Anyone have a swimming pool?

PocketAces

Registered
Forum Member
Jul 30, 2003
6,054
114
63
50
WI
How much work is it? Do you regret getting one? What are some "watchouts" or things you'd do differently? What things would you do again?

:0008
 

krc

Registered User
Forum Member
Jan 12, 2002
1,879
31
0
Texas
I don't have one

four of five people I know wished they boudgt a hot tub ... Pools are a lot of work


krc
 

layinwood

Registered User
Forum Member
Aug 29, 2001
4,771
40
0
Dallas, TX
I have one. Not much work IMO. As long as you have a pool sweep it pretty much does the work. I put in a chlorinator(spelling) so I don't have to do that either I just adjust the amount that is put in the pool depending on the time of the year.

We haven't gotten in the pool yet but we use the spa a LOT. I think I'll probably heat the pool next week so we can start using it. Pretty much every evening we're out there after work. I can't imagine the summer without one.
 

CryBoy

Registered User
Forum Member
Nov 12, 2000
2,853
27
48
Arlington, TX
I have one. Not much work IMO. As long as you have a pool sweep it pretty much does the work. I put in a chlorinator(spelling) so I don't have to do that either I just adjust the amount that is put in the pool depending on the time of the year.

We haven't gotten in the pool yet but we use the spa a LOT. I think I'll probably heat the pool next week so we can start using it. Pretty much every evening we're out there after work. I can't imagine the summer without one.

What is the yearly cost to own your own pool, including the added electricity and water?
 

Betone

Registered User
Forum Member
Aug 24, 2004
16,270
302
83
66
Monument, CO
What is the yearly cost to own your own pool, including the added electricity and water?
I agree with Layin on the polaris which costs about 1800 bucks and saves you alot of labor. I have a salt water pool which turns salt into chlorination. More up front costs , Muratic acid is added in spots to balance ph levels and you save by not using chlorine and other chemicals over the long haul.
Water will cost for the first time fill at around 200 bucks and you may have to add when the humidity is high. I do not drain my pool for winter as I have it set to start pumps when it gets down to 36 degrees keeping the water from freezing. Not sure that would work up north as you prob need to drain each year.
You can get a decent sized pool all said and done for about 35K . If you have a heated pool, watch out!!!
My 21 year old daughter turned mine on over a weekend in October while we were away and my gas bill was $600.00 OUCH!!!
 

layinwood

Registered User
Forum Member
Aug 29, 2001
4,771
40
0
Dallas, TX
I would really have to sit down and think do the numbers on how much it cost me. I can tell you I don't have to add hardly any water until the summer months. I can't remember the last time I put water in it. Probably around Sept. In July and Aug I put some water in but not enough to raise my bill that much.

Electric bill does shoot up quite high in July and Aug because it's so hot here you have to run your pump pretty much 24/7. If it doesn't get too hot where you live then that won't be the case. I will say for July and Aug my electric bill gets pretty damn high but it's always high in those months here anyway.(pool adds maybe 100-150 those two months but this is a total guess) I really don't know what it would be without the pool because I've always had a pool at this house so I don't know what's it's like without it.

Whatever it is, IT'S worth it. My kids love it and my wife loves it. It really is my escape from work and stress. When I step outside with my beer or margarita I feel like I'm getting away from it all and can actually relax.
 

Betone

Registered User
Forum Member
Aug 24, 2004
16,270
302
83
66
Monument, CO
I would really have to sit down and think do the numbers on how much it cost me. I can tell you I don't have to add hardly any water until the summer months. I can't remember the last time I put water in it. Probably around Sept. In July and Aug I put some water in but not enough to raise my bill that much.

Electric bill does shoot up quite high in July and Aug because it's so hot here you have to run your pump pretty much 24/7. If it doesn't get too hot where you live then that won't be the case. I will say for July and Aug my electric bill gets pretty damn high but it's always high in those months here anyway.(pool adds maybe 100-150 those two months but this is a total guess) I really don't know what it would be without the pool because I've always had a pool at this house so I don't know what's it's like without it.

Whatever it is, IT'S worth it. My kids love it and my wife loves it. It really is my escape from work and stress. When I step outside with my beer or margarita I feel like I'm getting away from it all and can actually relax.

Nothing like coming home on a hot day and jumping in pool with a cold one......I could not agree more:toast:
 

CryBoy

Registered User
Forum Member
Nov 12, 2000
2,853
27
48
Arlington, TX
layinwood & Betone, thanks for the information.

I am in the market for a new home and was debating weather to buy one with or without a swimming pool. I have a 4-year old daughter that I take swimming at a public pool (pain in the ass) once a week during the summer. From your perspective, a swimming pool in the back yard in Arlington, Texas is well worth the extra costs.
 

layinwood

Registered User
Forum Member
Aug 29, 2001
4,771
40
0
Dallas, TX
Cryboy, I didn't see where you live. Hell yes you need to get one. You know what I'm talking about when I say in July and August you can't do much with your kids if you aren't doing it around water.

You will literally be out there every evening and most of the weekend. The extra expense is well worth it in my book. We'll probably get in for the first time next week. Our rule is 80+ outside and 65+ in the pool and the kids can get in. I'll more than likely heat it up just a little but they don't care. For me it's too cold but I've already been sitting in my chairs on the weekends enjoying the outdoors.
 

The Boys

Registered
Forum Member
Oct 17, 2001
15,365
217
0
79
Royal Oak, Michigan, a Detroit Suburb
layinwood & Betone, thanks for the information.

I am in the market for a new home and was debating weather to buy one with or without a swimming pool. I have a 4-year old daughter that I take swimming at a public pool (pain in the ass) once a week during the summer. From your perspective, a swimming pool in the back yard in Arlington, Texas is well worth the extra costs.

I found if you buy a house with a pool included the pool is free. Serious, I checked the comps and found that houses with or without polls were approx the same price.............you must get a pool inspection, maybe even two of them. This is very important, fixing these pools sometimes can cost thousands of dollars...........:0074
 

CryBoy

Registered User
Forum Member
Nov 12, 2000
2,853
27
48
Arlington, TX
I found if you buy a house with a pool included the pool is free. Serious, I checked the comps and found that houses with or without polls were approx the same price.............you must get a pool inspection, maybe even two of them. This is very important, fixing these pools sometimes can cost thousands of dollars...........:0074
Great advice. Thanks.
 

Betone

Registered User
Forum Member
Aug 24, 2004
16,270
302
83
66
Monument, CO
I found if you buy a house with a pool included the pool is free. Serious, I checked the comps and found that houses with or without polls were approx the same price.............you must get a pool inspection, maybe even two of them. This is very important, fixing these pools sometimes can cost thousands of dollars...........:0074

Great Advice, Realtors will tell you that at best, will add maybe 10k to property and also that most people are not looking for a pool when purchasing a home. My home over looks a lake and I just thought it would be a perfect fit. Inspections would be a must.:0008
 

PocketAces

Registered
Forum Member
Jul 30, 2003
6,054
114
63
50
WI
Well I bought one yesterday. I'll keep you guys updated as things progress.

We're going in on the 24th to pick out tile samples and fencing...

:00hour
 
Bet on MyBookie
Top