The Ban of Natural Gas Heated Pools

Berkeley, California, in the US, was the first city to ban natural gas in new pool construction. This led to other surrounding states to implement the same measures. This move targets getting rid of coal and natural gas. The reason behind this is to reduce air pollution by carbon dioxide. Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal are used as a replacement. Many states contemplate on implementing the Reach Codes. This will require that construction of commercial structures use only electric energy that’s eco-friendly.

Conflict of interest

The pools and spa industry exhibited a negative reaction to this implementation. The ban on natural gas will eliminate gas heaters, plumbed gas, and fire features used in this industry. They have taken a step to forward their concerns to negate the implementation of the statute.

This ban on natural gas will have a negative impact on our work

California Pools and Spa Association

This has elicited mixed reactions on social media. People have aired their views both in writing and verbally objecting to the implementation of the statute. What fuels such concerns is the fact generation of heat without fossil fuels is expensive and inefficient. It also poses a threat to most industries that depend on them as a source of income.

The impact on the pool industry

In fear of the adaptation of this law in more states, CPSA in liaison with California Restaurant Association has taken up the issue in court. It is easier to see the negative impact of this law on restaurants compared to the Pools and Spa industry. So far, its adaptation has not been widespread. Implementation has only been made in crowded cities where the construction space is limited. The effects are still minimal, but there’s a greater probability it will increase in the future. One may think, usage of electric heaters, heat pumps, and solar heaters is an alternative to heat water in pools and spas. That is true, but what happens to large volumes of water. Hotels, spas, and medical hydrotherapy will be severely affected. It is impossible to heat large volumes of water using an electric heater as much as it is very costly. A solution to this is the invention of an electric heater that can heat large volumes of water.

My Take

The idea to embrace renewable sources of energy is great. However, completely banning the use of fossil fuel is the challenge. Fossil fuels are easy to access and cost-friendly compared to renewable sources of energy. It is human nature to prefer what is convenient and cheaper. Banning the use of fossil fuels will be ineffective because it is not a convenient alternative. The government should instead encourage the use of renewable energy sources while fossil fuels are still in use or provide better alternatives. Engineers should take this up as a challenge. They can ease the problem if they invent efficient and convenient ways to handle things. The government should also look at all probabilities before passing statutes. Statues passed should be reasonable and acceptable by the people.