Raising an alarm over water shortages in various parts of the state, Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira has reportedly called on the government to ban new construction licences for large apartment complexes and high-end bungalows with attached swimming pools. It appears that swimming pools have now become more of a necessity than a luxury. It is a fact that people now want to live a luxurious life and are willing to pay for the amenities. However, these swimming pools are putting a lot of pressure on water availability for the locals for their daily use. Without a swimming pool cover, a lot of water in the pool is wasted due to evaporation. This loss of water is all the more significant during the hot summer season. Swimming pools are water guzzlers and lead to the depletion of underground water.
Recycling swimming pool water can be an environmentally friendly way to manage water usage and maintain pool hygiene. These pools must have a filtration system that circulates the water through filters to remove debris, dirt, and contaminants. Periodically draining and refilling the pool can help manage water quality, but it’s important to minimise this practice to conserve water. Chemicals like chlorine or bromine are added to sanitise the water, killing bacteria and preventing algae growth. Allowing swimming pools in apartment colonies and high-end bungalows will have a lasting impact on water availability for Goans. Levying tax on swimming pools is a small consolation.
