa Association (CPSA) make the bold (but refreshing) claim that swimming pools actually save more water than, well, NOT swimming pools.

And that’s even with leaving that bad boy uncovered, day in and day out, for years.

Make liberal use of a pool cover when you don’t plan on swimming, and you’re saving an astronomical amount of water—pool covers virtually eliminate evaporation and reduce the need for refilling.

Water, Water Everywhere

Pools save roughly 4,000 gallons of water during the first year after installation, but that number skyrockets up to 18,000 gallons for every subsequent year.

Frankly, that’s incredible. I know a lot of us feel guilty and might cancel a pool installation at the last minute as we gaze at the parched landscape around us—but now you don’t have to worry about being the bad guy.

The CPSA says that well-maintained pools use up roughly half the water that your boring old lawn needs. In fact, you’re doing the state a public service by installing a pool.

Don’t Blame the Pools

This drought won’t last forever—San Diego California isn’t going to run out of water in our lifetime and pool builders aren’t going out of business.

The water rations aren’t very fun, but don’t let them stop you from building an awesome pool. People who complain about pool owners sucking the reservoirs dry really have no idea what they’re talking about.

In fact, if they don’t have a pool, they’re doing less to help the problem than you are—just something to think about.