Pools Making a Comeback in California

Four years ago the pool installation industry was in 'panic mode' at the tail end of an historic drought that made pools a social taboo while California residents cut back on watering and left cars unwashed for months on end.

"But once the 2012-2017 drought ended, the pool industry rebounded, boosted by a booming economy and pent-up home equity values," according to an article by Steve Scauzillo.

According to Scauzillo, "about 13,000 or more new pools are being built per year in the state. Those who own their homes outright, or have cash to refurbish backyards, are spending $50,000 to $60,000 on new, built-in pools."

John Norwood, chief of government relations for the California Pool and Spa Association, who is quoted throughout the article, says the last three eyars have been record-breaking.

As noted by Scauzillo, the 2017-2018 rainy season has been well below average levels, so another drought could be right around the corner. State legislators have noticed: "Future water restrictions loom on the horizon. New legislation signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in early June will bring tight water budgets, affecting both indoor and outdoor water use (including swimming pools) by 2022." There are no statewide restrictions on pools, however.