Adding a Pool, just Curious?

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

Wondering why residents add pools to their property when your ammenity fees cover the use of professionally maintained pools through out the Villages? Pros and Cons :shrug:

[dkrhardy]

Skinny dipping? :22yikes:

[uujudy]

Skinny dipping? :22yikes:

Hahaha! That was MY thought, too!

[Golfingnut]

We like to take a dip early morning and sometimes in the evening. We also like to have control over the water temp. It is like a motorcycle, if you never had one, you don't get it, but if you ever had one, it is very hard to do without one.

[graciegirl]

We like to take a dip early morning and sometimes in the evening. We also like to have control over the water temp. It is like a motorcycle, if you never had one, you don't get it, but if you ever had one, it is very hard to do without one.

oh.

I sort of like not messing with the upkeep. And having my choice of upwards of thirty of them to choose from.

[jane032657]

We put in an above ground swimspa (same cost as a pool) because we wanted to be able to do water aerobics at home; cool off whenever; and enjoy the hot tub aspect of the swimspa in the evenings with a glass or two of wine, with music and lights. We also have enjoyed while visiting (moving full time in November) going to the pool to socialize. Its the best of all worlds. Hired T and D to do weekly upkeep, very reasonable and they have been terrific to work with. Wish we bought the pool from them, would not recommend Unique Pools and Spas out of Alamonte. Poor customer follow up.

[NECHFalcon68]

Being able to just take a 5 minute dip to cool off, anytime I want, without having to drive a half mile...

[gomoho]

All valid reasons. I have had 3 homes with pools and do not have a pool in TV. But I if get in the pool I feel like I need to get in the shower and wash my suit. Too much trouble for me. If I need a dip I go to the pools I pay for and never, ever have to worry about maintanance. I would not have rejected a preowned home because of a pool, but would never spend the money again to put one in. They look great in your yard and are wonderful if you have grandkids or are entertaining, but think long and hard if you will actually use it before investing in one.

[DandyGirl]

We have had pools in the last four homes we owned in KY, VA, and GA but had decided we would use the neighborhood pools when we came to TV. Fast forward two and a half years and we are now putting in a pool. I love the water but with all my other activities, I just never went to the neighborhood pools. But many times I would come home hot and tired and would have gratefully slid into my own pool had it been there. I am so looking forward to having my own pool right outside my door again!

[justjim]

Been there done that! Our pool was worth the maintenance, time and effort years ago but no thanks not now. Grand kids have their own pool at home and love the family pool here in TV when they come to visit----about once a year. Wife loves to socialize at the neighborhood adult pool. By the way, if you ever decide to sell and have a pool, you automatically eliminate over 80% of potential buyers.

[Happinow]

Pros........swim any time, pool is right out your back door, can have lots of friends over for private parties, no other people's music or talking to deal with if you like it quiet, on those hot days don't want to swim with other sweaty people, clothes optional, if you don't want to swim you can just read by the pool in quiet.

Cons.....haven't found any yet!!

Couldn't live without our pool and T&D maintains it for us.

[tainsley]

Love my pool! Use it everyday and every night!

[Serenoa]

Why bother with a wet, clingy swimsuit when you can enjoy your own private pool au natural? And with some well planned creative landscaping complete privacy comes pretty easy.

[gomoho]

Been there done that! Our pool was worth the maintenance, time and effort years ago but no thanks not now. Grand kids have their own pool at home and love the family pool here in TV when they come to visit----about once a year. Wife loves to socialize at the neighborhood adult pool. By the way, if you ever decide to sell and have a pool, you automatically eliminate over 80% of potential buyers.

Not so sure that 80% statistic holds true in Florida and especially TVs.

[shcisamax]

Yes, where is the 80% statistic coming from? I understand if you are up north, it could be somewhat a deterrent (but not 80%) because of the upkeep and expense for such a limited use. But here? It costs pennies and is extended use.
We just like having water around us. Can't explain it but whether we get in the pool or not, looking out on it changes the landscape and we don't worry about gators :) I guess some people have a more visceral necessity and we can't imagine our home without the pool. It is part of the view.

