Of course we think you should get a pool. We also believe in doing your homework. Here's a basic place to start, http://poolandhottub.apsp.org/Pools.aspx And for your peace of mind, ALWAYS use an APSP Certified Building Professional or APSP Certified Service Professional for your pool or hot tub projects. They adhere to standards and ethical guidelines. Here's a video that explains more. Good luck!

love the idea of that but want to go more traditional to match house.

we have a pool at our summer house which is a mile from the ocean. we love it. love it. did i say we love it? you can, on 30 sec. notice, go out and sit by it. its pretty. you dont need to find a parking spot. no one is sitting in your chair. you dont need to make plans. you just go out and sit by it. you can even put on your suit and swim in it.

does it cost money? of course. i feel you wouldnt be asking if you couldnt afford it. whether you want to spend the money for that, only you can decide.

but we love ours, even though its just a mile from the ocean.

you have a very pretty site. it's worth investigating to find out exactly how much it would cost.

and weekly pool service isn't all that much money, depending how long your swim season is of course.

did i mention we love our pool? we werent going to buy this house because it had a pool. "who needs a pool a mile from the ocean". whoa, close call. we almost ended up without a pool.

We have decided on doing a rectangle 16x26 with a spa. Very excited. Now we have to decide on salt water chlorine or the regular chlorine. We live in a warm climate so our pool would be used 75% of the year!

you'll be so happy.

We have had always had a pool and love it. When I hear people talk about this overwhelming amount of work connected I can only think they don't own a pool. I will admit your budget will go up with a pool. Electric and chemical costs when the pool is up and running can be pricey. I think a rectangular pool would work best in your yard. Our first pool was free form but we now have a rectangular. I prefer the rectangular as you get more open pool area.

I sorta get the feeling the free form style is a bit passé. whenever I see the house spreads they seem to have rectangular.

Yeah and I wanted those clean lines. Thanks for your input!

Salt water pool is so nice and seems to be lower maintenance. After swimming in ours, my skin feels great. The salt is the same product that is used in water softening systems.