[Villages Kahuna]

Originally Posted by another Linda

We've been snowbirds since 2007 having bought a 2/2 CYV. I love it but have decided as we spend more time in TV I want more room ... and I think* I want a pool too. So, that prompts some questions for you pool owners.

1. During January and February, can you use your pool?
2. Can you keep it heated to about 82 degrees? (I'm a whimp)
3. What kind of heat do you have for it?
4. Any ballpark ideas of what it runs to heat during those months?
5. Do you use a solar blanket to preserve heat?
6. What maintenance is required for a saltwater pool?

I could go on, but that is enough for now.

Thanks for any help.

*Actually, I know I want a pool but DH says I only think I want a pool. So for now that is the way we'll go. I really really really think ....

Answers:

1. Yes, if you heat it.

2. Yes, it depends on how much you want to pay for gas. I will tell you that we can keep our heated to about 76 degrees with the use of only solar heat panels and the solar cover, so the supplemental gas heat to get it to 82 degrees would be reasonably affordable.

3. Gas. Electric heat is way, way too expensive. But in the south end of TV "gas" means a buried propane tank, not natural gas piped into you house, which is what I have here in Mallory Square.

4. Impossible to estimate without knowing the average temperatures and the size of the pool. But think in terms of up to $400-500 a month without supplemental solar heat and the regular use of a solar blanket.

5. Yes, but be sure to get a roller to make it easier to cover and uncover.

6.I have a fresh water pool and that's the only kind to have in my opinion. The pool services and The Villages are "pushing" salt water pools because they are easier to maintain and use less chemicals. But they are salt water pools. The salinity is less than the ocean, but you still have to shower in fresh water after using a salt water pool. Something to think about. I think you'd still require a pool service, even with a salt water pool.

By the way, if you decide to have a pool built, T&D Pool and Spa is the ONLY contractor to consider. They do a marvelous job of designing and building a pool--on time and competitively priced. They are known and take pride in never having a dissatisfied customer. You may have to wait for them to begin the project, but they will start and finish "on time" according to the schedule they give you. (In our case we had them add a spillover spa to our pool and extend our birdcage by about one-third. Because of a change in the building code since our pool was initially built, I objected to the difference in the size of components in my birdcage. T&D quickly agreed with me and simply tore down and completely rebuilt my entire birdcage to meet the new code, at no cost to me. They also completely replaced all the sod in the areas where they had worked, a benefit I didn't expect--my grass looked better than before they started the large project.)

[tainsley]

Originally Posted by Chi-Town

Picture this. You have a pool, good sized with a couple of waterfalls and a niced sized deck. Right now you're just lazing in the pool on a raft that also has a drink cup holder. Music of your choice is playing on your outdoor speakers and a golf game is on mute under your lanai enclosure. You get out to laze on a chaise lounge until it's time to jump in again. Repeat as necessary. That's why you want a pool.

Good answer! I use my pool daily! Love it! Solar panels and solar cover in winter 77 degrees but warmer than outside temp. So it feels great. Keep a big fluffy robe close by! Did. I say I love my pool?

[Bobcuse]

Originally Posted by another Linda

We've been snowbirds since 2007 having bought a 2/2 CYV. I love it but have decided as we spend more time in TV I want more room ... and I think* I want a pool too. So, that prompts some questions for you pool owners.

1. During January and February, can you use your pool?
2. Can you keep it heated to about 82 degrees? (I'm a whimp)
3. What kind of heat do you have for it?
4. Any ballpark ideas of what it runs to heat during those months?
5. Do you use a solar blanket to preserve heat?
6. What maintenance is required for a saltwater pool?

I could go on, but that is enough for now.

Thanks for any help.


*Actually, I know I want a pool but DH says I only think I want a pool. So for now that is the way we'll go. I really really really think ....

1,2. Yes
3. Heat pump (very inexpensive and only used occasionally Nov-Mar or special occasions.
4. Maybe $30/mo max. Once pool is heated to desired temp, solar blanket retains most of the heat anyhow so heater not running as often.
5. Yes. Usually evenings only.
6. Muratic acid weekly for ph (all pools). Chlorine generator setting done at electric panel setting which is very simple. Weekly vacuuming (all pools). Salt added 2-3 times per year (takes 5 minutes)

We had a large pool in upstate NY for many years and I said "never again" because of the maintenance, but this pool is so simple comparatively! I purchased a fiberglass pool so no liner, no concrete resealing every few years, automatic chlorine generator, quick vacuuming with a "Catfish", etc.

As usual, a variety of opinions. We have a small pool installed by T&D (HIGHLY recommend you use them) and we love it. It's inexpensive, easy to maintain, and great for quick dips on a hot day or morning & evening swims. We swim in Jan and Feb but not as often for obvious reasons. Heat pump heater which is very economical and rarely used but because pool is small it heats up to 85 (wife's required temp) within a few short hours. This is especially helpful when grandkids visit in winter months pool can be ready with an overnight heating. Only cover pool with a solar blanket (provided with pool) when heating. Otherwise we Never cover the pool.