Pool owners will be forced to flaunt water restrictions, or "just pay the fines because they will have no choice" according to a local expert who believes owners will not risk their investment under Level 4 water restrictions.
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Level 4 restrictions, which are expected within weeks, does not allow for pools to be topped up with town water, including from local water carters, unless they source the water from outside of the Local Council Area.
Country Rubber and Foam Pools and Spas owner Colin Moore believes council "need to give pool owners an option", however council are relying on owners to be socially responsible, as policing the restrictions "is difficult."
"I understand that drinking water has to come first, but when you have a pool worth up to $200,000 people just aren't going to risk it," Mr Moore said.
"When water levels drop chlorination and filtration systems can break down, and if you empty a pool they can pop out of the ground or the liner can crack - it will be much cheaper just to pay the fine."
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Mr Moore also said people are unable to just let their pools turn into "green ponds" once the water level drops below the filter, as the pools are then in breach of council health codes.
A TRC spokesperson said the first step is continuing to raise awareness and education.
"Where we find people doing the wrong thing, despite education, in accordance with the restriction, council will take further steps that may result in a fine," the spokesperson said.
"It is difficult for Council to police or regulate, but we are seeking the support of residents in recognising we have to conserve water for essential purposes."
Mr Moore would like to see the bores, or drift wells, on Scotts Road made available on selected days for people to top up their pools, rather than risk the alternative of having to replace or repair a faulty pool or pool system.
"What is being optioned is not going to work," he said.
"Tamworth has one of the highest pool populations in the state, and plenty of new pools continue to be approved."
Council does however offer a $100 rebate on pool covers, and tanks, for residents, although Mr Moore believes that pool covers should be made mandatory.
Other top tips for surviving the restrictions is to stir liquid chlorine through the pools that have dropped below the filter on a regular basis, as well as using a 'winterising kit' to essentially "put the pool to sleep" for three months, however filtration is still necessary.
