So you're considering taking the plunge (har, har!) and installing an at-home swimming pool. When it comes to the water, you have two choices: salt water or chlorine. We've rounded up a few tips to help you decide what's best, so grab your goggles and water wings and read on!
Salt water Systems
*At-home ocean. Who needs a beach vacation if you have a salt water swimming pool? You get an ocean-like feel without crowded beaches or pricey airfare.
*More comfortable. Salt water systems create water that is much easier on the skin. You probably won't experience red eyes or itchy skin as you would in chlorinated water, which is a great benefit if you and your family will be spending lots of time in the pool.
*Saves time and money. Although salt water systems may be initially more expensive than chlorine, they're cheaper to maintain over the long-term. They're also less time-consuming to maintain, giving you more time to enjoy the pool!
*Less sanitation. A drawback of salt water? It maintains a higher pH than chlorinated water, and above a certain pH, will not sanitize items that come in contact with the water. This isn't a deal-breaker, however; you'll just need to monitor the water's salinity and pH and clean as necessary.
In continuing a discussion about things I'd like to have in my dream home (including a secret room), an in-ground swimming pool tops the list. I've loved to swim and be near the water since I was a kid, and I've always thought that having a pool in my backyard would be the ultimate indulgence.
Thanks to the Wall Street Journal's thorough breakdown, however, I have a more realistic idea of pool costs. Reporter Brett Arends writes that most financial experts recommend setting aside a whopping $25,000 to $50,000 for an in-ground pool. And that's just the initial cost.
In the vein of great time travel comedies such as Back to the Future and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, the curiously named Hot Tub Time Machine opens Friday.
For some reason we want to see this film on opening night. Maybe it's the time machine concept that is so well worn but often hilarious or the fact they are going back to 1986 which was the present in Back to the Future and has such a great soundtrack (if you like New Order). The casting of John Cusack in a movie that goes back to the 80's is brilliant as he owned that decade.
We can't promise hot tubs that will take you back in time but these beauties will make you forget about the present.
Don't forget safety when thinking about a backyard pool. Install it the right way and enjoy your oasis with peace of mind (and no liability).
A fence is almost always necessary with any backyard pool over 24" deep. If you install an above ground and have a non-climbable railing completely surrounding it, you won't need a fence. Otherwise, count on it being necessary.
A lockable gate is also going to be essential for pool safety. Look for products specially made for pools that have lock mechanisms built right in. Some states and municipalities also require a gate to be self-closing.
