Debate in Catalonia on the exceptions allowed for filling swimming pools
Negotiations underway to define the criteria for permitted swimming pools
The concern surrounding swimming pools during the dry season has led to intense debates between the Generalitat, the municipalities and the tourism sector. Work is underway to reach an agreement to determine which pools can be considered climate shelters and therefore filled with water.
Pools Permitted
Sports pools, therapeutic pools in health facilities, seawater pools with an independent pipe, and municipal pools are some of the facilities that can be qualified as climate shelters, allowing them to be filled during drought , as long as certain requirements and restrictions are met according to the emergency phases.
Petitions of the Tourist Sector
The tourism sector, which includes hotels and campsites with swimming pools, is calling for a review or relaxation of regulations to allow pools to be filled during the dry season. The possibility of using desalinated water and other alternatives is being debated to make this request viable.
Regional Differences
Differences between coastal and inland areas are subject to consideration, as technical and logistical solutions may vary by geographic location. Coastal areas could have more technical facilities for desalination, while inland areas could face additional logistical challenges in getting the water needed to fill pools.
Current Prohibitions
Currently, private pools in neighborhood communities or single-family homes are prohibited from being filled during the drought, while there is no clear decision for hotel and campsite pools. Therefore, uncertainty remains as to whether the exception will be granted for its filling.
