Pools have almost become standard in new holiday properties in Croatia. Whether in Istria, Dalmatia or on the islands – anyone building a house builds a pool too. For many holidaymakers, that is a benefit. But discontent is growing among local residents– because not everyone welcomes the glittering basin outside the terrace.
🇭🇷 “Prvo bazen, onda cisterna” – First the pool, then the water tank
Especially on the islands, where water is often delivered by ship or tanker truck to homes, many people see a private pool as an affront. Locals report:
“We save, buy bottled water and take short showers – while they pour in 40.000 litres just to splash around.”
Water scarcity is real in summer – not equally severe everywhere, but noticeable. While water pressure drops in some villages during the evening, rooftop infinity pools are being filled – and not just once per season.
A local tanker driver from the Kvarner region reports:
“During high season, we sometimes make ten trips a day – not for people, but for pools. It is absurd.”
🔎 Island versus mainland – two realities
The reality of the water supply differs dramatically, depending on whether you live on the mainland or an island:
🏝️ Islands:
- Many houses depend on cisterns and rainwater
- The water supply is often unstable or seasonal
- Tanker deliveries are expensive and limited
🏞️ Mainland:
- Usually well connected to the public network
- Water arrives regularly, even during dry periods
- Easier to plan for, but still not unlimited
A retired fisherman on Cres says:
“In the past, we collected rainwater and conserved it. Today, you see people taking a two-week holiday and using more water during that time than I do in an entire month.”
📉 Figures & comparison: How much water does a pool use?
An average private pool (8 x 4 m, 1,5 m deep) has a volume of about 48.000 litres. For comparison:
| Use | Water consumption |
|---|---|
| 🏊 1 pool filling | approx. 48.000 litres |
| 🚿 Showers per month (4 people) | approx. 12.000 litres |
| 🍝 Cooking & washing up | approx. 2.000 litres |
| 🌱 Watering the garden | 5.000–10.000 litres |
| 🏠 Total household consumption (month) | approx. 15.000–25.000 litres |
And that is only the initial filling. Evaporation, topping up, backwashing and cleaning come on top.
🔁 Total monthly consumption per pool in summer: an additional 8.000–15.000 litres.
A hydrologist from Zadar explains:
“In hot weather, up to 300 litres evaporate each day – the equivalent of a complete shower simply disappearing.”
🏘️ “Worst practices”: When luxury comes before everything else
In recent years, there have been growing numbers of construction projects that have nothing to do with sustainability:
- Pools on apartment roof terraces, directly above other homes
- Two pools on one property: one to look at, one to swim in
- Automated refill systems that replace evaporated water around the clock
- Empty villas whose pools remain full for months “because it looks nice”
A construction worker from the Krk region says:
“I once built a villa where the pool was twice the size of the living room. And the sea? 100 metres away as the crow flies.”
💬 Voices from local communities
In many places, people complain behind closed doors about the issue. Few speak publicly. Being against pools is often equated with being against tourism. But that is far too simplistic.
A teacher from Šolta says:
“I am not against visitors. I am against waste.”
A guesthouse owner in Istria says:
“People used to come to swim in the sea. Today, their first question is whether the pool is heated.”
A 17-year-old pupil from Hvar gets to the heart of the issue:
“If we ever have a water shortage, nobody asks whether the pools should be drained. Only we are told not to water our gardens.”
🌍 Looking beyond Croatia: Mallorca, southern France, Greece
The issue is also contentious in other Mediterranean regions:
🇪🇸 Mallorca:
- Debate about banning pools in new buildings
- Calls for compulsory cistern use & permits
🇫🇷 Southern France:
- During droughts, pools may not be refilled
- Water police carry out checks with drones (!)
🇬🇷 Greece:
- Islands such as Santorini rely on seawater desalination
- Pools may only operate with their own water-treatment system
Croatia is only at the beginning here – but the pressure is growing.
✅ Better approaches: Positive examples & alternatives
There is another way. More and more owners, architects and municipalities are rethinking their approach:
- Saltwater pools: fewer chemicals, a more natural character
- Cistern systems: using rainwater instead of fresh water
- Evaporation protection: covers and shade
- Smaller pools: plunge pools instead of infinity installations
- Shared pools in apartment complexes rather than 5 individual pools side by side
A young architect couple from Rijeka reports:
“We now build only with a proper concept. A pool can be part of an ecological cycle – or simply a hole filled with water.”
An owner on Brač proudly presents his solution:
“My pool is filled with cistern water. The guests know that – and appreciate it.”
🧭 Conclusion: The pool as a reflection of our attitude
A pool can mean relaxation, pleasure and refreshment for its users. But also: waste, ignorance and showmanship. What matters is not whether someone has a pool, but how they manage it.
Perhaps platforms such as Booking and Airbnb should list more than Wi-Fi & parking – they could also include:
🌱 water source, 🧼 pool system, 💧 sustainability concept.
After all, anyone travelling to Croatia may also want to experience what truly defines this country: clarity, honesty and appreciation for resources that are not unlimited.
❤️ And finally, the question:
What does water mean to you? And what does a pool mean on an island where others ration cistern water?
Share this article if you believe we should talk about this more. Not against pools, but in favour of responsibility. 🇭🇷💙