[asianthree]

we had a pool at the last house, not sure if we would do it again kids are grown and we used it very little

[keithwand]

Pros........swim any time, pool is right out your back door, can have lots of friends over for private parties, no other people's music or talking to deal with if you like it quiet, on those hot days don't want to swim with other sweaty people, clothes optional, if you don't want to swim you can just read by the pool in quiet.

Cons.....haven't found any yet!!

Couldn't live without our pool and T&D maintains it for us.

Same here. Can't wait to get back and use the pool plus its a great water feature to see and hear the waterfalls

[babbs455]

privacy!!! we turned ours into a saltwater pool..best thing we ever did, no more messing with chemicals or the expense of them...the salt water is very faint and i can open my eyes under water without even knowing its saltwater..talk about a no fuss pool!! always sparkling clear!!!

[Serenoa]

privacy!!! we turned ours into a saltwater pool..best thing we ever did, no more messing with chemicals or the expense of them...the salt water is very faint and i can open my eyes under water without even knowing its saltwater..talk about a no fuss pool!! always sparkling clear!!!

I assume you have a bird cage? If so, is the saltwater NEVER expected to cause any corrosion on the birdcage frame or screening?

[Bogie Shooter]

privacy!!! we turned ours into a saltwater pool..best thing we ever did, no more messing with chemicals or the expense of them...the salt water is very faint and i can open my eyes under water without even knowing its saltwater..talk about a no fuss pool!! always sparkling clear!!!

Doesn't your salt water pool have a cholorine generator that maintains a cholorine level in you pool??

[Golfingnut]

Enjoy the benefits of a salt water pool system (http://www.saltwaterpoolsystem.net/)

[Mishoga]

I would not buy a home without a pool. I too have a salt water pool now and it's wonderful on the skin and hair. When I move to TV a pool is mandatory (as well as skinny dipping)

[senior citizen]

Personally, we would be looking only at resales that have a pool and birdcage off the lanai, plus are on the golf course for privacy out back. They are pretty scarce, whether to rent or to purchase........so not sure where that 80% fits in, who would reject a home based on the sellers having a pool on premises.

When our children were growing up, we had a huge olympic sized inground pool with diving board at the deep end and fibreglass sliding board on the side plus wide walk in staircase on the shallow end...........my husband did all the chemicals and vacuuming until our children became teens and took over that chore......we had it covered professionally in the autumn.....it was hard for one person to manage such a big pool. He never minded the maintenance or the expense of the chemicals.
It kept the kids and their friends "at home" during their early school years and beyond.........plus all of our friends sat with us to play lifeguard.

With the homes we've rented at TV, we enjoyed the pool off the lanai covered by a birdcage. The birdcage kept out leaves and other debris, thus the crew that came each Thursday to the rental home had very little vacuuming to do; they were in and out after checking the chemicals. It seemed low maintenance to us.

Checking out various homes for sale and comparing them to the map, most are not close to the family pools or adult pools..........so convenience would be a plus in a home pool.

Not to mention how relaxing it was to eat out by the pool, read our kindles out there, visit, etc........the pool had a waterfall which was very soothing to listen to.
Just a peaceful oasis of sorts.

From the minute one walked in the front door , your eyes gravitated through the living room sliders and dining room sliders to the pool area.
Ditto for the master bedroom sliders.........all great views of the pool and golf course.

We know our five grandchildren (with more on the way) would enjoy it as they love to swim..........certainly they would also enjoy the rec center and family pool.
But it's a lot easier to have it on your own property then to drive in the heat for a mile or a half a mile, depending on where one lived.

These pools in TV are certainly not the olympic sized pools we had up north, but still a nice touch to retirement living. My husband floated around all afternoon each and every day.........enjoying the pool.....and filtered sunshine through the birdcage. All of our visitors would enjoy eating and just visiting out there, by the pool.........I'm sure of it. So, for us, it would be a plus and a priority. If we found a house with a good sized lot that had space for a pool , then we'd put one in.

