We pay $50 a month for a pool guy and this includes his materials & labor for maintaining the chemical balance of the water. He comes once a week. He does not scoop up debris (leaves, etc)in the pool for this price. You can do it yourself for probably half the price.

We have solar heating (cost $4000??? to install) and I highly recomend it. It extends the swim season and allows us to keep the pool temp at 87 degrees. That sounds hot, but it’s still very refreshing and it’s comfortable to use in the evening.

Kids love the pool, but as an adult I don’t think you would use it much if your home was in a cooler coastal area. I find that the temperature has to be in the mid 80s before I am interested in going for a swim, but I like to sit out next to the pool even when I am not using it. For me architectural pleasing pools surrounded by nice landscaping greatly contributes to the ambience of a yard. Our pool is surrounded by palm trees and sub-tropical plants. It makes me feel like I’m at a resort. For me 50% of the value of the pool is esthetics.