The weather’s warming up, and I bet many of you on the forum are starting to fantasize about lounging in your own backyard pool, right? Haha, speaking from experience as the owner of a seaside villa in Spain, today I want to chat about what it’s really like to own a villa with a pool in Spain, and just how big the gap is between the dream and reality.
When I first bought the house with the pool, I was thrilled for a long time. It felt like I was on top of the world. Friends would come over for parties, kids would have a blast in the water, and there’s nothing like jumping into the cool water on a summer afternoon. That feeling of bliss is irreplaceable. But reality hit soon enough: maintenance costs. First, your IBI (property tax) will be higher because of the pool. Then there are the running costs: water bills, electricity, various chemicals… it all adds up. Even if you don’t swim often, you’re looking at an extra €50 to €100+ a month. And if you hire someone to professionally manage the pool for your seaside villa in Spain, the cost is even higher.
Choosing the type of pool system is also crucial. The main options today are traditional chlorine and saltwater systems. Mine is a saltwater system, which cost more to install initially, but I feel it was well worth it. Here’s a simple comparison for your reference:
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Chlorine System | Lower initial installation cost; disinfection is fast and direct. | Strong chemical smell; can irritate skin and eyes. |
| Saltwater System | Softer water; no noticeable chemical smell; gentler on skin and eyes. | Higher initial equipment cost; system maintenance is more complex. |
The Nitty-Gritty of Pool Maintenance
Don’t think that having a pool is all about daily enjoyment; most of the time, you’re its ‘servant.’ Every week, you need to test the water’s pH and chlorine levels, then add various chemicals like you’re in a chemistry lab. The cleaning is even more tedious: you have to regularly clean leaves and debris from the skimmer and use a robotic vacuum to clean the pool floor. In the summer, you’re repeating these tasks almost weekly. Honestly, sometimes I wonder if I was out of my mind to want a pool in the first place. And after a windy or rainy day, looking at a pool full of leaves and dust… the feeling is just…
Owning a pool is a mix of happiness and hassle. It definitely enhances your quality of life in the summer and is a great social magnet. But you also have to be prepared to invest continuous time, effort, and money. If you’re someone who loves the outdoors, enjoys hands-on maintenance, and has a sufficient budget, then a pool is a definite plus. But if you’re considering it for retiring by the sea in Spain just for the novelty, you might as well just go to the beach or get a gym membership. What does everyone else think? Do you feel the effort and cost for a pool are worth it?
