Summer Friends and Pool Problems

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.