I'm being transferred to another city and one of the houses on my short list for location just happens to have a little in-ground concrete pool in the back yard. Something like a Fastlane would have to be installed in it to make it a true swimming pool. This being the Great White North, it probably would be usable from late May to mid-September only, unless I put a building over it.
How much work and expense is involved in operating a backyard pool? Is it worth the trouble? I'm assuming it's usable as the MLS photos showed it full of water.
Parents
Former Member
I live in TX and can use mine May through Sep. At first it practically took care of itself.
Now the neighborhood trees have grown so leaf cleanup is a problem. Aging equipment fails. My work schedule changed so I am out of the house longer on workdays and doing other things on weekends during daylight.
I ended up getting a pool service so that when I had time to enjoy the pool, it was ready to enjoy without spending an hour or more trying to get things back under control. Still, if there is a big storm I will need to put some time in cleaning debris out.
Pool service and chemicals is almost $200/month. I've spent about $1K this year on equipment repairs. The homeowner loan payment is $300/month. Electricity to run the pumps is close to $100. I don't heat the pool but if I do use the hottub, the propane costs about $10/session. My water bill went up - probably $20/month in the summer. I also have to have neighbors check on the pool if I am on travel to make sure water levels don't drop too much.
I know some parents who do not work at a "real day job" and they will teach private swim lessons during the summer and also have kids who enjoy the pool a lot. In those situations having their own pool makes more sense.
I had always wanted to have my own pool. I have enjoyed some great pool parties at private residences, relaxing in my hottub late weekend nights, ability for a relaxing peaceful float mid-afternoon and other things you can't do at a public facility overrun with noisy kids. Enjoying leisurely Sunday breakfasts or happy hour or supper poolside is also very mood-enhancing. If I moved to a new house, would it be into a place with a pool ? Probably not.
I live in TX and can use mine May through Sep. At first it practically took care of itself.
Now the neighborhood trees have grown so leaf cleanup is a problem. Aging equipment fails. My work schedule changed so I am out of the house longer on workdays and doing other things on weekends during daylight.
I ended up getting a pool service so that when I had time to enjoy the pool, it was ready to enjoy without spending an hour or more trying to get things back under control. Still, if there is a big storm I will need to put some time in cleaning debris out.
Pool service and chemicals is almost $200/month. I've spent about $1K this year on equipment repairs. The homeowner loan payment is $300/month. Electricity to run the pumps is close to $100. I don't heat the pool but if I do use the hottub, the propane costs about $10/session. My water bill went up - probably $20/month in the summer. I also have to have neighbors check on the pool if I am on travel to make sure water levels don't drop too much.
I know some parents who do not work at a "real day job" and they will teach private swim lessons during the summer and also have kids who enjoy the pool a lot. In those situations having their own pool makes more sense.
I had always wanted to have my own pool. I have enjoyed some great pool parties at private residences, relaxing in my hottub late weekend nights, ability for a relaxing peaceful float mid-afternoon and other things you can't do at a public facility overrun with noisy kids. Enjoying leisurely Sunday breakfasts or happy hour or supper poolside is also very mood-enhancing. If I moved to a new house, would it be into a place with a pool ? Probably not.
