Catalonia will build 1,600 swimming pools this year despite the drought emergency. Mayors receive requests for swimming pool construction licenses, but warn that they cannot be filled with water due to restrictions.

The sector's employers' association, the Spanish Association of Swimming Pool Sector Professionals (Asofap) defend "the social function" of swimming pools. The granting of licenses is mandatory for urban planning areas if the projects comply with the regulations, a fact that causes annoyance to mayors.