09-05-2016, 09:53 PM
Don't do it! I always wanted a pool, so when we moved here, it was the first thing we did. In hindsight, it was a big mistake. Our build time stretched out for 7 months (2 months of which were permit delays), tho if our builder had focused on our project, it probably could have been done in just a couple of months once the permits were approved. Your installation cost will be outrageous (probably more than $70K), and the ongoing monthly bills to run the pump, keep the water clean etc, will run in the hundreds of dollars. We don't heat our pool - solar heating would have added $10K to the cost -- so the pool gets somewhat nippy in the winter months (yes, we're spoiled, but your desire to enter the pool decreases exponentially for every degree drop below 80 degrees). We do have an attached hot tub which takes the equivalent of a BBQ-sized propane tank's worth of gas each time we crank it up.
Having said all that, we enjoy our pool and hot tub, but only because we have consciously blocked out the per-swim cost of ownership. If I had it to do over again and I was still fixated on having a pool, I'd do an above ground pool with a deck. Much cheaper, easier to maintain, etc. But actually, I'd probably just save the cash and swim at the gorgeous Pahoa pool.
Having said all that, we enjoy our pool and hot tub, but only because we have consciously blocked out the per-swim cost of ownership. If I had it to do over again and I was still fixated on having a pool, I'd do an above ground pool with a deck. Much cheaper, easier to maintain, etc. But actually, I'd probably just save the cash and swim at the gorgeous Pahoa pool.