Pool trade speaks out over drought orders
WITH THE AVERAGE home swimming pool using less water in one week than a domestic toilet uses in just one day, the UK's multi-million pound home wet leisure industry feel they have been unfairly represented with a number of South East water authorities introducing water restrictions.
"We believe the decision to include home swimming pools within the drought order is based on misinformation which does not fairly reflect the amount of water typically used by home swimming pools," says Ben Studdy, chairman of the swimming pool industry watchdog SPATA (The Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association).
Although it must be stressed that the drought orders will not affect newly constructed pools which can still be filled as long as the water supplier has been informed, topping up of existing pools in drought order areas, via the mains supply, is prohibited. Job losses are inevitable SPATA says, particularly in the service and maintenance sector with an estimated £10 million potential loss in revenue.
SPATA has already held emergency meetings with member companies that will be directly affected by the water restrictions.
"These drought orders are of enormous concern to our members who should now be heading for their busiest time of the year," comments Ben. "It must be stressed that the UK swimming pool industry is renowned for being very water and energy efficient - and it is extremely frustrating to find that we are now the ones being penalised for the inefficiencies of the water suppliers."
SPATA has welcomed moves for home hydrotherapy pools to be exempted where owners can illustrate a legitimate medical need - but believes that the exemptions need to go further, to support the numerous businesses across the South East which will be affected.
The association is currently investigating ways for its members to help customers with the water shortages from buying in water in tankers from other areas to changing filtration methods, reducing backwashing and improved water recycling options.
Water companies in Hampshire, Kent, Mid-Kent, Thames and Sussex are all looking to follow Sutton and East Surrey Water in enforcing a six-month ban on the non-essential use of water - including car washing, watering of parks and the filling of swimming pools.
Notes to Editors:
- There are an estimated 250,000 pools in residential homes across the UK - the majority of those being outdoor garden pools. About 3,000 pools a year are added as permanent installations with typical costs of about £30,000, comparable to the price of a car, caravan or a conservatory.
- A typical garden pool measuring about 10m by 5m will contain about 68,190 litres (15,000 gallons) of water. If outdoor pools are kept covered with a purpose-built pool blanket then water evaporation is kept to a minimum - probably around 30 litres daily.
- Hose pipe bans do not prevent swimming pool owners from filling and topping up their pools. However, under drought orders, topping-up using water supplied through the mains is illegal.
- Home swimming pool owners who would like more advice are asked to contact SPATA's helpline - Tel. 01264 356210.
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23rd May 2007