CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Stage 3 water restrictions could come by the summer, and that could put a damper on folks who are planning to install a pool.
Right now the city's drought contingency plan says Stage 3 water restrictions would restrict pools from being filled or re-filled.
This next restriction level kicks in when combined lake levels reach 20 percent.
Right now, we're at 27.4 percent.
It's something that could impact pool owners and even pool install companies.
Jerry Sedillo with MEC Pools said business has been nonstop as they try to complete projects before the next stage of water restrictions kicks in.
"We've had a very good year so far," Sedillo said.
He told 3NEWS that the company has had so much work, that they're actually in need of more crews so they can add jobs.
With Stage 3 looming, it's caused enough concern for customers like Mark Perez who is in the middle of getting his pool installed.
"We weren't counting on something like this happening, it just all of a sudden popped up, and they told us, hey there might be a restriction coming," Perez said. "It's a big investment and I'd hate to see it come to a halt, due to a water restriction, I understand it, if you already started the project, let them finish it."
Stage 3 would mean the filling, re-filling or adding of water to swimming pools and jacuzzi type pools, and water parks is prohibited.
"What I understand is when the water level gets at 20 percent, we're not allowed to add water into the pool, without the customer being fined," Sedillo said.
What can be added is non-city water as an alternative source, but Sedillo said that can be costly.
"We have to find other ways to truck water in from a place that is not restricted, the customer has to pay extra for that," he said.
The restrictions could also throw a wrench into city pools and splash pads to open this summer.
During a city workshop Monday, City Manager Peter Zanoni said the current drought management plan they're using was approved five years ago and that he's heard residents concerns.
"In my time on the Blake Radio Show, we get a lot of call-ins about, 'what can I do about my pool, I don't want it collapsing, what can the city recommend,'" he said.
Zanoni is hoping to bring back a recommendation in about two weeks into whether changes to the ordinance should be made.
Sedillo hopes the city makes the right call.
"The city knows best, I consider residential pools as my livelihood, so that will take a toll on our pocket," he said.
We are currently in Stage 2. The city has not announced Stage 3, just that it could be on its way.
If it does come, Sedillo did say there are things pool owners can do during restrictions to conserve water in their pool and slow evaporation such as using a pool cover, minimize splashing and using a chemical barrier.