I should have clarified. Pool permits are available, I'm just wondering with the drought restrictions if this is something likely to become unavailable?

Could happen. There could be moratoriums against new installations or restrictions on draining and refilling existing pools. Isn't the water situation a concern or is conservation just for others. I suppose if the situation worsens, as it appears it will, those with pools can always use the pool water for drinking and hygiene routines, water the gardens, flush the toilets, etc.

I know and understand full well that pools are a way of life in some areas of the country - and I also understand I sound a bit snarky in a way I don't intend, but water is in a state of crisis.

The Governor just made his announcement last week, so I imagine that the pool permits might have been available before then, but things are probably subject to change quickly. If you build a pool now, I'll bet that filling it will be problematic when the time comes.

The restrictions are mandating 25% reduction in residential and business usage. There are some counties in Northern California that have stopped issuing permits. If there is a ban on new pool construction be prepared to also get rid of your lawn, car washing, long showers, baths, etc. etc.

Unfortunately two things are not being addressed.

1. There are no restrictions on agriculture or industry as of now even though they use 80% of the water. There are many crops that are grown that we do not need in order to have a healthy basic diet. Take almonds for example that use huge amounts of water. That will have to change. The residential usage in the state is a drop in the bucket.

2. There was no planning or spending to prepare for a water shortage. California has always had dry periods. There are not enough reservoirs built and other alternative sources. Carlsbad is soon to start up their desalination plant to supply 300,00 people a day with fresh water. I have been all over the Middle East and they have been doing this for decades.

Unfortunately the state has chosen to spend money on other projects or organizations that have nothing to do with what really needs to be done. A properly maintained pool will take less water usage than a lawn, along with a pool comes hardscape which also reduces water output for plants and sod. For example. We are finishing up a project in Newport Beach were we have replaced all their sod with a pool, hardscape , decorative gravel and a drip irrigation system. Their water usage has been cut by 60%.

As Californians we need to get educated as to what works and what were and are the causes of this water shortage.

Two towns in NorCal are already discussing permit holds on swimming pools, Morgan Hill and Windsor.

An interesting fact, a 20' x 40' with typical 3' deck uses less water than the same surface area if covered with lawn. Add a automatic cover to the pool, and you have virtually eliminated all evaporation.

As mentioned above, the state needs to look at desal plants as there is an entire ocean right beside us.

Forget comparing pools to lawns, since lawns are on their way out. Neither pools nor lawns grow food.

At this rate, we are looking at a future diet of Soylent Green.

I am just sorry you have to deal with this :( Hopefully it all works out for you

As soon as we decide if we're going to go through with a pool, you know that's when pool building will come to a halt. Maybe I should go wash my car with a bucket, that will bring more rain for sure.

Given that some towns are no longer issuing permits, I think there is a very real possibility that others will follow suit, and if we have another dry winter in 2016 then I think there is a serious possibility that many will quickly follow suit.

Whether this is reasonable or helps to solve anything is an entirely different conversation.

Rules can change overnight. The local town of Morgan Hill just instituted this new rule:

"Limits on Filling Residential Swimming Pools & Spas:
Refilling of more than one foot and initial filling of residential
swimming pools or outdoor spas with potable water is prohibited."

Drought response

The LA Times has a story this morning that there might a new law requiring covers on residential pools. So. . . that would really push things toward getting a rectangular pool, rather than a free-form lagoon pool, I guess?

We've even considered moving (after just moving last summer) if we found the perfect place with a pool in already--after reading about how horrible some people's pool builds have gone (on this forum). Ah, the indecision.

Check out local public pools and club memberships where the kids could swim. Is it possible that when the kids are grown and gone that you'll just be looking at an unused pool?

I wish you luck. We have always lived in Southern California and our first pool (due to price) was one of those in-ground fiberglass pools. It had a jacuzzi too. I'll never forget the day the big crane came and lifted that big bathtub over our house! The kids were 7 & 9 when we got it, and they spent many happy hours there! We have moved on and two pools later, we are retired and still enjoy the coolness of the pool in hot summers. I would vote for hiring a pool contractor who should get the permit and do it fast! Good luck!

Not sure what city you are in but Beverly Hills is the first city in CA that is banning filling new pools here is a link to the story. http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2015/04/22/beverly-hills-bans-residents-from-filling-new-swimming-pools/

For the record though I am working on a design for a pool in Encino with a general contractor and we haven't heard anything about not filling pools there..so he is going ahead. It's by city because there are certain percentages each city needs to save. Beverly Hills needs to save about 36% while cities like in the San Gabriel Valley are looking at around 15%.

New pools will depend on where you live.

If you need help on design or referral to a pool company let me know and I can help.

Hello Catchick. We just acquired a new pool and spa contract in Encino so pool builds are doing well there. When you are ready to start on your pool build, feel free to contact us at 310-446-1614 or visit our website at www.ultimatewatercreations.net. We have been designing and building custom luxury swimming pool and spas in the Los Angeles and surrounding areas for over 30 years and would be happy to talk with you.

Naturalistic Pools with Grotto · More Info

I'm in Pasadena and my pool build is 3 weeks in. It was easy and fast to get the permit from the city, thank goodness. I'm also happy my PB is moving swiftly, in hopes of beating the city changing our restriction from a Level 2 to a Level 4 which would prevent filling new pools. I asked the inspector when he was here if I'd be exempt from a Level 4 ruling that might come down during my build since I secured a permit ahead of time, and he said he didn't know... not his department. It'd be the city's Water and Power department to enforce the restrictions. Again, I'm hoping we'll be done before we get to a level 4, and that is the reason we ended up doing the pool right now instead of next year as we intended.