We had our pool installed 7.5 years ago. Use it almost every day. I would not live here without my own pool. We have a koi pond that is going to be filled in. Tired of the birds eating them.

I've had a pool for two years now. First year it was T&D and I was happy only because of the tech assigned to my pool. From time to time I had substitutes from TD and they were worthless. Eventually, TD moved my tech to another neighborhood. That killed TD for me. Tried other companies - all were a hands down no-go.

Second year I started doing it myself. Previous posters have commented on that route. If you are able you'll have a more satisfying relationship with ur pool if you do it yourself.

Within my first 6 months I converted the pool to salt - did it myself, very easy to do. Me personally, I'm convinced it makes for an easier maintenance of the pool.

My wife does the chemical checks - I do the labor part. Every once in awhile she will run samples to Pinch a Penny to make sure she is reading the results properly. They don't charge for the samples but of course they will make recommendations for stuff that you can add to ur pool for various reasons.

She chemicals once a week. I clean twice a month during the hot season once a month during the colder months.

The hardest (if you want to call it that) element of the work component is brushing the sides. I don't have any issue with it but it can be a slight bit strenuous... depending on how hard you are willing to work it.

Bottom line. Unless you absolutely can't or don't want to - learn to do it yourself.

I often wonder why people feel the need to get a pool when they have a nice pool in every neighborhood. People think they will use it so much more, but more than likely they will rarely use it.

Agree with the post about Troublefreepools.com. A must-read for anyone with a salt water pool or anyone thinking of handling maintenance themselves. The App of Pool Math will help you keep track of everything and suggest when, what and how much to add of something. The pool stores will check your water and will sell you their product. With a simple kit from Taylor, you can check your own pool and know exactly what’s going on. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re inclined to try it yourself look up Trouble free pools.

We use our pool almost daily. Nothing like floating in the pool at night looking at the stars. The privacy is priceless.

Pool costs
 

Since you probably have a cage over your pool I know you probably have very few leaves getting into it. The real labor is checking your skimmer every day or two bending down picking it up and shaking at the dirt and leaves. The monthly or bi-monthly labor is cleaning your filter by either backwashing or getting a cartridge. The daily thing you should be doing he's checking the pH level and the chlorine level which is a 2 minute test with a couple of paper strips or you take a sample of water to any pool supply store and a check for free. When I had my pool in New Jersey for 10 years the most relaxing half an hour every couple of nights would be to take a broom and sweep the bottom and walk around the pool and relax then take a nice dip. Anytime you want to trade homes with me so I can use the pool feel free to respond

B.O.A.T. stands for Break Out Another Thousand....
Been there done that...
:popcorn::popcorn:

In race between boat and pool who will win the biggest money pit race? :)

You will need it 4 times more in the summer because of the rain and heat (chemicals will get out of balance).

Swim pool service
 

I have been in
Florida for 37 years of those I've had a pool for 27 years. In the summer do every week without fail. Once It gets unbalanced and low on chlorine it can go green and then it costs more to fix. Do test strips every other day to monitor.
Winter ok for every other week, but winter in Florida is mid November to mid March.

Ours is $130/mo for pool and spa.

Pool Cleaning
 

WOW, we must be lucky. We only pay $90 a month and we have the best guy possible. He takes care of the pool and even makes repairs if needed very reasonably. Our pool is always glistening.
Think a pool is a waste of money? Our grandson doesn't think so PLUS watch how many people get up from their chairs, get in the pool for maybe a minute, shiver (if you know what I mean), then get out. Nasty nasty

Hmmm, why would I want my own pool here in The Villages?

1. My pool water is clearer and cleaner than any pool in The Villages. I know what's (and who) has been in it.
2. I can drink anything I want in my pool. If I want to have a cocktail while floating around, no one's going to complain.
3. No folks to contend with that think they need to enforce every rule (even when it's only their rule).
4. I can play any type of music I want, at the volume I prefer.
5. You can only go into a Villages pool once without a swimsuit - after that you're banned :)
6. My pool is open 24x7. After a long night dancing at the square, it feels awesome to jump in.
7. I can take floaties, toys, etc into the pool.

That's a short quick list, but you get the idea - there are a many more reasons. I've had a pool at my home wherever I've been for the past 35 years and have never not used it, nor thought it was useless.

Excellent post!

If you do all your own vacuuming and minor daily cleaning tasks (chemical check), you should only need "Mr. Pool Dude" for opening, closing, and other extensive jobs like pump replacement. I did all that myself for my pool in Pennsylvania before moving here. But that's also why I sold that house and pool for someone else now gets to have all that fun. The last few years were getting to be a drag. If you don't close the pool for a period of time, forget that part.