We also have many young friends who have little children who would visit; they would indeed enjoy splashing in the pool.

[Russ_Boston]

At first I thought the extra 50K+ we spent was not worth it. But so far we are VERY happy with the addition of a pool and cage. We have ours on a side/front kind of yard and it is amazingly private. The only ones who we see are an occasional walker or a neighbor leaving or coming back to their house.

Pros: own music, own chose of floats, close to snacks or drinks, no annoying chit chat, the sound of the water fountains as we sit on the lanai. And many others!

Cons: monthly fee to clean and chemical (we use a ozone generator as well). We have a private company, not T&D, do ours and it is perfect! Higher electric bill.

Wet and happy in Buttonwood!
Russ & Linda

[DDoug]

Look into to using silver yes silver to keep the bacteria down and using copper yes I said copper to keep the algae away. Read up on it ,it will be a surprise

[jimbo2012]

ozone is far safer than putting chemicals or metals in the water, it kills most bacteria and algae if the dwell time is set correctly, most often water is set to flow too fast.

[Mishoga]

At first I thought the extra 50K+ we spent was not worth it. But so far we are VERY happy with the addition of a pool and cage. We have ours on a side/front kind of yard and it is amazingly private. The only ones who we see are an occasional walker or a neighbor leaving or coming back to their house.

Pros: own music, own chose of floats, close to snacks or drinks, no annoying chit chat, the sound of the water fountains as we sit on the lanai. And many others!

Cons: monthly fee to clean and chemical (we use a ozone generator as well). We have a private company, not T&D, do ours and it is perfect! Higher electric bill.

Wet and happy in Buttonwood!
Russ & Linda

WOW, so it really cost 50K? Hmmmmm, that is something to consider but I guess you can pick the exact style pool/spa you want, which is nice

[jimbo2012]

It's not only the cost of the pool, cage, solar heating etc, you need an oversized lot which can cost ........

A spa is another thought we had, a built in to the lanai or concrete pad (not the surface type) can be very nice, also not to always nice to share the public ones.

They are maybe 6-8 foot around and fit on most lots

https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRml2HHNoMiTSkJGLN492C4-Tb_Bk0P30Zugd9Gc1e37Tiyi_lB

[aljetmet]

It's not only the cost of the pool, cage, solar heating etc, you need an oversized lot which can cost ........

A spa is another thought we had, a built in to the lanai or concrete pad (not the surface type) can be very nice, also not to always nice to share the public ones.

They are maybe 6-8 foot around and fit on most lots

https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRml2HHNoMiTSkJGLN492C4-Tb_Bk0P30Zugd9Gc1e37Tiyi_lB

Gonna have to convince my wife I need one of those to sooth my aching back after a hard day at the golf course! :D

[ssmith]

We don't want a home with a pool. Now there is always the chance I will change my mind; but I want simple and easy when we move to TV, so I believe I will be content to use the pools provided by TV. At least we sure enjoy going to the Pool while we are there. At our up north location we have 2 large pools in our large subdivion so we also are used to the idea of it and we have met some really great people while at the pool there in TV. It also may be a cost thing for us.

[Russ_Boston]

WOW, so it really cost 50K? Hmmmmm, that is something to consider but I guess you can pick the exact style pool/spa you want, which is nice

Yes, it is a relatively large pool with a decent amount of space for the cage and decking around the pool. The cage basically measures 50 X 30 with the pool itself being about 30 X 14 (kind of kidney shaped). We also have 3 waterfalls, 3 air jets and a fountain. It has a decent size "beach" area as you walk in for the little ones. I also have probably one of the only pools in TV with no rails! The cost also included solar heating system (fantastic by the way - keeps it 85 or above almost every day so far since Feb 2nd).

Put in by All Seasons pools - if anyone wants to see it just send me a PM. They have a great referral system.

