Pool News
Texas Drought Puts New Focus on Pool Water Use
Texas drought conditions have put a new focus on pool water use in light of increasing water restrictions in the lone star state.
Drought is shaping up to be one of the defining issues for the pool industry this season in Texas.
According to the latest drought monitoring data, over 80% of the state is currently experiencing at least some level of drought conditions. Large portions of South and Central Texas are facing severe, extreme, or exceptional drought classifications — the highest levels on the scale.
As temperatures begin to climb and pool season approaches, the conversation around water use is starting to intensify. For the pool industry, that discussion always brings a mix of concern, confusion, and opportunity.
Texas consistently ranks among the top states in the country for residential pool ownership. Warm weather, long swimming seasons, and rapid suburban growth have made backyard pools a staple in many communities across the state.
But when water becomes scarce, swimming pools often get pulled into the broader public debate about conservation.
Drought Puts Swimming Pools In The Crosshairs
When drought conditions worsen, municipalities typically introduce staged conservation measures designed to reduce water consumption.
These restrictions usually start with things like limiting lawn irrigation schedules or restricting car washing. As conditions tighten, additional measures can follow. In some areas, that can eventually include limits on filling decorative water features, restrictions on new pool fills, or guidelines about maintaining proper water levels without waste.
Even when pools are not specifically targeted by regulation, they often become part of the public conversation simply because they are visible.
A full backyard pool can stand in stark contrast to brown lawns and dry landscapes. As a result, pools sometimes become symbolic in drought discussions, even though their actual water usage patterns are often misunderstood.
The Reality of Pool Water Use
One of the most persistent misconceptions about pools is that they constantly consume large volumes of water.
In reality, once a pool is filled, it functions largely as a contained system. While the initial fill of a typical residential pool can require roughly 15,000 to 30,000 gallons of water, ongoing water use is primarily driven by evaporation and minor maintenance top-offs rather than continuous consumption.
Annual replacement water for many residential pools often falls somewhere in the range of 10,000 to 20,000 gallons depending on climate, wind, and whether a pool cover is used.
By comparison, landscape irrigation—particularly traditional turf lawns—can consume far more water over the same period. Studies comparing water use have found that lawns of similar square footage may require tens of thousands of gallons annually, and in some cases over 160,000 gallons per year depending on climate and irrigation practices.
Fiction vs Reality
In reality, once a pool is filled, it operates as a contained system. Water loss typically occurs through evaporation, splash-out, or minor backwashing depending on the filtration system being used.
For most residential pools, evaporation is the primary factor driving water replacement.
While initial fills can require a substantial amount of water, ongoing annual replacement volumes are generally far lower than many people assume. Compared to irrigation systems that run daily throughout the summer, a properly maintained pool can represent a relatively stable water footprint.
Still, during periods of drought, perception often matters as much as the numbers. When water shortages intensify, swimming pools frequently become part of the broader conservation conversation.
The Impact on New Pool Construction
For pool builders across Texas, the concern is equally measured. It’s undeniable that drought headlines can affect customer psychology. Even before restrictions are implemented, potential buyers may begin asking questions.
Will they be allowed to fill the pool once construction is complete?
Could new restrictions limit how the pool is used?
And in the middle of a drought, how will neighbors perceive it?
These concerns can slow down decision-making for homeowners who are already evaluating the cost of a pool project.
Texas heat still makes backyard pools extremely attractive, but uncertainty around water policy can stretch sales timelines or delay projects in certain regions. Builders may also see an increase in questions about water-efficient designs, filtration systems, and evaporation control.
Service Companies May See a Different Effect
While drought can create trepidation for new construction, service companies often experience a different dynamic.
When water becomes scarce, pool owners tend to become more cautious about losing it. Small leaks that might have been ignored during wetter years suddenly become urgent issues. Equipment that wastes water through inefficient operation draws greater scrutiny.
Industry veteran Harold Tapley says the industry has seen that pattern play out before. After decades working on the West Coast—where drought conditions and water policy have long shaped how pools are built and maintained—Tapley has watched how quickly regulators begin examining water use across all sectors, including backyard pools.
How The Industry Is Responding
“As drought conditions intensify in Central Texas and across the Colorado River Basin, water policies could be impacted,” Tapley explained. “I can tell you that when Nevada experienced drought conditions, places like Las Vegas began limiting new pool construction to a maximum of 600 square feet. When California experienced drought conditions, certain counties paused pool construction permits for a while. Water conservation concerns are real and always an important topic within the pool industry.”
Tapley advised that one of the areas most likely to draw attention during drought conditions is the routine maintenance of the pool itself. Practices such as backwashing filters or cleaning cartridges can discharge large amounts of treated water that must then be replaced with a potable supply. As water agencies increasingly look for ways to reduce waste, those processes are becoming a greater part of the conservation conversation.
Tapley, a member of the PHTA-13 commission on Water Conservation Efficiency, says newer water recovery technologies are beginning to offer a way to dramatically reduce those losses.
“Backwashing in particular, discharges treated water that must then be replaced, and cartridge filter cleaning can waste significant amounts of water,” Tapley said. “Certified reuse systems can now recover 80–99% of that water—transforming what was once waste into measurable conservation.”
Tapley indicated that in challenging times, when drought restrictions come into play, service professionals may see increased demand for:
• Leak detection
• Equipment optimization
• Water level management
• Water reuse systems
• Filtration efficiency improvements
Homeowners want reassurance that their pools are operating responsibly and not wasting water unnecessarily. For service companies, positioning themselves as water management experts can become an important differentiator during drought conditions.
Texas and the Backyard Pool Market
Texas has one of the largest residential pool markets in the country. Major metropolitan areas such as Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio continue to see strong demand for backyard pools due to population growth, climate conditions, and lifestyle preferences. But the scale of that market means that drought conditions can have wide-ranging effects across the industry.
Builders, service companies, retailers, and equipment manufacturers all operate within a broader ecosystem that depends on consumer confidence and stable infrastructure. When water supply concerns begin to dominate local headlines, that confidence can shift.
Potential Regulatory Responses
If drought conditions persist or intensify, expect municipalities to begin introducing additional conservation measures.
Possible actions might include:
• Limits on pool refilling during certain hours or days
• Temporary delays for filling newly constructed pools
• Stricter enforcement of visible water waste
• Increased public messaging about responsible water use
Historically, most municipalities attempt to strike a balance between conservation goals and practical realities. Swimming pools are rarely among the largest drivers of municipal water use compared to agricultural irrigation or landscape watering. However, because pools are highly visible, they often become part of the public conversation when drought conditions intensify.
How the Industry Can Respond
For the pool industry, drought conditions highlight the importance of education. Pool professionals can emphasize design choices that help reduce water loss, including:
• Pool covers that reduce evaporation
• Efficient filtration systems that minimize backwash waste
• Automatic water level controls
• Smart monitoring technologies that detect leaks early
Service companies can also play a role by helping homeowners maintain pools responsibly. Regular equipment inspections, proper water chemistry management, and leak detection services all contribute to minimizing unnecessary water loss.
Communicating these practices clearly to customers helps reinforce the idea that pools can be managed responsibly even during periods of water stress.
Innovation and Adaptation
Water scarcity often accelerates innovation. Manufacturers are continuing to develop technologies that improve efficiency across the pool ecosystem. Variable-speed pumps, smarter automation systems, and improved filtration technology all contribute to more responsible water and energy use.
As drought conditions become more common across parts of the country, with many experts linking the trend to climate change, these technologies are likely to become standard expectations rather than optional upgrades. Builders and service companies that stay ahead of these trends will be better positioned to navigate future drought cycles.
Looking Ahead
Drought conditions in Texas may fluctuate throughout the year depending on rainfall patterns and seasonal weather shifts. But the current situation serves as a reminder of how closely the pool industry is tied to broader environmental conditions.
Water is the foundation of the entire business. When water becomes scarce, it affects not only regulations but also consumer perceptions, purchasing behavior, and long-term planning.
Overall, the Texas pool market remains strong, fueled by the state’s climate and outdoor lifestyle. New pool construction has cooled slightly over the past three years following the pandemic surge — a trend we recently explored in our analysis of Texas pool permit data. Even so, demand remains healthy. What may change this season is the conversation around water management as drought conditions intensify across the state.
For industry professionals, those conversations represent both a challenge and an opportunity. The companies that succeed will be the ones that help homeowners understand how to enjoy their pools while also managing water responsibly.
Landmark Aquatic is pleased to announce that three of its aquatic facility projects received 2026 PHTA Awards of Excellence from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), one of the pool and spa industry’s premier design competitions.
- Doris Roznovak Aquatic Center, Taylor, TX — Merit Award, Commercial Aquatic Facilities
- Danville High School Natatorium Danville, IN — Merit Award, Commercial Aquatic Facilities
- Astra Tower Apartments, Salt Lake City, UT — Silver Award, Elevated Pool and Spa Structures
PHTA is the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry. Its annual International Awards of Excellence is one of the industry’s largest and most respected design competitions, recognizing the most creative and innovative pools, spas, hot tubs, and water features built each year. Hundreds of entries are submitted annually by professionals across the U.S. and around the world.
