The California Pool and Spa Association (CPSA) and the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) have once again joined forces to launch their drought awareness campaign, entitled Let’s Pool Together.
The campaign is aimed at educating the public and policymakers at state and local levels on the facts about water use in relation to swimming pools and spas, as well as the economic, social and public health implications of the pool and spa industry in California.
“Many people consider pools and spas to be major water wasters, but that’s simply not true,” said Sabeena Hickman, president and CEO of PHTA. “In fact, pool and spa owners are already saving thousands of gallons of water per year just by owning their pool, compared to the water-intensive lawns they replace. We are aiming to change the narrative so that pools and spas are not considered wasteful water practices at any time, but especially not during a time of drought.”
Let’s Pool Together is designed to provide both proactive and reactive plans to defend the pool and hot tub industry from unreasonable water use restrictions in the state and to educate decision-makers that the pool and hot tub industry can help in being part of the solution.
“In addition to our consumer outreach, we’re also providing PHTA members and industry professionals with a variety of tools that they can use to engage with and educate their customers on the facts about water use in relation to pools and spas,” said PHTA Chairman of the Board and GM of Pool Corp Andy Levinson. “Members can be assured we are doing everything we can to protect the industry from unfounded restrictions.”
Impacted by unprecedented drought conditions, many communities in California are already experiencing voluntary restrictions. Despite recent rain showers across the state, the drought continues to intensify as reservoir levels remain critically low and water is being conserved for what is considered only the most critical industries.
Outreach includes a consumer website designed to provide facts and resources for pool and spa owners such as water use statistics, conservation tips and more. Marketing materials such as fact sheets, door hangers, billing inserts, and media kits are also available for industry professionals.
CPSA and PHTA are also heavily involved at a legislative level, providing input and information to local city councils and water districts that have proposed restrictions on the use of public water to fill pools.
Industry professionals are encouraged to visit the PHTA Defense Fund to make a voluntary contribution that will enable PHTA to continue to respond to legislative, regulatory or legal initiatives that threaten the future of the pool and spa industry.
