Can I top up my paddling pool or hot tub during a hosepipe ban? All the rules and exemptions you need to know

IF you’re looking to top up your paddling pool during a hosepipe ban there are certain rules you should be aware of. While households generally shouldn’t fill pools or hot tubs during bans, there are certain exemptions. Eight water suppliers in the UK have currently issued hosepipe bans Credit: PA While paddling pools shouldn’t be topped up in a hosepipe ban there are a few exemptions to the rules Credit: Alamy Water companies across England and Wales have introduced temporary hosepipe bans following dry weather, high temperatures and increased demand. Currently, there are eight water suppliers imposing the temporary bans, affecting around 23million people. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! These include: Affinity Water, Anglian Water, Cambridge Water, South East Water, South West Water, Southern Water, Thames Water and Welsh Water. Restrictions mean that a hosepipe, sprinkler or pressure washer shouldn’t be used for a number of activities, such as watering plants. Generally, under a hosepipe ban, paddling pools, hot tubs and swimming pools should not be filled. However, there are a few exemptions in place that mean households can still fill a paddling pool. Any person needing a paddling pool, hot tub or swimming pool for a course of medical treatment is exempt from the restrictions of a hosepipe ban. Households can also use a hosepipe to fill pools or ponds needed for veterinary treatment or animal welfare purposes, or where fish or aquatic animals are kept. Most read in The Sun If a paddling pool or swimming pool is in the course of construction, or newly built and required to be filled, this can be done with a hosepipe even during a ban. If you believe you are exempt from restrictions under the hosepipe ban you should check directly with your water supplier. Comment now