I can only ask this on MN - does anyone have an outdoor swimming pool?

[ladymuck]

..and if so how much hassle is it for maintenance?

Google Earth has just updated our area, and I noted several neighbours seem to have them (alas none with children of even a vaguely similar age, otherwise I would be making ever friendlier overtones ) Idle thoughts are going through my head, but I have hithertoo dismissed them due to the amount of ongoing hassle (we're low-maintenace gardeners!)

So, someone on here must have one! Tell the truth!

No - but we are thinking of building an 18 hole golf course (taking in a few of the neighbours gardens, and charging for entry)

We already overlook one, so no point in that for us .

Only do it if you can afford to make it an indoor one - or, if you insist on outdoor lunacy, get a top quality, reliable heater and filter as well as making arrangements to pay for someone to do the regular maintenance and cleaning. They are a nightmare - was glad to move to somewhere without one tbh Also, they are a worry with children of any age -esp when having parties or have other kids over who you don?t totally trust. Other problem is that they don?t add value to your house really as they put off as many people as you attract etc etc etc

Do you need planning permission for pools (outdoor and indoor?)

i have one , its called a loch

we have a fishpond which requires oodles of maintenance - has put me off a pool big time

don't know how much they cost to build. Would assume not much change from about £30k but have no basis for thinking this.

Yes, had only got to the mulling over stage but was assuming £20-30k. Trying to work out what the cost per swim might be, hence looking at getting it sooner rather than later (I'll probably get about 16 years-worth of boys swimming in it).

Anyone got any experience of the above ground ones? You can seem to get a decent size for £6.5k. The wooden surround ones look OK ish though I haven't seen any in the flesh.

do you think google earth willbe the new 'peeking over the garden fence' keep up wit the jones' tool?

google earth is fab but can't get it on my mac, boo hoo!

Yep - can see much further via Google Earth! I can even roughly work out when the photo of my area was taken by what is visible in the garden.

PPH is only having a fourth child to keep down the cost per swim of course.

I once met a family who had made their own swimming pool. It was v small, and they had done all the digging themselves, with spades. Every time their children had fights, they had to go out into the garden and dig a bit.

I think it's nearer £40K

So (a little more loudly this time) does anybody know if they require planning permission (I'm thinking more likely to be applicable to an indoor pool)?

Don't know about planning permission but used to have to inform the water co. Not sure if you would now though if you are metered.

yes you will need planning permission almost certainly. and you will get a separate water meter for the swimming pool!

Ok - thanks for that.