[Russ_Boston]

For anyone that has a pool at their house:

I understand that during the winter you'd need a heater and you can use a solar cover to minimize heat loss but how about during the summer. Do you need to constantly add water to keep it cool? Is there some sort of cover to keep it cooler?

Also what is the cost to keep the pool warm during the winter? Gas heater? Solar panels? etc.

Are the neighborhood pools a constant temp?

[rballruss]

Russ...this is Russ ;D

I do have a pool, and it is expensive to heat during the winter if using a gas heater. After last winter, I am in the process of getting estimates on a solar heater. The cost is running around $3500-$4000. That might sound like a lot, but, due to forgetfulness on my part, I had a $1,000 gas bill one month this winter. NEVER AGAIN!!!! If getting a pool, go ahead and invest in the solar panels.

As far as cooling the pool, I haven't found that necessary. Whenever my pool gets to 89-90 degrees, that means it's near 100 out and is still refreshing, believe it or not. Rarely has it gotten that warm, though. Average summer temp seems to be around 86. If you need it cooler, then you may have to put the hose in.

Hope this helps,

Russ

[villages07]

Russ Boston....neighborhood pools are kept at a constant 82 degrees in colder months; they heat up during the summer with the weather. I tossed a thermometer in our neighborhood pool yesterday and water temp was 92. Such is Florida living.

I grew up in a house with a pool and thought I would want one here. But, with ALL the neighborhood and family pools and the fact that they are kept heated and that it is the social center of the neighborhood, I don't regret not getting a pool one bit. Each will have to decide if it is worth the expense...initial and ongoing, to have a pool.

[Avista]

We've had a pool since 1983 when we moved to Florida. We were SOOO glad NOT to have one here. We love our neighborhood pool. Don't have to clean it, pay for chemicals etc. Plus we love our neighborhood pool. It is such a good place to meet neighbors. Barb

[Russ_Boston]

Good advice from all of you. Perhaps we'll buy without a pool but 'room for a pool' and then make up my mind. I do like the socializing aspect of the neighborhood pools but those late night dips can be tempting!

[rballruss]

yeah...epecially when you live in a Courtyard Villa and can skinny dip whenever.

[villager99]

neighborhood pools for casual socializing and sports pools for camaraderie can't be beat but all this privacy and skinny dipping talk has me thinking about trading in for a courtyard villa.

[F16 1UB]

:2cool: :hot: :beer2:

[Frangyomory]

I love our neighborhood pool because it is an ADULT pool. I wouldn't have a pool in my yard because I have met most of my friends when I go to the pool each morning at 8 am to do my walking/exercise and then swim and enjoy the rest of the morning. I have made so many wonderful friends at the pool that I wouldn't have met if I had a pool at the villa. Plus, the cost is about $40k from what I have heard and it just isn't worth the cost. :bigthumbsup: