It's July 4th in New York, on Shelter Island specifically. The rain beats against the windows. It's 66 degrees outside. But I'm happy.
A few years ago, we took a large chunk of our money and for the last week of August rented a huge, beautiful house in Southampton on a couple acres south of the highway. It was our only vacation. And it rained the entire time - in fact, the only week it rained that summer. The temperature probably never broke 72. My wife was unhappy. Since I believe that a happy spouse is the key to a happy marriage (subject undoubtedly of a future post), I was unhappy.
About 5 days into our stay, my brother discovered the pool heater and discovered how to turn it on. To 90 degrees. The remaining two days, we luxuriated in the bliss of a 90 degree pool and laughed at the rain and grey skies. Allison was happy and so was I.
So when we rented this house, we discovered that the pool was unheated. I talked to the broker, who talked to the owner. We agreed to split the $5,000 cost of the pool heater, which is installed and working.
So far, we haven't needed it. But, today, I set the thermostat to 90 degrees and swam in the rain.
I'm happy.
P.S. We did buy a solar cover for the pool - essentially heavy-duty bubble wrap - that reduces evaporation, keeps solids (i.e. seagull droppings) out of the pool, and retains heat. Highly recommend it. Without heating, the pool temperature has risen to about 88 degrees on its own.
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