Back Yard Swimming Pool

Ummmm...go ahead, sounds like a good idea?

Don't know what you're looking for? Ideas on the type of pool? Landscaping? Reassurance? A contractor?

Sounds like you've got everything picked out. Do what you want. Just make sure you have a fence that is lockable around the pool.

Kids (even if you don't have any yourself) have the potential to wander in and drown. If it's your kid, you'll never forgive yourself. If it is a neighborhood kid, you'll have a nice lawsuit on your hands.

Why did you say "mid atlantic states?"

You could have just told us what state it is.

i knew it wrote:

Why did you say "mid atlantic states?"

You could have just told us what state it is.

He doesn't want people to make fun of him for living in Delaware.

Thorpedo wrote:

i knew it wrote:

Why did you say "mid atlantic states?"

You could have just told us what state it is.

He doesn't want people to make fun of him for living in Delaware.

I live in SE Pennsylvania right next to Delaware and it can be a nice place haha

unky Steve wrote:

I live in SE Pennsylvania right next to Delaware and it can be a nice place haha

Yes, compared to SE PA, Delaware is a nice place.

That's like arguing that 7:00 is a good mile time because you run 10:00.

Thorpedo wrote:

unky Steve wrote:

I live in SE Pennsylvania right next to Delaware and it can be a nice place haha

Yes, compared to SE PA, Delaware is a nice place.

That's like arguing that 7:00 is a good mile time because you run 10:00.

lol why is SE Pennsylvania bad? I live in West Chester, which is a nice place.

And I actually do like Delaware, even though what I've seen of it seems a little dated

Sounds fine, just don't forget to build a smoking jacket hanging up room.

We live in Central Pa - we have an inground pool - opened from May 1 to Oct 1. Most use during June, July, August...kids seem to lose interest once school starts in September....we're happy with it - less than an hour per week of maintenance...not sure we'd be thrilled with it if we did not have kids. You'll want to budget closer to 50K once you have the landscaping and fencing done. Don't go too large...ends up being a waste and 15-20 years from now when you have to replace the liner, it can be twice as costly.

As you know, having a pool will restrict the number of potential buyers if you decide to sell your house.

If have kids-- don't do it if they have a social life at the beach/pool.

My mom used to bring us kids to the local community pool back in the day and just cut us loose. It was great fun-- I made a friends from other schools, kissed my first girl, drank my first beer-- did a lot of growing up. It was especially important since we lived out in the country and there really wasn't anywhere else to hang out.

Then-- after I left for college-- my dad put in a pool on the theory that he was spending so much money at the community pool that he might as well get something for it. Well-- my brothers and sister lost out on a whole bunch of fun times and eventually stopped using the pool altogether. Even with three kids, they just couldn't find enough things to do.

Of course-- we kids moved out, my dad-- who turned 80 last year-- stopped caring for the thing about a decade ago. The pool is literally a pond. It even has a tree or two growing in it.

Even if there are enough neighborhood kids to come over and play/hang out-- I'd still think twice about it. At some point, one of those kids is going to get hurt...

If you are planning to stay in your house for several years, than build the pool. If you think you may sell fairly soon, then don't. Pools are not an attractive option to most home buyers.

I would build a rectangle shaped pool with a spa attached to it. It is great fun to play in the pool and then be able to sit in the spa with your friends. If the pool is regular shaped, it is easier to swim in.

If you do indeed swim, then make it as long as possible.

Look in to alternate methods to keep it clean, chlorine isn't the only choice, and if you get some type of solar heater, you can extend your swimming season by a few months. May-October is about what you can count on.

Pools cost money to build and alot of money to run with the electricity for the pump, cleaning equipment, chemicals etc. If you factor in all of those things then go for it.

Hey, pools can be fun. They are also a lot of work, so get ready to either pay for someone to take care of the thing or start budgeting some time to do it yourself. They are like boats:

Holes in the ground/water in which you just keep throwing money. That said, what isn't?

My advice would be to go small. Smaller the better. Easier to maintain, less expensive. You can make it nicer (slate, etc.)

Also, you will realize that the best part of owning a pool is just jumping in an relaxing. If you like to swim, you can always add an endless pool device to an existing pool.

We owned a larger pool when we lived on the coast. It was very nice, had an "infinity" pool edge that looked out on the Intracoastal Waterway. Also had a hottub that flowed into the pool to keep it warm. It was saltwater, too, which I would encourage you to consider. Depending on the area, saltwater can be a lot easier to maintain.

We moved to a house with no pool, but ended up putting in a very small one simply for rinsing off after runs, sitting in with a drink, etc. It is about 2 or 3 times the size of a large hottub and we actually prefer it to a larger pool. It fits about six people very comfortably (Not too close). We added an endless pool device and I use it about 2 times a week.

Downside is that you cannot dive in or swim laps (obviously). We use it more, though.