The Pool

I've got a pool now.  I've actually had it since late January and the water temperature is finally warm enough to swim in (77°F) without jumping out immediately.  Pools require considerable maintenance.  I check the skimmer basket and pump basket daily.  Once or twice a week I brush and vacuum.  I regularly check water chemistry and occasionally backwash the filter.  It's not too much work if I can keep up with it.

This pool is big - 16' x 32' or so with a spa and a diving board.  It dominates the backyard and looks fantastic lit up at night.  While in the pool I think of the house that came with it as just a poolhouse.

The best thing about the pool is being able to run out the back door like a madman yelling "Yoo hoo!" and jumping into the pool, with or without a swim suit.  It's great floating around and thinking or even saying out loud "We have a pool!  We have a pool!"  It must be even more fun for the wife and child, who get to do the same thing without any of the upkeep.

The second best thing is being in that elite group who can frequent a pool supply store.  It costs about $70 a visit for whatever.  You must watch it though.  Last weekend I went in for a $15 light bulb and was offered a $370 LED version that could make the pool glow several colors.  The $15 light required a $20 gasket and an $8 tube of pool lube for a grand total of $51 + tax.  Less than $70 - success!

I'm sure someday I'll come home and have to clean the gosh darned pool.  Right now, I don't feel that way and I hope this newness lasts.

We've got a pool!