[senior citizen]

WOW, so it really cost 50K? Hmmmmm, that is something to consider but I guess you can pick the exact style pool/spa you want, which is nice

It depends on the size of the pool plus the size of the birdcage.
We've been given lowball estimates of $20,000 for a pool and $15,000 for a two story birdcage......but again, that was just via email to one of the pool guys who does The Villages.......$35,000 seemed low for a total.

But we were really surprised at the low price for a two story birdcage..........and I was even more surprised a week or so ago when I read on TOTV that insurance companies do NOT cover the screens in the birdcage (if a tornado blows through)????

Again, I'll bet $50,000 is probably for a very very nice set up of pool and birdcage. I think we were given a low figure; then once one gets into actually ordering, the price always rises.

As far as the higher electric bills, Florida is way cheaper than up north's electric bills......and at least there are no oil heating bills down there.

One would also save money on gasoline by having the pool on your own property..........plus as an earlier poster said, the snacks, pool stuff, etc. are all handy. If one person wants to go in for a while, the others can stay outdoors by the pool or in the pool. If babies or children need a NAP, the bedroom is right off the pool.........plus bathrooms.

It's the beauty of it plus the convenience of it.

The pools in TV are not hard to maintain. I just printed out all the info on the salt system....for my husband to read. We like to think ahead and plan ahead; it's too much to decide all at once.....when the time comes.

[Mishoga]

Yes, it is a relatively large pool with a decent amount of space for the cage and decking around the pool. The cage basically measures 50 X 30 with the pool itself being about 30 X 14 (kind of kidney shaped). We also have 3 waterfalls, 3 air jets and a fountain. It has a decent size "beach" area as you walk in for the little ones. I also have probably one of the only pools in TV with no rails! The cost also included solar heating system (fantastic by the way - keeps it 85 or above almost every day so far since Feb 2nd).

Put in by All Seasons pools - if anyone wants to see it just send me a PM. They have a great referral system.
OH, post a picture. I want to see it. Sounds wonderful. I personally have an electric heater but I would imagine with all that sun down there the solar might be good. My mom has solar and she has so many problems with it

[skyguy79]

It depends on the size of the pool plus the size of the birdcage.
We've been given lowball estimates of $20,000 for a pool and $15,000 for a two story birdcage......but again, that was just via email to one of the pool guys who does The Villages.......$35,000 seemed low for a total.

But we were really surprised at the low price for a two story birdcage..........and I was even more surprised a week or so ago when I read on TOTV that insurance companies do NOT cover the screens in the birdcage (if a tornado blows through)????It sounds like whoever gave you the estimates gave base prices (presumptive) and did not include all things that need to be added like electrical, lights, decos, GEM colors, handrails, water features, pump, lights automation and a bunch of misc. fees. Also keep in mind that you can expect solar fees (if you chose to add that separately) in the upper 4G area.

Our T&D pool (installation in progress) has a quote of 20G for the pool, 8G for the screened enclosure and 6.3G for decking for a total of $34.300. That pretty much matches the 35G figure you were quoted. However, when you addon the additional costs like mentioned above, our estimate came out to $42,000 then $41,000 following a 2G discount. You may find this is why the quote seems low. If you pool and enclosure is considerably smaller that Russ or my pool, the the quote might be all inclusive.

Now our pool, enclosure and features are all slightly less than what Russ described about his concrete pond and that probably explains why his figures are about 9G higher than mine are.

As I mentioned, our pool is in progress. Yesterday they put down the texture on our deck in the AM then painted it in the PM. Next will be either the finishing work on the inside of the pool or the installation of the birdcage. I've included a few pics here of the work in progress of our installation.

[shcisamax]

The solar cost will be definitely under $4000 for that size pool

[senior citizen]

It sounds like whoever gave you the estimates gave base prices (presumptive) and did not include all things that need to be added like electrical, lights, decos, GEM colors, handrails, water features, pump, lights automation and a bunch of misc. fees. Also keep in mind that you can expect solar fees (if you chose to add that separately) in the upper 4G area.

