Heated Pool Vs Non-Heated Pool

[PA Girl]

If all other features were equal between two choices, a heated winter pool might tip the scales for me but water temp really isn't that important to me.

Houses we rented with really warm pools were nice and we used the pool quite a bit. The cool-pool houses, we just dipped in and out a few times. But then again, we aren't villa gravity people that get a lot of use out of a pool.

Our travelling friends wouldn't stick a toe into a pool under 85 degrees. Sissies!

[tedprosser]

Just curious - at what temp does a pool become unenjoyable for most people? I'd think that most pools in STJ would hover near 80, at least, if they are in the sun - even in the winter. Is that not the case?

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You would think so, I think we face South East, as you can see in the Photo ( I hope ) it is a sunny spot, But in the winter is it 65 degrees, a solar blanket will raise to to 68 degrees.

I know it sounds crazy. With highs during the day hitting 85, and lowers at night around 70, you would think if would be warmer. It is a dark gray almost black, you would think that would warm it up ??

Ted
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[/list]

[philbetm]

Hi Ted
Just thought I would throw this in...I don't
get too much use from the pools most times just
because they are kinda cold. There are a good
many health problems someone can be stricken
with that makes "cool" water cause pain. I was
diagnosed 13 years ago with fibromyalgia and
also arthritus, cold pool water causes pain for me.
It doesn't have to be hot...just pleasantly warm...
and I can really enjoy a pool! I am one of the ones
that would be willing to pay a little extra for
the warmer water. I think there are more of us
out there that would. Hope this is helpful.

Sherry in SC

[irbgolfin]

Personally I like a pool, one I want to get in most any time, comfort wise. We never have a problem paying extra for a pool, or bedroom A/C for that matter, but typically can't travel in winter and didn't figure a heated pool would be an issue.

Have only rented villas 3 times, March in Chocolate Hole, June in GCB, June in Coral Bay. Had a particularly windy spot in Coral Bay, the difference was significant from one side of the villa to the other, pool stuck out off the hill for the view, but into the breeze. After the fact we found it was very windy that week in general, and that villa has a rep for being very exposed.

Bottom line, we couldn't wait to jump into the pool in March on Chocolate Hole, but it was too cold for my wife to get in the one in Coral Bay in June. I limited myself to time in the heat of the day.

Just wanted to point out the influence of wind (and sun) exposure is more than I ever expected. Not sure about your location, but maybe it's having affect. Even if you heat it, how good will it work and how much will it cost?!?! Who knows...

[Teresa_Rae]

We always rent a villa with a pool and I almost never get in it. There has only been one pool that I've been in for more than 2 minutes. I just can't take the cold and 7 of our trips were even in June, July, or August. What about a solar cover? Is that different than what you were thinking because I know those can make a big difference and don't use any energy.

[djmom]

I am not exactly sure how much more I would pay for a heated pool. However, I will say that if I am choosing between equal villas, that is going to bump a villa WAY up my list. In fact, it is going to influence our choice next time as I rarely get in the pool because it is just too chilly for me, and the last time we went over Thanksgiving, the only one in our family who could handle it was our 9 year old. It seemed almost wasteful that the pool was there.

We are only at the villa in the evenings, so it makes a difference. During the day a cool pool might be refreshing, but on a cool night, it is not where I want to be and the last trip we just sat around looking at it. And I would have really enjoyed being in it.

So, my answer is that it might increase your rentals, if not the amount you can charge.

[crasherino]

You would think so, I think we face South East, as you can see in the Photo ( I hope ) it is a sunny spot, But in the winter is it 65 degrees, a solar blanket will raise to to 68 degrees.

Wow - if that's the case, I'd go for a heater. A pool at 65 degrees is as useful as a cold outdoor shower. Probably wouldn't get used. If I rented a house that, from all available pictures, appeared to have a great, sunny pool....and turned out to be 65 degrees, I'd be pretty annoyed.

I can't see the picture you posted, but if the pool is indeed in the sun, that's shocking to me.

[UF Prof]

We go to STJ in Oct or Nov and the past two times have stayed at higher elevations. In both cases the pools were on the cold side (for Floridians). A heated pool, just like A/C, would be a factor in choosing a villa. In fact, we would prefer a heated pool alone over having an unheated pool and a hot tub.
An aside, we once had a neighbor that made his own pool heater by circulating the pool water through black PVC hose that was arranged in a coil in the sun. This seemed to work very well, was relatively inexpensive, and did not require additional energy to operate. Although it is not too pretty, in most places it could probably be placed in the sun somewhat out of sight.

[splash]

The unheated pool in our villa high up in Virgin Grand Estates was like bath water the first week of May. It got sun from mid morning until sundown.

I was in it some mornings before sun up, every afternoon and a few evenings. At night when the air was cooler the pool felt warmer.

It was great!!!

[tedprosser]

We go to STJ in Oct or Nov and the past two times have stayed at higher elevations. In both cases the pools were on the cold side (for Floridians). A heated pool, just like A/C, would be a factor in choosing a villa. In fact, we would prefer a heated pool alone over having an unheated pool and a hot tub.
An aside, we once had a neighbor that made his own pool heater by circulating the pool water through black PVC hose that was arranged in a coil in the sun. This seemed to work very well, was relatively inexpensive, and did not require additional energy to operate. Although it is not too pretty, in most places it could probably be placed in the sun somewhat out of sight.

I have painted some of the pipes Black

You have a great suggestion, I am going to add addition black pipe!!

It it was just 75 degress vs 65 degrees it would be great

It is such a great place to be!! With all the plants and great flower smells!

[toes in the sand]

Have you considered a solar cover for your pool? In the villa's that we have stayed in Nov-Dec-Jan we found them to be chilly but not downright cold. If they were covered at night the temps could easily be kept at a comfortable temperature. The downside is that the renter would have to cover and uncover the pool. Reels are available to make that task very easy.

[tedprosser]

Have you considered a solar cover for your pool? In the villa's that we have stayed in Nov-Dec-Jan we found them to be chilly but not downright cold. If they were covered at night the temps could easily be kept at a comfortable temperature. The downside is that the renter would have to cover and uncover the pool. Reels are available to make that task very easy.

Yes, It has a solar cover, the best we could buy
It helps, but not that much.

Not sure but we always get the smooth breeze from the trade winds, it makes it very pleasent, but I am thinkging it helps cool down the pool. It's the only other thing I can come up with!! It gets sun, twenty four hour temp range is 70 to 85 degrees, its the only thing I can think that would cool it down. It concrete, but it is exposed on two sides.

[tedprosser]

It get sun

Another try at posting a photo

Or try this link
Pool Photo

http://picasaweb.google.com/leslietedpr ... 2642817714

[cypressgirl]

What a lovely villa. I can see myself sitting in that lounge chair with a drink in hand and enjoying the views. I'm not sure you'll get that many more bookings for having a heated pool. Maybe, but I'm not sure. We'd all love it, but probably not too many really want to pay an extra 200. a week (or whatever) for a heated pool. I think we're all still looking for a deal. Hopefully that will change, the economy will be great, and you'll be getting top dollar for your villa. (I'm not holding my breath.) If you spend a lot of time there, and you would enjoy a warm pool, then that's the best reason to do it. I guess you'd have to figure out what the cost would be, and see what you'd have to charge, and what it will bring you in terms of revenue. I have no idea how to get that info.

[tedprosser]

Just curious - at what temp does a pool become unenjoyable for most people? I'd think that most pools in STJ would hover near 80, at least, if they are in the sun - even in the winter. Is that not the case?

No ours gets a cool as 68 degrees in the winter

Only 75 in the summer? Must be the Breezes