pool or no pool? (Gateway: insurance, new home, buying)

[michaelgk10]

Purchased a home in NW Cape area and deciding whether to build a pool or not. So for those of you who have them, are they worth having and do you really use them, and those of you that had them built, would you do it again now that you have it. Or should I save my money and just go to the beach. Thanks.

[Boo57]

We recently bought a house without a pool as we could not find one we liked with a pool.

We had a pool added right after closing. It has only been 6 months but I love love love my pool.

Use it everyday I am there and even if I dont go in I so enjoy sitting by the pool and reading a book.
We have it screeened in and ceiling fans...

It was worth every penny to me at least, we have a pool company to take care of it.

[wjj]

A pool was a must have for us when we bought our second home in Gateway. We upgraded it right after we got there (added a remote control system and some new equipment). Worth every penny. We use it every day we are down there, weather permitting. We also have a spa that is integrated with the pool that we thought was a "nice to have" but not a necessity. Boy, have we changed our minds about that. It is now a "must have". We use it most evenings. Nothing like having a drink in the spa watching the sun set over the lake and being able to adjust the temperature, blower, and lighting with a hand held remote so you don't have to get out.

[nhkev]

Originally Posted by wjj

A pool was a must have for us when we bought our second home in Gateway. We upgraded it right after we got there (added a remote control system and some new equipment). Worth every penny. We use it every day we are down there, weather permitting. We also have a spa that is integrated with the pool that we thought was a "nice to have" but not a necessity. Boy, have we changed our minds about that. It is now a "must have". We use it most evenings. Nothing like having a drink in the spa watching the sun set over the lake and being able to adjust the temperature, blower, and lighting with a hand held remote so you don't have to get out.

as far as hot tubs go, I usually see them with a spill over into the pool. are they close or the same as the pool water temperature?

[Samiamnh]

We are in our pool almost every day.............couldn't live without one in SWF. Funny though,we live on a lake in NH and have a nice beach but we only swim once ot twice a week in the summer....probably because we're working and not focused on having fun like we do in Fla.
Even if you don't use it much,get one for your kids,grand kids,friends,resale value etc....gotta have a pool !

[Angelala]

Pool for sure! I wouldn't own a house in Florida without a pool. Love it! And getting the lanai screened in is a must as well.

[City__Datarer]

If your main issue is whether you would actually use it, you might want to consider getting an inexpensive above-ground pool first and seeing if you do actually use it.

The big box stores have ones that have a ring of air at the top that holds up the sides (so they're very easy and quick to set up). They are generally cheaper than the assembly-required ones. I think you could get something for under, or not much more than, $100.

If you do go that route, be sure to check if there are any local ordinances (re possible need for fencing/enclosing, etc.--would be a good idea whether required or not IMO) or insurance considerations involved in putting up something like that. And I have not researched safety issues with particular types of pools, but that's something I'd do first if I were buying one.

Enjoy your new home!

[Billythepokerkid]

Originally Posted by nhkev

as far as hot tubs go, I usually see them with a spill over into the pool. are they close or the same as the pool water temperature?

Those aren't really hot tubs, they are more of a spa or jacuzzi. The water is the same water that is in the pool so it only maintains whatever temp your pool is at. If you want a 'hot' tub they have to have their own water and heater.

[wjj]

Originally Posted by nhkev

as far as hot tubs go, I usually see them with a spill over into the pool. are they close or the same as the pool water temperature?

In "pool mode", yes. The spa is just like another pool jet and the spilllover just adds to the ambience. This is necessary to keep the spa water from going stagnent. It is combined with and filtered right along with the pool water.

But in our system (and I think probably most systems), the spa can be isolated and heated separately from the pool. So in "spa mode", there is no spillover into the pool and the spa water remains at whatever temperature you set it to. When set in spa mode, only the spa water is circulating through the pool heater via its own dedicated jets and drain. So the spa can be at 100+ degrees while the pool is at say 80-85.

[justNancy]

Originally Posted by michaelgk10

Purchased a home in NW Cape area and deciding whether to build a pool or not. So for those of you who have them, are they worth having and do you really use them, and those of you that had them built, would you do it again now that you have it. Or should I save my money and just go to the beach. Thanks.

I think it really depends on the individual. I know people who use their pools all the time and others who never use them. I do agree with the comment that suggests you get a screened enclosure.