[Trash Can]

Originally Posted by yellowsnow

I don't think it ever gets too hot to swim. It's great to toss something on the BBQ and take a dip. Pools are expensive but they are a great amenity too. I would seldom go outside in the summer if I didn't have a pool. It's also nice to set up your lounge in the shade and read or listen to music as well. We have a lot of meals on the patio too. Just being out by the pool makes you feel cooler even if you aren't swimming.

It's so nice to be able to jump in and cool off, day or night, at a moments notice when it's stinking hot. It's amazing how much better you will feel once your body core is cooled down, even if you're in the pool for just a few minutes.

My neighbor rarely uses their pool. To them, it's an expensive outdoor decoration that require lots of upkeep. On the other hand, we use our almost daily and absolutely love it despite the maintenance involved. Pools can be a pain in the butt, but if you're the type of person who will use it frequently, the benefits far outweigh the costs IMO.

You just need to know what you're getting into when you decide you want to own a pool. Attitude and expectations are everything. Personally, I wouldn't live here without one.

[MediocreButArrogant]

Originally Posted by cal-eta

I have a sweep called "the Pool Sweep" from Germany, it works off pool suction return and will keep the bottom spotless. it runs while the filter pump is on.

I think what you have is called "The Pool Cleaner", and it is built in the USA, not Germany. The company just happens to have a German-sounding name, "POOLVERGNUEGEN". Well, they also claim "German engineering", which may just mean the guy who designed it was named Hans. I've had a 2WD "The Pool Cleaner" for a couple years, which I purchased based on the advice of the regulars over at TroubleFreePool.com. I've heard the new Barracuda MX-8 might be even better.

[MediocreButArrogant]

Originally Posted by Tek_Freek

Mrs. Tek and I got to talking about pools after reading comments on City Data and were wondering:

Are they expensive to fill?

Your typical residential Las Vegas pool is around 15k gallons. Older homes and luxury homes often have larger pools, newer homes often have smaller pools.

Water rates are tiered, so the marginal cost of 15k gallons of water could be anywhere from $25 to about $70. Here were my rates for a particularly wasteful month when I had an irrigation leak (53,000 gallons):

Tier #1 7 x $1.16 8.12
Tier #2 8 x $2.08 16.64
Tier #3 15 x $3.09 46.35
Tier #4 23 x $4.58 105.34

Evaporation on my 450 sq ft pool is about 70 gallons/day during the hottest part of the summer, so that is about 2k gallons/month.

[Tek_Freek]

Ouch! You need an "It's Leaking! Alarm".

I'm spoiled. When we built this house 23 years ago I had them install an agricultural meter, which is a second meter that only has outside water running through it. No sewage fees. At that time it cost $80 to install and since our first summer with new sod was a scorcher it paid for itself before the summer ended. The last time I asked it was $450 to install IF they would let you.

So that 2k a month should run about $3.30 or so. Not much compared to what I'm seeing for other costs associated with a pool.

[cal-eta]

Originally Posted by MediocreButArrogant

I think what you have is called "The Pool Cleaner", and it is built in the USA, not Germany. The company just happens to have a German-sounding name, "POOLVERGNUEGEN". Well, they also claim "German engineering", which may just mean the guy who designed it was named Hans. I've had a 2WD "The Pool Cleaner" for a couple years, which I purchased based on the advice of the regulars over at TroubleFreePool.com. I've heard the new Barracuda MX-8 might be even better.

now that I look at it. One expense I had with his sweep is that after running it every day for a year and a half the tires wore out. The sweep was getting stuck on the return drains at the pool bottom because there wasn't enough clearance to go over the drain grid. Ordered a pair of tires from leslie and that "got 'er done"... cost $65ish.

[airics]

I have a pool shark.. no problems whatsoever..... Shark + AA702's pool service = perfect pool

[AA702]

Yes the Kreepy Krauly Pool Shark that Airics has in his pool works great! I would recomend that for anyone looking for a good pool vac.

[cal-eta]

Originally Posted by MediocreButArrogant

Evaporation on my 450 sq ft pool is about 70 gallons/day during the hottest part of the summer, so that is about 2k gallons/month.

I have been told that every two years the pool needs to be drained and refilled due to mineral retention from evaporation. Anybody else hear of this?

[AA702]

Originally Posted by cal-eta

I have been told that every two years the pool needs to be drained and refilled due to mineral retention from evaporation. Anybody else hear of this?

Most pools should be drained mostly because of high levels of CYA (stabilizer or conditioner). This is the due to too much use of Trichlor Tablets or Dichlor Shock. Normally i would drain a pool if they surpass 120PPM or more. You can use chemicals like a Polyquat algaestat to prevent algae growth in your pool due to higher levels of CYA. High mineral content is also a reason to drain your pool and should be tested with a good test kit. I typically drain pools in a 3-4 year cycle depending on the situation.

[cal-eta]

Originally Posted by AA702

Most pools should be drained mostly because of high levels of CYA (stabilizer or conditioner). This is the due to too much the use of Trichlor Tablets or Dichlor Shock. Normally i would drain a pool if they surpass 120PPM or more. You can use chemicals like a Polyquat algaestat to prevent algae growth in your pool due to higher levels of CYA. High mineral content is also a reason to drain your pool and should be tested with a good test kit. I typically drain pools in a 3-4 year cycle depending on the situation.

for your experienced reply. that makes a little more sense.