On Sunday afternoon, I walked out to the backyard to take an assessment of what I needed to see about doing to get the backyard in shape for the pending spring and summer (which seems to have started much earlier this year that previous years).  With the recent rains in Austin, the backyard has seen some significant growth in weeds and the pool had managed to fill to the point overflowing.

I had turned off the pool pump a few months ago in an effort to save on the electric bill during the off season.  The pool had managed to collect a fair amount of leaves from the fall but the water color and clarity had remained clear.  It was the first time that this had happened in a few winters so I decided to leave it off.  After venturing outside to discover the pool had virtually turned green overnight, I decided to flip on the pool pump.  The only way I can drain the pool is to open a valve on the filter while the pump is running.  Little did I expect the pool pump to not run.

I’ve owned my house for a little over 7 years now and the pool came with the property.  I’ve enjoyed the use of the pool much more than it has been a pain.  To be honest, keeping up with the pool hasn’t cost me more than $250 a year for chemicals, filters and other c0mmon up-keep since taking ownership of the home.  This all changed on Sunday afternoon.

After picking my jaw up off the ground and collecting myself, I decided it was time to head to the pool supply place.  I’ve gotten to know a few the guys working there over the years and seeing them again this time they knew something was up when I walked into the place.  It could have been the defeated look on my face or my overall body language, but I was not in the mood to spend money on new pool equipment.  I put this one up there with having to replace the HVAC unit in the house.  It’s something you need, not something you want to spend money on because it’s not something you get to “enjoy” in the normal sense of purchase.

All said and done, I walked out of the store with purchased equipment and an install date set up for the next day. As much as I hate to admit this, I’m excited to have a new pump and filter system.  The new motor will save me  quite a bit money over the next 2 years and I will be able to spend less time cleaning out the old cartridge filter and more time enjoying the pool this coming season.

Ahh, the joy’s of home ownership!