“PHTA is proud to recognize our members for their craftsmanship, inspired design, and dedication to elevating the industry,” said Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President and CEO of PHTA.
“These awards reflect what it takes to design, build, operate, and maintain a truly successful aquatic facility,” said J. Ryan Casserly, Chief Executive Officer of Landmark Aquatic. “That level of commitment shows up in the work of everyone on our team, and we’re proud to keep investing in serving our customers and the communities who enjoy these facilities.”
About Landmark
Landmark Aquatic is a nationwide provider of commercial aquatic facility design, construction, and maintenance services, with more than six decades of industry experience. Landmark supports clients across most of the U.S. through construction-led solutions and its AquatiCare maintenance program — delivering excellence “for the life of your pool” and building long-term partnerships through exceptional service and forward-thinking solutions. Learn more at www.landmarkaquatic.com
NORRISTOWN, Pennsylvania – Women in the Industry (WITI), an initiative of the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), is proud to host its 3rd Annual WITI Walk on Sunday, October 11, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at scenic Norristown Farm Park in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Participants may also join virtually from anywhere in the country, allowing supporters nationwide to walk, run, or donate in support of a shared mission: ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn the life-saving skill of swimming.
The walk benefits Every Child a Swimmer (ECAS), a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing childhood drowning by providing swim lesson scholarships to children from low-income families, promoting water safety education, and advancing legislation that expands access to drowning prevention resources. Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages one to four, making access to swimming lessons and water safety education more important than ever.
The partnership between NESPA, WITI, and Every Child a Swimmer reflects the pool industry’s unwavering commitment to safety. While WITI exists to empower, mentor, and elevate women throughout the industry, its members also recognize the important role they play in protecting families and promoting the safe enjoyment of water. Together, these organizations help educate communities, expand access to swim lessons, and work toward a future where every child has the opportunity to learn to swim.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Every Child a Swimmer,” said WITI leadership. “As women in the pool industry, we understand that our work extends beyond building and maintaining pools, it includes educating communities, promoting water safety, and helping save lives. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.”
Leading Every Child a Swimmer is Executive Director Casey McGovern, whose commitment to drowning prevention is deeply personal.
After losing her 19-month-old daughter, Edna Mae (“Em”), to drowning in 2009, McGovern dedicated her life to ensuring other families never experience the same tragedy. Today, her leadership has helped grow Every Child a Swimmer into a national network of more than 430 participating swim school locations across 46 states, providing nearly $1 million annually in swim lesson scholarships for children in need.
“Our mission is simple,” said McGovern. “Every child deserves the opportunity to learn this life-saving skill, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. Through partnerships like WITI, we’re expanding access to swim lessons, measuring outcomes, and helping ensure more children gain the skills they need to stay safe around water.”
Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to register, walk, run, sponsor the event, or donate. Those unable to attend in Pennsylvania can participate virtually from anywhere in the country by walking in their own communities while supporting the cause online.
Register Today
https://nespa.users.membersuite.com/events/683a8c52-0078-ce39-202f-0b49bfa98b74/details
Event Information:
2026 WITI Walk
Sunday, October 11, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Norristown Farm Park
2500 Upper Farm Road
Norristown, PA 19403
Virtual participation is available nationwide.
Every registration, sponsorship, and donation helps provide life-saving swim lessons to children who otherwise could not afford them. Thanks to generous matching support, every dollar donated will be quadrupled, significantly increasing the impact for children and families.
About Women in the Industry (WITI)
Women in the Industry (WITI), an initiative of the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), is dedicated to empowering, connecting, mentoring, and supporting women throughout the pool, spa, and outdoor living industry. Through education, networking, philanthropy, and leadership opportunities, WITI fosters professional growth while giving back to communities through charitable initiatives such as the annual WITI Walk.
About the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA)
The Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA) is a regional trade association serving the pool, spa, and outdoor living industry throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. For more than 65 years, NESPA has supported its members through education, advocacy, professional development, networking, and consumer outreach while promoting the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and industry excellence.
About Every Child a Swimmer
Every Child a Swimmer is a national nonprofit dedicated to reducing childhood drowning by providing swim lesson scholarships to children from low-income families, promoting water safety education, and advocating for legislation that expands access to drowning prevention initiatives. The organization believes every child deserves the opportunity to learn the life-saving skill of swimming.
Media Contact
Phone: 609.689.9111
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nespapool.org
Drone delivery may be the future of getting everyday purchases to your doorstep, but apparently Amazon still has a few kinks to work out — particularly when swimming pools are involved.
