Owning A Swimming Pool: Debunking The Myths
With summer approaching, many families in the area are thinking about water fun and swimming. And, nothing beats a sparkling clear swimming pool when the temperature rises and the humidity follows.
“Swimming pools can bring a family together like no other activity,” says Duane Farwell, Owner of Farwell Pools and construction. “Often people tell us their pool became a focal point in their family because of the type of fun and play that occurs with a pool. Our customers routinely tell us it’s the best thing they have ever done for their family in terms of togetherness,”
Farwell adds.
Many times people decide against owning a pool because they are making decisions based on myths that are just not accurate. After we discuss those misconceptions with people, very often they ‘dive in’ and build a pool.”
What are these misconceptions? According to Duane they are as follows:
MYTH #1 Having A Pool Will Take Up All My Spare Time
FACT — Vinyl liner pools require about an hour per week of attention. Duane says that is the source of the biggest “chuckle” with customers after the fact, when they discovered how little time was required to maintain their pool.
MYTH #2 Pools Require Large Water Usage
FACT — Filling a new pool only represents a smaller portion of total usage for the average family. Additionally, you fill a pool completely only once, and in subsequent years you would refresh the water, using far less water than filling the pool. In general, says Duane, is really a small issue.
MYTH #3 Chemical Costs Are High
FACT — Today’s systems for purifying water are extremely efficient and require minimal upkeep. One method, salt chlorinating systems, can produce all the chlorine needed for upkeep. As the chlorine does its job, it degenerates… reverting back to salt. In turn, the salt is recycled to chlorine continuing an endless cycle of maintaining proper chlorine levels and reducing cost.
MYTH #4 Pools Need Strong/High Chlorine Levels
FACT — The average pool needs between one and two parts per million (ppm), a far lower concentration than popularly believed.
Many people draw conclusions from being exposed to improperly chlorinated water. Properly chlorinated water for pools is similar to municipal tap water for drinking, showering, etc.
MYTH #5 All Inground Pools Are The Same
FACT — There are three main types of pool construction, including steel wall with vinyl liner, concrete, and fiberglass shell. Steel wall, vinyl liner is the most popular in our climate due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and design flexibility. Vinyl liner pools enjoy a very high customer satisfaction rating.
MYTH #6 Inground Pools Do Not Add To Property Values
FACT — According to an article in the Pool and Spa News, a National Association of Realtors study has revealed inground swimming pools add 8 to 15% to property values. In addition, a larger number of buyers now are actually looking for homes with a swimming pool already installed.
