Calling all pool experts...

[GregWeld]

I have both a pool and a hot tub and there are days I use the hot tub twice a day... I wouldn't have a house without one.

The pool is a social magnet and has created a lot of enjoyable days with friends and family as the pool leads to food and drink etc. It's a great gathering place on nice days. If you have to calculate what it's going to cost... then you're just stupid. Things with water in them or around them - are costly. Doesn't matter how much actual use it gets - the pumps run the heater runs - there's chemicals - there's repairs.... People on a budget should not own one. Sorry... not trying to be an ass -- it's just being factual.

I never look at the water or do anything with the hot tub or the pool -- there's services that do this all for you. It should just be part of the drill. 52 weeks a year - weekly service. In the long run -- it's cheaper because they keep the stuff in tip top shape - and the chemical balance is critical. Get it wrong and it eats stuff up... Working on that stuff would take all the fun out of ownership.