Ban on pools and spas
By MsTickle
@MsTickle (25180)
Australia
April 15, 2009 5:19pm CST
In spite of heavy rainfall along the east coast and even flooding in parts of South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, most of Australia is still experiencing a difficult drought.
I read yesterday that some politician in South Australia wants a ban imposed on the installation of pools and spas, deeming them a luxury we simply cannot afford. Pools require thousands of gallons to fill and clean and maintain and the same for spas...smaller maybe but needing to be emptied and cleaned more often.Even in the cities and towns there are severe water restrictions regarding use of hoses and sprinklers outdoors on gardens, lawns and for cleaning cars etc.
I live in the bush where I see the signs of drought on a daily basis and it's always bugged me to hear and see of new pools being installed. I wonder how people can do stuff like that when the country is suffering a drought. I think it's wrong and thoughtless and selfish on the part of the home owner
What are your thoughts?
4 people like this
10 responses
@Darkwing (21583)
•
16 Apr 09
My thoughts are if they get the outside pool at the right time, when it's raining, they could save water by catching the rain water! he he.
Seriously though, it is a luxury to have a pool or spa, and I think people ought to consider what drought does to those who can't afford such luxuries. Their money would be better spent on rain barrels, or something that would save the water, rather than something that gives them a couple of hours fun a day, regardless of the suffering that's going on around them.
Brightest Blessings my friend.
@Darkwing (21583)
•
16 Apr 09
I think we all take a lot for granted at some point in our lives but as we grow older and wiser, and care more about the earth's energies being replaced, we all become more careful and respectful of what we've got. The younger generation don't take the time to sit down and think about what happens with the water, and what they can do to save it... they're still finding their way, and as you say, the water's there, so they use it unwittingly.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
20 Apr 09
Darkwing...my Dad was a farmer or grower of some sort all his life. He instilled in me a love and need to care for the dirt and grass, water, flowers, that everything relies on something else in order to function properly...you get the idea. We are so dependent on the Great Mother for our very life and I taught my girls this...obviously it was not enough...oh I so wish these messages were re-inforced as basic education in schools...kids could teach their parents lots too. Brightest Blessings.xx
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
16 Apr 09
I wonder if people think that there will always be water at the turn of a tap. Can folk really be that ignorant? If we continue to use and waste water as we do then we will be in trouble. My city dwelling daughter was here for the Easter break and I was shocked then ashamed at her total disregard for their water usage. I'm not lucky enough to have a treated town supply and have to use treated bore water which is horrible. It might be awful but I still have to pay for it and I would be ok without it because I have two huge rainwater tanks...but it has to rain often enough to keep them filled...and it doesn't. 
Blessed be my friend.
Blessed be my friend.3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Apr 09
Isn't it odd how one section of the country can have torrential downpours, while another area can being experiencing a drought. We've been having our share of wacky weather throughout the country, from heavy snows to floods, to yes, droughts. As far as these people installing pools or spas....can't they be fined or something? That really does sound so incredibly selfish to me
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
16 Apr 09
Makes you wonder doesn't it? I really don't know why they bother with water restrictions when people break the rules. I just hope they eventually use up the water and have to rely on bottled water...to shower, drink, cook and clean and do dishes. Maybe then they will wake up to themselves and realise that water doesn't grow on trees. If there is a drought, there is no water and reserves will eventually be used up. People are way too greedy, thoughtless and selfish.
2 people like this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
16 Apr 09
Two bad they couldn't use the water from the ocean to feel up the pools instead of water that is needed but then again that would be a long way to haul water for some places. But knowing it is drought it is never good to waste the resources that is needed.
2 people like this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
16 Apr 09
Most of the houses around here have somekind of pool even if its a blow up one.
I am going to die this year without mine it rooted wasan above ground one.
Only filled it up in the spring and just cleaned it.
I know we really shouldnt use so much watr and I am hoping with it still snowing in the mountains this ytime of year that we get out of our draught.
Yup I am a quilty one.
we have watering restricktions like one day a week in the winter, 3 days a week in spring then can if we need to water every day BUT never on a Sunday. But I stick with just 3 times a week spring and summer and fall.
I just hope it rains for you and ya can get out of teh draught!
2 people like this
@mummymo (23706)
•
23 Apr 09
I have never been in your situation Tickle sweety Thank Goodness ! Even when England has droughts where I live in Scotland has a plentiful supply of water and I have never faced any water restrictions. I guess it is really selfish to have a pool under such conditions but I know I would love to in that heat especially!
Sorry! xxx
Sorry! xxx1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
24 Apr 09
It might seem to be an idyllic idea in our heat Mo but the fact is...it takes an awful lot of hard work, time and money to maintain a pool and even then, keeping it cool in the heat of our summers is hard to do. I'd come home from work mid afternoon after sweltering in my car which had no airconditioning. I'd be imagining plunging into the crisp , cool water and having a bit of a float...the reality was...it was like warm soup when I jumped in. It would be cooler later at night and we would enjoy it then...but only if I left the filter running for several hours.
If I want to swim now, I could go to the local baths.
If I want to swim now, I could go to the local baths.1 person likes this
@guybrush (4658)
• Australia
19 Apr 09
My husband built our pool 30 years ago when we bought the house - and water conservation didn't seem to be an issue then. We have a system whereby the rainwater is channelled into the pool when it rains, which keeps it topped up. In our area, water is paid for in a separate bill - so at least if we DO use more water than others, we pay heavily for it. Our pool has only been emptied and painted once in 30 years - and it has a solar blanket over it all winter to stop evaporation - so it's done pretty well. (We don't ever wash our car or hose anything down though.)
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
20 Apr 09
Hi guybrush...and they say there is no climate change. What a very clever hubby you have...I wish I had one of those. I'm so happy to hear you are doing what you are doing to maintain your pool and look after the environment responsibly. I'm sure not everyone is even half as diligent as you two...what legends you are!
We pay extra for our water too...trouble is, if we don't use it the price goes up!
We pay extra for our water too...trouble is, if we don't use it the price goes up!
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
16 Apr 09
The problem with most people, Ms Tickle, is that they are totally self-absorbed and unmindful of the harm done to others in the pursuit of what they want. You can take any given problem where the solution depends upon individual sacrifice and I guarantee you that most people will consider themselves exempt from having to make the same sacrifice. These folks know that they are not doing the right thing, but they rationalize that everyone else should do their part. Sometimes it takes an act of the powers that be to make them see the light. I hope your situation will improve soon.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
17 Apr 09
Thank you worldwise. We have just had some decent rain but it is never enough. Many farmers are struggling and they are unable to sell. Many are walking off the land. The shops in the towns are going broke and there are many empty stores. Prices are sky high. I have to wonder where it will all end.
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
17 Apr 09
If my country was suffering a drought, I couldn't/wouldn't add a pool. Thank goodness this year we're out of a drought but we had one for about two years, just after we moved here. We had already installed a pool and had a water delivery company bring the water which we paid dearly for then the drought happened later that summer but we already had the pool by then so it wasn't like we did it knowing the drought was coming on. Hubby and I don't live in the city so we don't have to follow the city's rules but still, a little consideration goes a long way.
@penny64 (1106)
• Australia
17 Apr 09
Unless the pool owners are taking water which can be used elsewhere, I can't see the problem. Usually pools can't be filled without special permission if there are water restrictions. They can only be filled when there is more than enough water to go around. It's not like they are going to pack up that water and send it out to a drought affected area. To me, it is a bit like saying someone is selfish for not eating everything on his plate, when there is someone starving in Africa. You're not going to ship off the leftovers.
