Is Installing A Swimming Pool A Good Idea?
Posted by Kent Carpenter on Mon, Apr 12, 2010 @ 06:37 PM
Is installing a swimming pool in your backyard a good idea?
In over 30 years in the swimming pool industry I do not recall ever being asked this question by someone considering the purchase of an inground swimming pool. Now that is not to say that I did not mention specific advantages of swimming pool ownership however the questions and answers seemed to be more focused on the technical aspects surrounding installing a swimming pool, than why install a swimming pool. Common questions asked are "What size pool should I install?", or "What are the advantages of fiberglass swimming pools over vinyl liner pools or concrete pools?". Of course these questions as well as the many other detail specific questions that are asked while certainly important they are questions that are asked by someone who already "gets it!". I believe that in most every case these types of questions were being asked by interested consumers that had made a decision to install a swimming pool and that to them it was justifiable and a good idea. This group had moved on to learning more about swimming pools so that they would make a more informed purchasing decision.
Where's the Fun in That?
It is interesting to me that there is an incredible amount of pool industry information written about swimming pools, spas, and all of the related equipment, yet there are relatively few articles written where we can learn about the incredible backyard fun that a pool can provide. The swimming pool industry in general has not done a very good job of promoting the answer to the question. Sure if you want to learn about the different types of pool construction or the advantages of one product over another that information is available to you. But the question of "why should we install a swimming pool?" must be addressed.
The Why Of Owning Your Own Swimming Pool or What Am I Missing?
Your missing a lot! That early swim all alone just you and the birds...playing with the kids in the pool until you are all exhausted, creating memories they will never forget, family BBQ's, entertaining friends and relatives, or even a romantic twilight swim with a significant other. There is nothing quite like a swimming pool to draw people together. Friends of mine recently loaned out their home with pool for a friend of theirs to "tie the knot". Weddings, baptisms, birthday parties, anniversaries somehow become almost magical events that are warmly remembered and talked about for years to come. That is what is all about sharing lives around your pool.
Vacations, boats, swim clubs, golf courses they are all great fun as well but they
all require you to leave home to participate. Often times we are in such a rush doing just that leaving home that we miss some of the most important moments in our lives. That special unrepeatable moment like when my daughter first put her head underwater or my son did his first handstand. We miss enough having to work for a living if we miss these moments than what's the point of it all anyway?
You just cannot afford to miss those special moments of life that come from just being at home, relaxing and available.
Please share any special "swimming pool related" memories that you may have!