The drought in California continues to raise concerns for the swimming pool and spa industry.
Many firms report the drought has yet to impact their businesses, and several industry leaders are taking steps to help ensure it stays this way, with the California Pool and Spa Association leading the charge.
But as more cities consider water restrictions, the industry remains a target and at risk.
Some businesses, including service firms, are taking their owns steps to ensure they practice diligence by carefully following best practices when it comes to treating water.
Despite these efforts, some news agencies are reporting that customers now are opting to demolish their swimming pools rather than have them repaired and readied for use this coming swim season.
According to CBS News, Steve Espenschied and his company Kenna Construction is demolishing hundreds of pools a year.
"We used to only do maybe only one pool a year in the last 20 years," he told the news outlet. "And then it eventually got to where it is now; about two pools a week for the past year and a half, two years."
Meanwhile, in Northern California, firms like Dig & Demo are conducting upwards of 150 removals a year.
In fact, the activity has increased so much in some regions, like San Jose, that it could eventually outpace new pool construction, according to the SF Gate.
"In San Jose, where warm weather and larger lots lend themselves to a refreshing dip, the number of permits given for pool removals this year is nearly four times the number granted for installations, according to city records," writes Kurtis Alexander. "Only once since 2000 have pool demolitions outpaced new pools — and that was in 2010, on the heels of the housing crisis. Even then, removals barely edged out installations."
The direct correlation between the demolitions and the drought is not clear, but the uptick in activity could be concerning to the swimming pool and spa industry, especially at a time when it finally is beginning to once again thrive strength after the economic downturn.
The CPSA urges swimming pool and spa industry members to get involved and take action.
"CPSA recommends that professionals monitor all meeting agendas for their local city councils and water districts to gain a heads-up, then notify CPSA," writes Rebecca Robledo. "The association provides speaker kits to help professionals address city governments and water districts, and it sometimes sends a CPSA representative to comment."
Those interested in supporting the effort also can find tips on how to work with their local governments here.
