Pool Days Are Great...Not Sure Sometimes About the Long Term Value

So if you were to drive by our house, you might incorrectly assume that the Bizarri's are wealthy.  Honestly, if I didn't know better and were to drive by my house, I would think that.  The most notable attribute to that conclusion is the pool that sits in the back yard and is viewable from our neighborhood street.  From all appearances, it looks great.  And to be again honest, since I've known Amber, we have put some effort and money into the pool - landscaping, a heater, a new liner, additional patio room, lights on the gazebo, etc...  If I may so, it looks nice.

And when the weather supplies a good ole typical midwest summer day with heat and humidity, floating in the pool is AWESOME.  And since I've been able to lose a little weight and add some exercise to my life, using the pool to swim or to water run is also very convenient and saves money on membership to an activity center or YMCA.  Another factor is that we are able to invite others to the pool that often help Amber and me out with various things - particularly my mom and Amber's mom and dad.  When they join us, and they are able to relax and enjoy the pool, I appreciate the pool even more for them.

So those are the good things.  Did I mention that maintenance of that dang pool is pretty much a part-time job - particularly keeping chlorine levels adequate, backwashing the filter, and vacuuming our dirt and other particles that find their way into the pool?  And did I mention that regular supplies like chemical and occasional items like new motors, a new heater, and a liner are quite expensive?  I don't think I would be stretching the truth too far to suggest that we probably spend around $2,000 a summer on the pool.  Then there is the periodic switch of filter sand or the need for a new chlorinator or leveling out the paving brick on the south side of the pool.  Those jobs aren't much fun - at all.

Another important fact...use of the pool sometimes begin in May if Mother Nature cooperates.  We try to open it earlier than that to minimize opening costs, but actually using the pool does require decent weather unless the heater is used a lot.  And because I umpire a lot in June, I only really use the pool regularly in July.  As August rolls around, by mid-month it's time to go back to work with my teaching job.  With those things in mind, my "window" of regular use of the pool is about six weeks.  With Mother Nature's cooperation, use of the pool can extend into September, and then by the end of October, we are winterizing the pool, attaching the cover, and putting her to bed for the winter months.

So is it worth it?  I think I am going to try to get more use out of the pool to help me feel better about all the money, time, and effort that is expended.  Plus, I'm trying to invite friends, neighbors, and family over more often for others to get more use.  For my own peace of mind, I'm just going to try to slow my life down and simply work harder to enjoy the pool when I'm in it.  Maybe through al of these ways, I'll feel better about its worthiness!