To buy a pool or not to buy a pool?

[SLCPUNK]

Originally Posted by ferret111

Make sure that you really plan on using it. I know a number of people who use it once, maybe twice a year and the rest of the time it's just an expensive decoration.

Yup.

[chi_tino]

Originally Posted by crazynip

I think it was done wrong in your case. Doing it how it was done in your case is like sales tax being charged yearly on an item you bought years ago, not property tax. I think you need to look into this.

No, every house is done this way. That's how property tax works. They charge a millage rate on your property. If you add things to your property, you get taxed on them. Do you honestly believe that if you add $100k+ of additional features to your house your assessed value will remain the same?

Take for example Hulk Hogan's house in Belleair:

Pinellas County Property Appraiser#

All of those items listed as Extra Features are included in his assessed value, taxed at the millage rate, and are depreciated annually. In my case, the county's value for the items happened to be about what I paid.

I am sorry that you are uneducated about how real estate taxation works. I could recommend some real estate courses in the area if you wish.

[gensleuth]

My husband and I use the pool each month with the exception of the months of Jan-March. We have a pool heater but have only used it to heat the spa.
Putting the pool cover on and then taking it off when you use it to conserve heat is a pain. My pool gets sun all day long. Some of my neighbors have installed solar panels to heat the pool but they need additional heat source during the colder months.
Also some insurance companies do not automatically insure the pool cage with home owners insurance so be sure to ask. Also there would be a hurricane deductible and if replaced the cage would have to meet current code. A pool cage is a must.
The pool is a great entertainment during the warm months.
It's much easierto buy a house with a pool than to build one.
ENJOY !

[jamcruise]

I'm wondering why several posters here are in favor of screened enclosure? Maybe I'm claustrophobic but seems nicer to be free to roam the rest of the yard, and doesn't it block some of the sunshine from naturally heating the pool ? I can't imagine that beautiful pool that Chi..Tino posted with an enclosure.
PS Recently received a letter from Citizens Property Insurance... screens, carports and fences are no longer covered.

[anya3]

I have owned 4 different homes in Florida and have purposely not had a pool in any of them. Sometimes it has actually been difficult finding a home without one. (And the prices have been pretty much the same.) It is all a matter of personal preference.

Our community has several pools and a large portion of the time we have them to ourselves. I just don't want to mess with the hassle and extra expense a pool requires.

[mary54mi]

Just in case noone mentioned this, during the hot Florida months you stay inside with AC on or swim. That's how it is for us, we have been here 3.5yrs and swim everyday during the really hot months it's worth every penny for electricity, chemicals... Pools are easy care, we put chlorine tablets in once every 3 months and shock once a week with bleach. Filter comes on/off by a timer. Just get one with a solar panels and or heat pump so you can swim on Christams, if your family would enjoy visiting then.

[Tampa Homes]

Originally Posted by anya3

I have owned 4 different homes in Florida and have purposely not had a pool in any of them. Sometimes it has actually been difficult finding a home without one. (And the prices have been pretty much the same.) It is all a matter of personal preference.

Our community has several pools and a large portion of the time we have them to ourselves. I just don't want to mess with the hassle and extra expense a pool requires.

My next house will NOT have a pool. Too much hassle, not enough use.

[FloridaKash]

Originally Posted by jamcruise

I'm wondering why several posters here are in favor of screened enclosure? Maybe I'm claustrophobic but seems nicer to be free to roam the rest of the yard, and doesn't it block some of the sunshine from naturally heating the pool ? I can't imagine that beautiful pool that Chi..Tino posted with an enclosure.
PS Recently received a letter from Citizens Property Insurance... screens, carports and fences are no longer covered.

Since you revived the thread I will respond. I have had a place with and without an enclosure. Much less maintenance with an enclosure and also don;t have to worry about being eaten by mosquitoes in the evening. I do miss my pool getting as warm as it did when it was not enclosed. But I bought a heater and am swimming earlier in the season and later in the season than most. We also turn on the heater when visitors from out of town are here in the winter.