Limiting the swimming pool size certainly is a practical step to save water and protect Las Vegas from severe drought. However, the question under consideration here is how the pool restriction affects homeowners.
The following article highlights critical areas in which the pool restriction impacts residential owners and what you can do about them.
- Reasons behind Las Vegas pool restrictions
- Pool restriction water saving
- Impact on pool construction companies
- Adherence to the new pool limit
- Mitigating pool water loss
Everyone in Las Vegas knows about the ongoing drought. A series of new pool limitations were imposed as water-saving measures.
Reasons Behind Las Vegas Pool Restrictions
The Lake Mead reservoir on the Colorado River is at dangerously low levels, which can lead to the scarcity of drinking water. To prevent drought, swimming pool size (new construction) is now limited to 600 square feet to conserve water loss through evaporation.
Another shocking revelation for residents is that 90 percent of the water in Las Vegas is at less than 30 percent capacity. Hence, the rapidly decreasing water levels can hamper the hydroelectric power generation by Hoover Dam.
However, in Las Vegas, a vacation destination, swimming pools are quite prevalent in the region. According to Clark County, around 200,000 residential swimming pools belong to around 2.4 million people.
Around 1,300 new swimming pools are constructed yearly, which is a significant number. Also, you should know that around 23,000 gallons of water evaporate each year from a swimming pool 470 square feet.
The new pool limit applies to residences only, not for the rest of the estimated 3,000 commercial pools at hotels, resorts, and water parks.
Pool Restriction Water Savings
The good news for residents of Las Vegas is that the pool restrictions can save an estimated 3.2 million gallons of water during the first year, which is excellent. Not only that, but the amount saved will increase to 32 million gallons in 2023.
Impact on Pool Construction Companies
Limiting swimming pool size directly impacts the following:
- New pool construction
- Companies who rely on income from pool construction
Residents in Las Vegas need a place to cool off in the hot summer; hence, many households construct outdoor pools.
The limitation has affected some ongoing pool construction projects. It’s because work must be completed before the deadline, or re-designed to meet the new guidelines.
The most significant responsibility lies in the pool industry to create awareness about water scarcity. The new restrictions will mostly affect plans for larger, more luxurious homes.
Nonetheless, pool construction companies are trying to incorporate innovation in pool design to meet customer demand.
The 600 square feet pool is still considerably big, almost the size of a three car garage. Hence, such a pool can suffice for a medium-sized household.
One of the groups belonging to the pool industry opposed the idea of pool size restriction. The counterargument is that restricting the pool size doesn’t address the cities’ water mismanagement over previous decades.
That’s why the city authorities have also taken another step to ban non-functional (or decorative) grass around roads and footpaths. It’s because grass consumes more water than desert landscapes.
For instance, one square foot of grass landscape consumes around 2761 water every year, which is significant.
Adherence to the new pool limits
According to the water authority, around 75 percent of the pools constructed by residents are under the proposed limit, which is excellent news.
However, on the other hand, several pools occupy more than 3,000 square feet of area, which is an alarming situation in case of water shortages.
Not only that, but these pools aren’t for recreation but only for aesthetics. Hence, these pools aren’t used and contribute to severe water evaporation loss.
The Colorado river is responsible for 90 percent of Nevada’s water supply. Sadly, Lake Mead has hit its lowest historical capacity. Overusing the water not only leads to drought but scarcity of hydropower as well.
In light of the above facts, extravagant or aesthetic pools are a complete waste of water.
Mitigating Pool Water Loss
Residents and pool cleaning companies can play an integral role in reducing annual water losses. A pool cover is one of the most effective ways to prevent water evaporation.
The good news is that a pool cover can minimize water evaporation by up to 95 percent. Some other factors also affect water saving while using the pool cover, such as:
- Pool size and shape
- Pool cover type
- Material grade
- User behavior
- Local conditions
Similarly, keeping the pool clean minimizes the need to replace the water.
Comply With Pool Size Limitations by Keeping Pool Clean
As a responsible citizen, what you can do is prevent water evaporation losses. It can be done by using a pool cover and keeping the pool clean to minimize water changes.
That’s why Clean Living Pool and Spa offer exceptional services in maintaining your pool at affordable and competitive prices. They have cleaned over 100,000 pools and have 35 years of experience ensuring guaranteed services.
Besides cleaning the pool, they also offer regular pool maintenance services, from tile cleaning to acid washing and other pool repairs.
They take pride in their certified and professional staff, who offer nothing less than the best detailed pool services.
You can take advantage of the following benefits:
- Prompt customer services
- Affordable pricing
- Professional and friendly staff
- 100 percent pool service satisfaction
- Detailed services
If you want to save water in Las Vegas, it’s best to keep your pool clean and well-maintained. Then, all you need to do is to book an APPOINTMENT right away.
