The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) Water Conservation Coalition went to Capitol Hill last month to advocate for the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense certification for the industry’s most efficient cover systems. The goal is to help inform consumers of the cost/benefit of purchasing a pool cover to mitigate water loss from evaporation.

The Coalition, comprised of APSP members Todd Cramer, Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.; Tom Dankel, Aquamatic Cover Systems; Bruce Grogg, Latham Pool Products; and Michael Shebek, Automatic Pool Covers, Inc., were able to speak to members of Congress and the EPA about the recent National Pool Industry Research Center evaporation study. The study compared water savings of covers and shed light on the water savings potential that a cover can provide the over 5 million residential pools that exist across the country.

Across the US, an average residential pool (300 sq. ft.) could save more than 7,700 gallons of water, per year, by utilizing a pool cover. And by preventing evaporation, the home owner saves money on energy too.

WaterSense designation offers a simple way to identify products and services that are water efficient. Products and services that have earned the WaterSense label have been certified to be at least 20 percent more efficient without sacrificing performance.

“The work of this Coalition, if successful in obtaining EPA WaterSense designation, will be a win for consumers who will have greater knowledge of these water and energy saving products, and for state government looking to lessen water consumption,” said APSP Director of Government Relations Jennifer Hatfield.

“APSP has a long, successful tradition of creating industry coalitions when segments of the pool, spa or hot tub industry find themselves facing an issue or want to be part of the solution. Often bringing together competitors to fight unfair or unreasonable legislation and regulation, or taking action to prevent such a thing from occurring, we enable our members to accomplish major savings and relief that they could not have done on their own,” Hatfield added.

For more information on the APSP Water Conservation Coalition or creating a coalition, email Hatfield at jhatfield(at)apsp.org.