There might be nothing stranger than being the owner of an in ground pool in Canada. For nine months of the year we stare longingly at a black tarp covered in all manner of leaves and standing water. So what do we do? We take great care of that black tarp. In Fall we ensure it doesn’t become too laden down with the thick red leaves of the Maple trees. In winter we carefully watch the black tarp, hoping the heavy snow and ice don’t become too much for the thick plastic to bear. And in Spring we quickly scoop off the decomposing pine needles, the rotting leaves and all manner of ick, anxious to get at the precious crystal clear blue water that lays beneath. We do all of this for what is most certainly the shortest pool season in the world.
In late May we open that pool and began the prayers for sunny days.
In July and August we crank the pool heater (and stop looking at those heating bills) hoping to get the very most use out of that pool season, we start inviting over all the friends. Only 8 weekends exist to squeeze in as much pool time as possible. I spend my morning making food runs, there are never enough chips, popsicles, burgers or hotdogs. My afternoons watching teens scream and swim. I even squeeze in a little pool time myself. Evening means endless loads of laundry. Why are there never enough towels at the pool? It’s a never ending cycle of shopping, swimming, eating, laundry. The floors are always wet. The backyard is always full. My fridge is always on the verge of empty. Having a pool? It’s work, it’s exhausting, and despite my minor complaining….I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Summer. Long live summer.
We did have a pool with one of our houses but luckily there was someone to do all the maintenance, add the right chemicals and clean it. The kids loved it but I wouldn’t want another, all that hard work and for only roughly 8 weeks.
What a pretty awesome pool. Bet you are making the best of it this hot week!
It does sound like a lot of work, but a lot of fun too! Your back yard is gorgeous.
What a beautiful set up 🙂
I have such fond memories of my grand parents pool growing up – we spent SO much time in the pool as well… I miss those days!
No room for a pool at my place, but luckily I have a friend that does,
As much as I would love a pool I don’t think I can handle all the upkeep. Too much for for me.
Having a pool would be great – if it weren’t for all of the maintenance necessities!
We grew up with a pool and now I have one for my kids. Everything you said is true! So much work, but so worth it.
It sounds perfect!
Would love to have a pool!
I love this. well done. my exact sentiments ! I love my family,I love my friends -that all party in my backyard. I enjoy it! I look forward to it and am incredibly blessed to live this for alreast 8 glorious weeks that we call summer. it’s short, it’s sweet and if we’re lucky – you can maybe squeeze a few more ‘fall’ swims. live it love it fun it
You have a wonderful pool, I would love to have something like this, go and take a dip at midnight if I felt like it!
Oh, how I would love to have a pool right about now…considering it’s been above 90 degrees here for days and days and days.
Enjoy it while you can!
We had a pool growing up and I lived in it all summer! I miss those days!
I’m wondering how my yard would do with a pool given the height of snow? ACK! I’m thinking broken covers?