Two tiny faces with their noses pressed up against the window screen say: "Mom, why don't we have a pool?" as they both stare longingly at the pool across the street. Every 80 something degree day my family tries to "break me", that is get me to cave in and buy a pool. Having a pool has become a status symbol in my neighborhood-or at least it seems that way. Every other house has one and if they don’t they will tell you they are getting one soon. As a kid I didn’t have a pool, at least a real one at that. I had one of those self fill ones with the collapsible sides that didn’t have a filter or a cover. It was something you put up on really hot days and took it down within a few days or when too much grass got into it. So I sound like my mother…but I didn’t die without one?
Yet, I recognize for my 5 year old twins the slip and slide is not getting it done. I bought one of those inflatable monstrosities last year and took it back 5 days later when it sprung a leak and the water pressure died. So we are back on the pool kick, even my husband wants one and this year they are relentless. I can only hope that the early warm weather will soon dissipate and take the begging along with it. My reasons for not wanting the pool? I have several actually, one I refuse to keep up with Jones’ in my neighborhood. Another reason is because we live in Michigan and let’s face it, most years you get robbed. We have a perfectly lovely community center just a few miles away…they even have diving boards and a water slide. How can I compete with that?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Mom...why don't we have a pool?
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I wish I had a pool :D
ReplyDeleteWe do have a pool, and you're right...most years we do get robbed! We put it in a few years ago after that one sweltering hot summer, and it has never been that hot since. What happened to global warming? But it's looking promising so far this year, and it's nice to sit by the pool while reading these blogs. I have to take the side of your kids and husband...you'll enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that you take initiative not to compete with your neighbors. Many times this is the curse of the middle class pushing us over the fence into unexpected poverty.
ReplyDeleteThe upkeep is a hassle and I have to agree with you that the summer days are so few here that risking the resale value of your home doesn't seem worth it.
If your neighbors have a pool, take advantage of theirs. I think they are too much work. I wonder how much they cost to put in. I don't believe kids should have a "vote" in such a big expense unless they are financially well-off and willing to kick in. My kids make do with the a kiddie pool, a hose, and some of those plastic toys. If it heat is really bad, we head on up to Caseville. We do have lakes around here.
ReplyDeleteAs said owning a swimming pool has become a prestige issue in all homes. It will increase the market value of the house. Ensure to find pool leak if any present and try to sort it out to have your wonderful swimming experience.
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