13.03.2012
The Swimming Pool and Allied Trade Association (SPATA) is always grateful for the ongoing discussions with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in connection to the hosepipe and other water bans and restrictions.
As the swimming pool industry is affected by the current legislation, SPATA can clear up the facts with the help of DEFRA to ensure swimming pool owners and contractors are confident to proceed in building their dream pool without the pressure.
“The Water Use (Temporary Bans) Order 2010 – Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool” has the examples of certain situations that can exempt a domestic pool, one of the examples being that you can fill a domestic swimming pool with a hosepipe during the course of its construction. New pool owners need to be aware of that fact as many fear they will not be able to finish their swimming or paddling pool due to the temporary ban. SPATA members have been informed of the new legislation and clients can now confidently seek information from their SPATA approved contractor on the restrictions to maintaining their pool after construction has finished and the pool has been filled.
Pools that are being used for medical treatment are also exempt from the temporary ban. Clients who have pools for a treatment course will not need to worry about filling and maintaining their pool. SPATA would also like to mention that the temporary ban covers only domestic swimming and paddling pools, commercial pools do not come under a temporary ban so contractors who build and renovate commercial pools can alert their clients that with the current legislation they are exempt.
Other exemptions can be found on the SPATA website for SPATA approved members (www.spata.co.uk), alternatively information can be found on www.defra.gov.uk
Hot Tubs and spas do not come under the current temporary ban, for further information on Hot Tubs and spas please contact The British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association (BISHTA) on 01264 356211.
