25 Aug Top 5 Myths of Pool Ownership

Those of us who have a pool understand the benefits of pool ownership. However, you probably found this blog post because you are thinking of either building a pool or buying a house that already has a pool. Therefore, let us offer you this helpful information to save you hours of time and frustration in sorting out facts from myths about swimming pool ownership. The team of pool professionals at American Pools and Spas has decades of pool building, installation and maintenance experience. In addition to building residential pools, we also build and install spas, water fountains, splash pads and commercial swimming pools – so it’s fair to say, we are the Orlando Pool Builder experts you can trust for facts you need to know about owning and maintaining a swimming pool.

Here are the Top 5 Myths of Pool Ownership:

MYTH #1: An In-Ground Pool Costs More Than We Can Afford

FACT: Installing an in-ground pool is not an inexpensive process – it definitely is an investment made by the homeowner to upgrade both home value and quality of life. The straightforward facts: pool cost is related to size first, and then upgrades and options second. The larger the pool, the more it costs to install. Contrary to popular belief, a free-form pool will generally cost less than a geometric or straight line pool. After that is the size of deck, also based on size and surface square footage. See more information on how much does it cost to build a pool. And finally, banks and other lenders will often favorably consider swimming pool financing, seeing it a “home improvement” that will increase both the current and resale value of the home.

MYTH #2: Swimming Pools and Pool Pumps Are Expensive To Operate

FACT: This myth is a carryover from the old days of pool ownership when most pools operated on a traditional single speed pump. Thanks to great innovations in pool pump technology, most pools are outfitted with energy-efficient variable speed pumps and programmable timers that can offer considerable savings, up to 70% resulting in hundreds of dollars saved on an annual basis! Last, many pool owners simply run their pool pump longer than is necessary to keep their pool clean. It’s best to determine the minimum required run-time and stick with that time-frame.

MYTH #3: Maintenance Of A Swimming Pool Will Be Difficult And Costly

FACT: The goal in pool ownership is pool maintenance and pool cleaning will take less time, money and energy than you spend on your lawn and/or landscaping. While some homeowners opt to hire pool maintenance professionals to maintain the swimming pool, the fact is you could easily clean your own pool in 30 minutes or less, just once a week (with a bit of practice and knowledge about pool water). By maintaining your pool regularly and routinely testing the water, you’ll dramatically cut down expenses for pool water treatment chemicals. With just a few easy-to-follow steps, you can have a sparkling, refreshing oasis to enjoy year-round. Read about the differences between a suction cleaner, a pressure cleaner and a robotic cleaner.

MYTH #4: We’ll Get A Swimming Pool – Then No One Will Use It

FACT: According to a poll conducted by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, 76% of pool owners say they are extremely or very satisfied with their pools. They also consider it a great place for kid-friendly fun, and believe that having a pool entices their family to spend more time together in their own backyards. Home owners with a pool use it frequently for relaxation, entertainment, celebrations and exercise. Finally, when you consider the tropical-like weather we experience in Central Florida, ‘pool time’ becomes a year-round activity. Check out the Top 4 swimming pool games for family fun!

MYTH #5: Salt Water Pools Are Natural and Require No-Added Chemicals

FACT: Essentially, a salt water pool chlorination system simply takes the salt and produces chlorine. You monitor and maintain your pool using the same pool water test kits as with a chlorine pool and add chemicals to treat when your swimming pool demands it. All types of pool water will still need to have proper pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and stabilizer levels. Sunlight, rainfall, temperature, number of swimmers and frequency of pool use affect the rate of chlorine loss. But it is important to remember, saltwater swimming pools are not chlorine-free pools. The salt water system simply means adding pool salt to make pool chlorine by installing a pool chlorine salt water generator.

Final Facts To Consider: While there is definitely the perfect swimming pool and/or spa for your family and home, no pool operating system is perfect and all types of pools and spas require maintenance. You need to choose which is best to meet your needs. Now that you know the facts about pool ownership, the decision about whether to install a new pool comes down to design, cost to build, economy of maintenance and peace of mind about the choice you’ve made. Contact us today at 407-847-9322 to request a FREE estimate on your dream pool or spa!