Pond or Pool

[underpants]

A note of precaution for those who want to just automatically answer POOL

[applegrove]

1. How about a pond/pool? I once saw an article of how to make a natural pool

that self cleans with plants. The edges are very shallow and filled with all sorts of water plants. You get in by a cantelevered dock. You swim in the middle only. Really beautiful.

[MajorChode]

2. Pools suck

The kids enjoy them for one or two summers, then dad is stuck maintaining the pool for all of eternity.

If you're really into swimming and you're sure it's going to be a lifelong habit, then there might be a reason to get a pool, but even at that you would be better served by a larger public pool. It's like building a jogging track that's only 100 yards around.

A properly designed and built pond requires very little maintenance and can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

[Digit]

3. We had an inground pool in our first home in San Diego

Too much work.
Now, it would be a dealbreaker if I was looking at homes and the home had a pool, but then again, I don't have a large family.

I did create a pond of sorts at my existing home though....although I call it a "puddle" since it is so small. It is only small because I discovered the gas line while digging....duh! I add feeder goldfish in the spring and I have a resident bullfrog that found it on his own.

[seemunkee]

4. We have a pool

One of the reasons we bought the house and why we stay here despite the kids moving out.
I love it and go swimming almost every day during the summer, and after a long bike ride it is heaven.
I'm going to add a couple more solar heater panels this spring to make it cheaper to maintain.

[MorningGlow]

5. Pond, pool...

Pond'd be good for you.