What's funny? If you paint a concrete driveway, you need to protect the paint with a sealer, and then reseal it every few years or so. But, bare concrete needs no paint or protection.

I swim laps in our backyard pool. Lots of reversals, but 6/7 strokes each for 30 minutes is a good workout for me. Also do other exercises that are done in place. When exercises are done sit under the falls and let tne water massage relax those muscles. Then, we float, read and relax.
And, just because we aren't seen as one passes by doesn't mean we don't use it.

To Who??? You ??? The people who have them think it’s worth it .

I was into swimming would get one of these, don’t have dig no holes. :jester:

Aruba Swim Spa Hot Tub

.5%.

So, can you show test results or you just blowing smoke?

I think it’s personal preference. While I wouldn’t have a central vac I like cosmetic upgrades such as crown moulding and nice landscaping. Some people do go overboard though. I just like what I like and put certain things in for me, not to increase the value of the home.

We’re a fairly new village (DeLuna) and most homes have 2 car + golf cart garages, and lots of newbies, including us, cleaned out their junk before moving here so we all came with minimum stuff. We’ve been here a year and still have empty cupboards and closets even though we’re completely unpacked, and we don’t need to use our attic. We also have just one car and one cart, but looking at getting a 2nd cart eventually.

My Grandfather was a supervisor of 3 shifts of painters in a large steel mill. He often stated, "NEVER paint concrete"!

Glad I read this thread, having recently bought a new home in Lake Denham. I was on the fence on driveway painting. I like the look but don't want to deal with it once it starts chipping.

Regarding pools that's definitely a personal opinion. I put in a pool up here in Massachusetts. I love love love it. I only have a few months of pool weather and even then, few days we can actually be in the pool. But we love the ambiance of sitting around the pool in summer evenings. We love the look of the pool in the yard, sipping a cocktail in the pool with friends. Those are things you aren't doing at the neighborhood pools.

Regarding upkeep costs, with our salt water generator I haven't spent more than $100/year on chemicals. It's as easy as can be. With a birdcage we won't even need to vacuum it or skim it that much. Once I'm down there full time I will be putting a lot of $$ into a pool.

I guess for this thread it all depends on if you are talking about upgrades that make you happy or upgrades that will make you money on a resale. These are completely exclusive issues.

There are special "paints" actually more of a stain that are made for concrete. We had ours done over 8 years ago, NEVER sealed, and it still looks great. The coating has not failed, any chips were due to the concrete failing. The reason we did the "painting" was due to the staining for the driveway from the rain coming off the roof. You have to use the correct products. Feel free to send a PM if you would like more info.

I just looked that up. THAT would be wonderful in a back yard if one likes to swim. What a great idea!

I like nice landscaping. But, I NEVER use the automatic dishwasher.

There is a really cool device available called a swimpro that can be found at superswim.com. It’s a tether system that allows the swimmer to swim forever without going anywhere. The user never has to turn at a wall. It’s a flexible fiberglass pole that goes into the pool deck that has a rope attached to the top of the pole and a belt on the other end. The swimmer puts on the belt and just swims and swims. The faster one swims, the more the fiberglass pole bends. Our pool is 12 x 24 feet and has more than enough room to use the devise. I use it almost daily to supplement my lap swimming at the various sports pools. There is nothing like a quick half hour swim before golfing to loosen up the muscles, or a nice moonlight swim before bed. Unlike an endless pool device or a swim spa, the swimpro only costs about $250, last virtually forever, has zero maintenance, and uses no electricity. Also, unlike swimming against a current, where the swimmer has to maintain a constant speed, the user can vary their effort as much as desired. I wish I had better pictures, but the two attached pictures give a decent idea of the system. In one picture I am swimming backstroke while being watched by the absolute best lifeguard ever (ya gotta love border collies). The other picture shows the swimpro in the pool deck at the end of the pool. Swim on : )

Our pool is 28’ so very short. But two very good options, I try to swim 2-4 miles per day. You can have swim jets which you can swim until your heart’s content. Never reaching the end.

Cheaper option, is swim trainer. Belt with bungee like cords that attach side of pool, creating an V. Doesn’t effect arm or leg movement.

Only thing missing is the flip, since you basically stay within 3’ area. The harder you swim, the more you pull on the cords. Great tool for endurance. Use same electronic device to keep track of “laps”. Nothing like a quiet swim without waiting for a lane