Swimming pool: yes/no?

[shaylahc]

When we buy a home, I am putting a pool in the backyard. There are very few public pools here, and my kids miss swimming like crazy. I think as long as you can heat it, you should have no problem using it 5-6 months out of the year.

[west seattle gal]

Just the concept of a backyard pool here sounds ridiculous.

[flyingsaucermom]

Originally Posted by west seattle gal

Just the concept of a backyard pool here sounds ridiculous.

Yep and I would go as far to say that it's irresponsible. I would love to see an energy audit for a household that heats their outdoor pool. With the scientific discussions of energy crises and ecological collapse looming in the foreseeable future, I can't help but think it's one of the most needlessly wasteful uses of resources and collectively, nothing short of an assault on planetary welfare. Of course, so is most anything that makes life interesting and comfortable, so what does it matter? To most people in our generation it means absolutely nothing....

Sorry to interject, please continue on with the destructive forces of humanity...

[shaylahc]

I think the biggest problem as someone mentioned upthread, is that public pools are scarce. I take my kids to the Lynnwood recreation center to swim, and you have to line up 30+ minutes ahead of time to even get a chance to get a pass to get in. I am sure far fewer people would consider backyard pools if there were other options (besides lake swimming, which isn't environmentally friendly either).

Solar panels can help cut down on electricity. I don't see the problem with a backyard pool.

ETA if you want to consider environmental concerns, consider the impact on the environment of people driving back and forth to public pools. Your own pool=walk outside and voila. Public pool (for us) is a 30 minute drive in each direction.

[flyingsaucermom]

Originally Posted by shaylahc

Solar panels can help cut down on electricity. I don't see the problem with a backyard pool.

ETA if you want to consider environmental concerns, consider the impact on the environment of people driving back and forth to public pools. Your own pool=walk outside and voila. Public pool (for us) is a 30 minute drive in each direction.

That's simple: Take a bus. Ride a bike.... don't drive.

I assure you, if predictions are accurate, far fewer people will be able to afford to (drive or own a pool) anyway.. which leads me to...

point #2:

Reconsider where you live. If you are really concerned about resource scarcity and the benefits of collaborative consumption then you will choose to live where it is possible to reduce and share. In my community we can walk to public transportation, the grocery store, movie theater, restaurants and a number of other retailers. We don't have a pool, but the city pool is a 5 minute drive and there are a few club pools that are about 10 minute drive.

point #3:

Solar power is mitigating, but all sources of renewable energy combined will only ever generate 30% of our current energy needs... which means we'll have no choice but to be more discriminating and frugal in our energy consumption. It will be more cost effective (in energy) to heat a large pool used around the clock by the community than a small pool used once a day by one family.