Fighting Drought Restrictions with Information: A Small Business Owner Wants to Inform and Educate

As California’s drought worsens, Scott McKenna, CEO of Gardner Outdoor & Pool Remodeling, couldn’t help but notice that swimming pools have become a target for those who think the classic backyard oasis wastes water.

But research has shown that pools aren’t the water wasters some make out to be. That’s what explains Scott and his business’ new approach to customer service that seeks to “inform and educate” clients.

Analyses by many water districts found that pools and their surrounding hardscapes use about the same amount of water as a lawn of the same size. But over time, pools generally use less water, and with pool covers experts say water waste is even cut in half.

In other words, pools waste significantly less water than grass and are about as efficient as drought-tolerant landscaping. Despite the findings, some water districts have prohibited new pools from being filled and have limited how much water existing pools can use.

“We are trying to change the public’s perception about this issue,” said Scott, a Vistage member since 2005.

Sometimes customers would call and ask whether having a swimming pool during the drought would be irresponsible.

“We inform them that having a swimming pool is not irresponsible and it’s a great thing that we can convince those who call us,” Scott said. “It’s the ones that don’t call us that we are worried about.”

A veteran in the swimming pool industry in California, Scott recalled a time 25 years ago when a similar drought ignited a similar swimming pool debate.

“As far as I can remember that was one of the first time people—a hundred and not just ten—in the industry got together at meetings and worked to get the word out about swimming pools,” he said.

Scott is a part of the California Pool and Spa Association (CPSA), where he regularly meets and speaks with other industry leaders on taking a collaborative approach to inform and educate the public on swimming pool misconceptions.

“Getting businesses in the same situation together as a group can effect much more change than trying to bring change by yourself,” he added.

Swimming pools have been a longstanding icon of the Golden State’s lifestyle, with deep-seated roots in various economic sectors of the state.

According to CPSA, California has more than 1.2 million private pools and about 300,000 commercial swimming pools belonging to local municipalities, hotels and apartment complexes.

But the ripple effect of the drought doesn’t just end with the swimming pool industry and those that rely on it.

In their latest report, the UC Davis Center for Watershed Science’s also found that the drought will cost California $2.2 billion and this loss will reverberate across the country, impacting areas that have relied on California as a supplier of goods and agriculture.

That’s why Scott and others are collaborating to educate not only the public, but also legislative leaders like California Gov. Jerry Brown on the enormous economic impact banning swimming pool usage would have on the state economy.

“We have been actively utilizing social media to get the word out and are talking to water district leaders and Jerry Brown to point out the economic impact shutting down swimming pools would have on the bottom line,” Scott said.

Are you an industry leader facing similar challenges? Here are three key takeaways Scott has learned from experience:

1. Inform and educate your business’ stakeholders (this includes clients, colleagues, fellow industry members and sometimes legislators).
2. Want to amplify the voice of your business? Work together with other leaders in the industry to make sure your business’ interests are well represented.
3. Extend your point of view to social media. How can you get creative to get the word out?

Learn more about Gardner Outdoor & Pool Remodeling here.

2782 views