Our T&D pool (installation in progress) has a quote of 20G for the pool, 8G for the screened enclosure and 6.3G for decking for a total of $34.300. That pretty much matches the 35G figure you were quoted. However, when you addon the additional costs like mentioned above, our estimate came out to $42,000 then $41,000 following a 2G discount. You may find this is why the quote seems low. If you pool and enclosure is considerably smaller that Russ or my pool, the the quote might be all inclusive.

Now our pool, enclosure and features are all slightly less than what Russ described about his concrete pond and that probably explains why his figures are about 9G higher than mine are.

As I mentioned, our pool is in progress. Yesterday they put down the texture on our deck in the AM then painted it in the PM. Next will be either the finishing work on the inside of the pool or the installation of the birdcage. I've included a few pics here of the work in progress of our installation.

I can tell that you will enjoy many happy days in that pool. It is coming along great. A lot of work for sure.......but worth it in the long run.
Thank you so much for sharing the pics. I saved the name of the company, etc. We both enjoyed seeing the photos.

[jimbo2012]

The solar cost will be definitely under $4000 for that size pool

The ROI is very quick with a pool on solar.

[skyguy79]

The solar cost will be definitely under $4000 for that size poolOn my prior post I stated that solar could be in the upper $4000 range. I didn't look it up first and my statement was incorrect. Taken directly from my executed proposal, my total cost is $4155. Perhaps that's a price increase since the above figure was obtained or there are less panels. Ours will have 8. Jack's solar required no down payment on the SunStar system from us and the amount is due upon completion.

[Shimpy]

I had a pool in S. Fla. but was then 25 years younger. I loved floating around in a lounge chair with a drink in the holder or hooking my feet to the side of the pool and watching football on TV. Every time we left for vacation our neighbor asked us if they could have their kids birthday party in our pool. No way would I want that liability. Ours seemed to get a leak once or twice a year. Chemicals were expensive back then and the electric was up there also. I enjoyed it but wouldn't want another. I preferr going to the neighborhood pool, socializing with friends, then go home and leave the work and expenses to TV.

[DandyGirl]

It sounds like whoever gave you the estimates gave base prices (presumptive) and did not include all things that need to be added like electrical, lights, decos, GEM colors, handrails, water features, pump, lights automation and a bunch of misc. fees. Also keep in mind that you can expect solar fees (if you chose to add that separately) in the upper 4G area.

Our T&D pool (installation in progress) has a quote of 20G for the pool, 8G for the screened enclosure and 6.3G for decking for a total of $34.300. That pretty much matches the 35G figure you were quoted. However, when you addon the additional costs like mentioned above, our estimate came out to $42,000 then $41,000 following a 2G discount. You may find this is why the quote seems low. If you pool and enclosure is considerably smaller that Russ or my pool, the the quote might be all inclusive.

Now our pool, enclosure and features are all slightly less than what Russ described about his concrete pond and that probably explains why his figures are about 9G higher than mine are.

As I mentioned, our pool is in progress. Yesterday they put down the texture on our deck in the AM then painted it in the PM. Next will be either the finishing work on the inside of the pool or the installation of the birdcage. I've included a few pics here of the work in progress of our installation.

What size is your pool?

[skyguy79]

What size is your pool?The pool size is 14'W x 28'L and the depth ranges from 3.5' to 4.5'. We're also having a ceremic dolphin installed in the middle of the floor of the pool (shown below) directly in front of the waterfall. However, if the dolphin starts nibbling on our toes, she's getting kick out of the pool! :D

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTx7scPMufq5ofugqG-Gk8YZ9a-yNhxG7THmb4-2kK8KCuAUeV3RS0I

[shcisamax]

On my prior post I stated that solar could be in the upper $4000 range. I didn't look it up first and my statement was incorrect. Taken directly from my executed proposal, my total cost is $4155. Perhaps that's a price increase since the above figure was obtained or there are less panels. Ours will have 8. Jack's solar required no down payment on the SunStar system from us and the amount is due upon completion.


