Hey there, Riverside neighbors. It’s Michael here, President of Limping Elk Pools.

If you’ve lived in California for more than five minutes, you know that water is basically liquid gold. We talk about it, we worry about it, and lately, we’ve been legislating a lot more of it. As we sit here in April 2026, we are right in the middle of what experts are calling the “Year of Doing.”

Why the fancy name? Because the clock is ticking on some of the biggest water efficiency changes we’ve seen in a decade: specifically AB 1572.

At Limping Elk Pools, we don’t just clean filters and balance chemicals. We live here. We’re part of this community. And because we operate with veteran-level standards of precision and accountability, we want to make sure you aren’t caught off guard by the new rules or the mounting costs of wasted water.

Let’s dive into what’s happening, how it affects your property, and why 2026 is the year we all need to step up our game.

WHAT IS THE ‘YEAR OF DOING’?

You might have seen Sonny’s recent social post (ID: 13c45d1a) where he showed a local commercial complex ripping out acres of perfectly green grass. It looks drastic, doesn't it? But there’s a very tactical reason for it.

The "Year of Doing" refers to this specific window in 2026. Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572) was signed a couple of years back, but the real-world impact hits the ground on January 1, 2027. That means right now: this very moment: is the time for planning, for "doing," and for converting wasteful landscaping into sustainable systems.

For us in the pool industry, this "Year of Doing" also means looking at your backyard as a complete ecosystem. It’s about ensuring every gallon of water in your pool is staying there, and every drop used to maintain your property is working as hard as it possibly can.

BREAKING DOWN AB 1572 WITHOUT THE JARGON

I know, "Assembly Bill" sounds like something that should stay in a dusty office in Sacramento. But AB 1572 is actually pretty straightforward. Its main goal is to stop the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate "nonfunctional turf."

What is nonfunctional turf?
Think of the grass in the middle of a shopping center parking lot. Or the strip of green between a sidewalk and a wall that nobody ever walks on except the guy with the lawnmower. If the only reason someone steps on that grass is to cut it, it’s nonfunctional.

Who does this affect?
Right now, the law focuses on:

• Commercial properties
• Industrial sites
• Institutional properties (like schools or hospitals)
• Multifamily residential properties (think HOAs and apartment complexes)

If you’re an HOA board member or a property manager in Riverside, you’re officially on notice. By January 1, 2027, you have to stop using drinking water for that decorative grass.

What about my backyard?
If you’re a single-family homeowner, you can breathe a sigh of relief for now. The law doesn’t currently ban potable water for your private lawn. However, the spirit of the law is catching up to everyone. Water prices aren't going down, and being a good neighbor in Riverside means being smart about your usage.

WHY RIVERSIDE NEIGHBORS ARE IN THE CROSSHAIRS

Riverside is a beautiful place, but we all know it gets hot. When the heat kicks in, our water usage skyrockets. Because our local water systems have to prepare for the 2027 deadlines, they are currently adopting new ordinances and communication plans.

If you live in a community managed by an HOA, you’re going to see big changes. Those common areas with lush green grass might soon look a lot more "desert chic." This is where we come in. Whether it’s a community pool or your private oasis, conservation isn’t just a buzzword: it’s a financial necessity.

When you see your neighbors making these changes, don't think of it as "losing" your lawn. Think of it as California adapting so we always have enough water for the things that matter: like drinking, bathing, and, of course, keeping our pools crystal clear.

THE VETERAN-LEVEL STANDARD OF CONSERVATION

At Limping Elk Pools, we bring a veteran-level mindset to everything we do. In the military, "efficiency" isn't just about saving money; it's about mission success. If you waste resources, you compromise the mission.

We view your pool through that same lens. A leaking pool isn't just a nuisance; it’s a failure of the system. A pool with outdated, energy-hogging equipment is a drain on your resources.

When we talk about water efficiency in 2026, we’re talking about precision. We don't guess: we measure. We don't "eyeball" the water level; we look for the root cause of why it might be dropping. If you've been wondering why your bill is high, you should check out 10 reasons your pool water level is dropping and how to fix it right now.

POOL EFFICIENCY: THE SECRET WEAPON IN YOUR BACKYARD

While the state is busy focusing on grass, we want you to focus on your pool. A well-maintained pool is actually a very efficient use of water compared to a thirsty lawn, but only if it’s running correctly.

Here are three ways we help you stay compliant with the spirit of California’s water goals:

1. Leak Detection and Repair

A single leak can waste thousands of gallons a month. That’s more than some people use for their entire landscape! We specialize in spotting these early. If you’re worried, take a look at our guide on how to spot a pool leak before it costs you a fortune.

2. Equipment Optimization

Old pumps and filters don't just waste electricity; they can lead to water waste through frequent backwashing or inefficient filtration. Regular check-ups are vital. We can’t stress enough the importance of regular pool equipment inspections to keep your system airtight and efficient.

3. Smart Chemistry

When your water chemistry is off, you end up having to "drain and refill" more often than you should. By keeping your chemicals perfectly balanced, we preserve the water you already have. We’ve seen many folks make 7 mistakes you’re making with pool maintenance and how they’re costing you money, and most of those involve wasting water or chemicals.

CASHING IN ON COMPLIANCE

Here’s the good news: the state actually wants to help you pay for these changes. As of late 2025, the temporary rebate for replacing nonfunctional turf increased to $7 per square foot.

If you are a commercial property owner or part of an HOA in Riverside, this is huge. That $7 can go a long way toward transitioning to drought-tolerant landscaping or upgrading your outdoor areas.

But remember, the rebate is part of the "Year of Doing." It’s designed to get people moving before the 2027 ban kicks in. If you wait until 2027, you might find the funds have dried up or the contractors are booked out for six months.

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK (AND YOUR BACKYARD)

Navigating California water laws can feel like a full-time job. You’ve got AB 1572, local water board ordinances, and the general stress of keeping your property looking good while staying efficient.

That’s why we’re here. We want to take that weight off your shoulders. When you hire Limping Elk Pools, you’re not just getting a "pool guy." You’re getting a team that understands the local landscape, the current laws, and the best way to keep your pool running like a well-oiled machine.

We believe in honest, clear communication. You’ll never get an unnecessary upsell from us. We’re just here to make sure your pool is a source of joy, not a source of stress or water-waste fines.

READY FOR A STRESS-FREE SUMMER?

The "Year of Doing" is already moving fast. Don't let April 2026 slip away without making sure your property is ready for the future. Whether you need a regular maintenance plan to keep your water chemistry perfect or a deep-dive inspection to check for leaks, we’ve got you covered.

Our goal is to give you your time back. You should be spending your weekends enjoying your pool, not worrying about whether your equipment is failing or if you’re violating a new state water mandate.

Ready to make your pool the most efficient part of your home?

Let’s get your pool on a schedule that works for you. No hassle, no stress: just professional service with a veteran's touch.

Contact us today to schedule your service or inspection!

And if you’re still curious about how we handle things differently than the "other guys," check out why we think weekly pool service vs DIY is the best move for your wallet and your peace of mind in 2026.

Stay cool, stay efficient, and let’s make this "Year of Doing" a year of winning.

( Michael
President, Limping Elk Pools)