Can You Have A Pool And Still Help With The Drought?

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Some are wondering whether a pool is really worth it during a drought – but it may not be as bad as you think.

"Prior to having a pool we, had a huge lawn and it took up a lot more water," Debra Fleming said.

You'll notice minimal grass in Debra's large backyard.  Her family recently decided to get a pool and re-landscaped.

"We looked into it and found landscaping with sprinklers uses more water than filling the swimming pool," Fleming said.

The California Swimming Pool and Spa Association is also hoping to change the way people view pools in a drought with the "Let's Pool Together" campaign.

"The swimming pool uses less water than the grass, and then when you put the concrete around it's a big net savings," said Mike Geremia, president of Geremia Pools.

It can be challenging to change public perception, though, and that's why Geremia and a board member of the state's Pool and Spa Association are working with local water districts.

"The number one way to conserve is to put a cover over the pool," Geremia said.

They also recommend checking pools for leaks and cutting down on water features – plus, something that can be a little harder to do.

"It's real simple.  Cut down on the splashing," Geremia said.

For Debra, she did the research and feels confident she's helping with the drought.

"I wanted to make sure that when we were going to put this in that we do the due diligent thing for our community," Fleming said.

Still, some cities in California have restricted the building of pools or how often people can refill their pool.