We have 7 panels and it was $3900. Jack's just great.

[DandyGirl]

The pool size is 14'W x 28'L and the depth ranges from 3.5' to 4.5'. We're also having a ceremic dolphin installed in the middle of the floor of the pool (shown below) directly in front of the waterfall. However, if the dolphin starts nibbling on our toes, she's getting kick out of the pool! :D

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTx7scPMufq5ofugqG-Gk8YZ9a-yNhxG7THmb4-2kK8KCuAUeV3RS0I

Gotta watch out for those creatures! Love the color of your tiles and cool deck.

[skyguy79]

Gotta watch out for those creatures! Love the color of your tiles and cool deck.DandyGirl, what you see in the pictures is not the deck color. The pics were taken before the deck was texturized and painted and what you see in the pics I posted is raw concrete. Here's a sample of the deck color (Moonlight Mist) after painting. When I first saw it on the deck it looked like it was white and thought they made a mistake, but they didn't! I thought it would be more blue than it is. I wonder if they going to charge us extra for the lovebugs that lie dead on the deck? There has to be dozens of them. :eek:

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRn9XV3rjUeTBqCjvAa1pqjYgWgnMOD0 sAl_ER1ebQSygfV4uWiZyIO

[DandyGirl]

DandyGirl, what you see in the pictures is not the deck color. The pics were taken before the deck was texturized and painted and what you see in the pics I posted is raw concrete. Here's a sample of the deck color (Moonlight Mist) after painting. When I first saw it on the deck it looked like it was white and thought they made a mistake, but they didn't! I thought it would be more blue than it is. I wonder if they going to charge us extra for the lovebugs that lie dead on the deck? There has to be dozens of them. :eek:

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRn9XV3rjUeTBqCjvAa1pqjYgWgnMOD0 sAl_ER1ebQSygfV4uWiZyIO

Ah Ha! We're on T&D's schedule and hopefully they will be starting soon. We chose Pina Colada for the deck. Maybe a prediction for days and drinks to come?!

[Russ_Boston]

Pic attached. Boy, has the landscaping grown since then (March)! FYI: we have 9 solar panels installed and the depth runs to 6 foot deep.

[jimbo2012]

Russ, do they drain at night or how do you protect from freezing in the winter?

[shcisamax]

propane tank :)

[graciegirl]

Pic attached. Boy, has the landscaping grown since then (March)! FYI: we have 9 solar panels installed and the depth runs to 6 foot deep.

WOW, you two. That is extravagantly BEAUTIFUL! I may be bringing my noodle over to your house.

[Russ_Boston]

Russ, do they drain at night or how do you protect from freezing in the winter?

They drain when off. You can run in reverse (on at night) to put the temperature down a few degrees. Only had to do that twice this summer.

The pool company does recommend running the system on manual if the temp is expected to get below 28 degrees for more than 2 hours.

[senior citizen]

Pic attached. Boy, has the landscaping grown since then (March)! FYI: we have 9 solar panels installed and the depth runs to 6 foot deep.

It's beautiful. Enjoy.

The palms and shrubbery will grow very quickly ; the place we rented had the same arrangement along one side of the birdcage and were "mature"; couldn't see a thing. The other sides were facing the golf course both ways.

Again, gorgeous pool and lanai / birdcage. Just showed it to hubby and he agreed. It's nice to see that even with a side lot facing a few homes, privacy can be created..........

Thanks for sharing.

[cquick]

Our reasons for having a pool at home are somewhat different than most. We had a big pool and spa in Hunters Creek. We didn't think we wanted to deal with another pool here at TV. But we rented for 6 months before we built our home. Since our son, Patrick, is disabled, we found that very few of the community pools have a pool lift. Also, when it's cold outside, he gets very cold going from the water in the pool to getting out and going home. Also, we loved our spa in the wintertime......so we thought we would do a swim spa, but we went the whole way and put in a nice small pool and an above the ground spa.......I guess I just can simplify my life! :D