Spain concluded 2024 with a record number of swimming pools, reflecting continued growth in the sector. Despite rising temperatures and diminishing freshwater supplies due to climate change, the trend shows no signs of slowing.
While swimming pools are valued as havens from the heat and sources of health, their rapid proliferation raises questions about sustainability in a country increasingly defined by water scarcity.
Spain’s swimming pool boom
As of 2024, Spain is home to 1.3 million swimming pools, 90% of which are private residential pools. The remaining 10% serve collective uses, such as hotels, residential communities, and public facilities. Over the past year, 30,000 new projects—a mix of new pools and renovations—were completed.
Swimming pools are most concentrated in Spain’s southern and eastern regions, areas already facing significant water challenges.
Technology as a solution?
The Spanish Association of Swimming Pool Professionals (ASOFAP) sees technological advancements as the key to sustainable growth. Agustí Ferre, ASOFAP’s director, highlights the increasing use of desalinated and reused water, which reduces reliance on rivers and reservoirs.
These innovations, Ferre argues, allow for continued expansion without exacerbating water shortages. He points out that pools account for just 1% of total water consumption, a figure he describes as “insignificant” compared to their physical and mental health benefits.
Environmental concerns
Koldo Hernández of Ecologistas en Acción takes a more critical view. With one pool for every 37 inhabitants nationally—and in some municipalities, one for every three residents—he argues this level of private pool ownership is “incompatible with common sense” in the face of drought and global warming.
The organisation calls for a shift towards municipal swimming pools, which Hernández believes would ensure sustainability and equitable access for all. Public pools, he argues, could reduce the environmental impact while still providing recreational and health benefits.
Water consumption and social impact
ASOFAP insists that swimming pools consume a relatively small amount of water compared to agriculture, which accounts for 80% of Spain’s water use. The association also suggests practical measures to reduce water loss, such as:
- Using pool covers to minimise evaporation.
- Implementing efficient water management systems.
However, Hernández counters that even small reductions in water usage across all sectors, including private pools, are essential to prevent severe water shortages in the future.
The case for public pools
Ecologists advocate for increased investment in municipal swimming pools, particularly in areas without natural water resources like rivers, reservoirs, or beaches. Public pools, they argue, can:
- Provide equal access for all residents.
- Support recreational and sports activities.
- Reduce the demand for new private pools.
Hernández calls on municipalities to regulate private pool construction and prioritise public facilities, ensuring a fairer and more sustainable approach to water use.
Balancing growth and sustainability
Spain’s swimming pool boom underscores the challenge of balancing public demand with environmental sustainability. While technological advances offer potential solutions, critics argue that addressing the broader issue of water scarcity requires systemic change across all sectors.
As Spain navigates this debate, the focus remains on ensuring that growth in the swimming pool sector does not come at the expense of the country’s most precious resource: water. Municipalities, policymakers, and residents will all play a crucial role in shaping the future of water management in Spain.