A video making the rounds on social media this week shows what should have been a routine Amazon drone delivery going very wrong. Instead of safely depositing the customer’s order on dry ground, the package winds up in the backyard swimming pool.
The incident is funny enough when viewed through the lens of an unexpected pool delivery. But it also highlights a very real challenge Amazon faces as it prepares to dramatically expand its Prime Air drone delivery program across the United States.
And remarkably, this isn’t the first time an Amazon drone has put a customer’s package in the pool.
Amazon Has Already Made This Mistake Before
In July 2025, Arizona resident Daniel Muniz decided to try Prime Air after seeing drone delivery available for his order in Avondale.
The delivery was captured on video.
Amazon’s drone successfully reached the property and released the shoebox-sized package over the designated area. There was just one problem: the downward force generated by the drone’s propellers pushed the package several feet across the yard and directly into Muniz’s swimming pool.
Fortunately, the contents weren’t particularly vulnerable to water. Muniz had ordered vitamins.
The incident was especially notable because Amazon’s delivery system is designed to identify suitable drop locations around a customer’s property. Amazon explains that its mapping technology identifies “delivery zones” free of obstacles and establishes appropriate delivery points within those areas.
The company even specifically acknowledges swimming pools as something the technology needs to recognize.
According to Amazon, a swimming pool can appear to be a flat surface in satellite imagery despite obviously being an unsuitable location for a package delivery. Once the drone reaches the designated location, the aircraft descends to approximately 13 feet above the ground, checks that the area is clear and releases the package.
In the Avondale incident, the package wasn’t intentionally dropped into the water. It initially landed on dry ground before the drone’s prop wash sent it into the pool.
Amazon apologized to the customer at the time, characterizing incidents like it as rare.
A year later, however, another swimming pool has clearly managed to intercept an Amazon delivery.
Pools Aren’t the Only Problem
Swimming pools haven’t been the only unexpected destinations for Amazon’s drones.
In another widely reported incident, an Amazon delivery drone came down in a residential garden after experiencing problems during operation. Other incidents have been considerably more serious than a wet package.
In February 2026, an Amazon Prime Air drone struck the exterior of an apartment complex in Richardson, Texas, before the damaged aircraft fell to the ground.
Amazon’s drone program has also faced scrutiny following collisions involving infrastructure. These episodes underscore the complexity of operating autonomous aircraft at scale in residential environments where drones must contend with buildings, trees, utility infrastructure, changing weather conditions and other obstacles.
Amazon says its latest MK30 drones use a sophisticated perception and “Detect-and-Avoid” system designed to identify obstacles and make navigation decisions autonomously.
That technology is going to become increasingly important because Amazon isn’t backing away from drone delivery.
It’s doing the opposite.
Amazon Plans a Massive Drone Delivery Expansion
Amazon announced this week that it intends to expand Prime Air to nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by the end of 2026, a dramatic increase from the 11 locations where the service currently operates. New markets are expected to include areas around Chicago, Atlanta, Cleveland, Syracuse and Boise.
The company says each Prime Air location can serve communities within roughly a 7.5-mile radius. Its MK30 drones can transport eligible packages weighing up to five pounds, with Amazon targeting delivery times of roughly an hour or less.
Amazon has already completed hundreds of thousands of drone deliveries this year, according to Prime Air Vice President David Carbon.
The long-term ambitions are considerably larger.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has said the company believes drone delivery could eventually reach 30 million customers and handle as many as half a billion packages annually by 2030.
The appeal isn’t difficult to understand.
For small, lightweight purchases, a drone potentially eliminates much of the traditional last-mile delivery process. Instead of waiting for a delivery van to work its way through dozens or hundreds of stops, an individual aircraft can carry an order directly from a nearby fulfillment facility to a customer’s home.
Need sunscreen before heading outside? Batteries for a poolside speaker? A replacement part or bottle of test strips?
Amazon envisions those types of purchases arriving from the sky in less time than it might take someone to drive to a store and back.
The company says more than 60,000 products are already eligible for drone delivery in supported markets, ranging from household necessities to electronics.
That’s a compelling vision of where residential delivery could be headed.
The technology just needs to become consistently boring.
Right now, the occasional drone crash, unexpected landing or package taking a swim makes for an entertaining viral video. As Amazon expands Prime Air from a relatively limited program into hundreds of communities, however, the margin for these mistakes becomes increasingly important.
Delivering a bottle of vitamins into someone’s swimming pool is inconvenient and a little funny.
Doing the same thing with a smartphone probably isn’t.
Judging by the occasional package ending up at the bottom of a swimming pool, there are still a few bugs left to work out first.
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