From the belief that a pool costs too much to operate to the misconception it will go unused, myths about pool ownership abound – and they likely dissuade some homeowners from taking the plunge. If you've been considering adding a swimming pool to your outdoor living space, here are five common myths you may come across that simply don't hold water:

1. Pools are too costly to install

A swimming pool is a significant investment, there's no denying it. However, the cost of a pool will depend on several factors, including the size of your space, the dimensions of the pool and the materials you choose. When compared to other discretionary expenditures such as a family vacation – which costs the average family nearly $4,800 for one week of fun each year – a pool can in fact be a high-value investment that pays for itself in just a few years.

2.  It's difficult and costly to maintain a pool

Long gone are the days when operating a pool pump could cost almost as much as running your air conditioning during the summer. Pool pumps and filtration systems are more energy efficient than ever, saving owners plenty of money in the process. Plus, improvements in filtration system and purification chemicals mean you'll need less of them to keep your pool sparkling. In fact, when it comes to pool maintenance, 63 percent of pool owners say maintaining water chemistry is no trouble at all, according to an APSP survey. You can chalk up this myth as false.

3. Pools are not energy efficient

Modern pool pumps require much less electricity to operate than you might think, with energy-efficient pumps using up to 30 percent less power. When compared to other household sources of electricity, swimming pools turn out to be a small percentage of a home's overall energy use. What's more, these systems can be even more cost effective when solar powered. Accessories can help conserve energy, too. For example, using a solar cover on an inground pool when it's not in use can help the water retain heat and keep debris out, which means less work for the filtration system – and you.

4. A pool won't enhance my home's value.

Not true. Buyers like homes that have swimming pools: Among people who purchased a home with an existing swimming pool, an eye-opening 78 percent said the presence of the pool contributed to their decision to buy the house, according to an APSP survey. Depending on where you live, a pool may enhance your home's appeal to prospective buyers even more – especially if you live in a very hot region of the country.

5. If we get a pool, we'll never use it.

In reality, people who own pools say they spend a lot of time in them – and it's quality time. Seventy-six percent of pool owners say they are extremely or very satisfied with their pools. They also consider it the perfect place for gatherings, and believe that having a pool encourages their family to spend more time. Owners use their pools for relaxation, entertainment, celebrations and exercise, and 96 percent say they are satisfied with their pools.

Now that you know these myths hold no water, it's time to learn more about how fun pool ownership can be. Call Dickie today!

Thanks to our friends at APSP who provided this information.

 THE SWIMMING POOL COCKTAIL
1 1/2 oz. (45ml) Vodka
1 1/2 oz. (45ml) Rum...
1 1/2 oz. (45ml) Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 oz. (60ml) Pineapple Juice
1 oz. (30ml) Blue Curacao
Pineapple Slice
Cherry

http://youtu.be/25ySL_evotw
Brought to you by the Tipsy Bartendar

We at Fielder Custom Pools are proud to reside in Austin, Texas and we now are in another Top 10 list.
6. Austin

Population: 790,390
Austin knows its BBQ. That’s a given. The meat-hungry masses form lines in front of spots like Franklin BBQ until they’re out — usually by 1:30pm. But this is not a one-dimensional food city. There’re James Beard Award-winning sushi chefs. A food-truck scene that gives chefs the chance to flex their culinary muscles before moving on to bigger things (there’s a reason the movie Chef filmed a ton there). And you can’t forget the Mexican food. If you want a taco for every meal, Austin will gladly accommodate. There’s so many places to score even just fantastic breakfast tacos, that you could eat them from 8am-8pm and go home happy. Here, we’ll prove it.


To see the rest of the list go to: https://www.yahoo.com/food/the-40-biggest-us-cities-ranked-by-their-food-105293046346.html

The 2014 summer has come and gone. Stop and reflect for a moment, at all of the wonderful relaxing times spent in, and around the cooling waters of your beautiful Fielder Custom Pool with family and friends. You're probably not spending as much time "in the pool water" now, since temperatures are dropping and the water is cooling down. That must mean THAT SPA SEASON IS HEAR BABY!

Now is the time to dust off that heater and crank up the temperature in your spa. There's no better way to enjoy these cool evenings with the ones you love, than swirling away the day's cares in the warm therapeutic waters of your warm spa.  Whether it be with your one and only, a group of friends, or the entire family, your spa is an aquatic hideaway just waiting to be enjoyed.  Make sure to grab your beach towel and robe, then pour yourself a glass (plastic ware) of your favorite beverage before hitting the tub. A little Zen background music helps soothe the senses while you're soaking as well. If you make this part of your frequent winter routine, your body will thank you. During the hectic holiday season, with all the running around, shopping, travelling, or stressing about family, your spa could be your best friend waiting for you quietly in the back yard.

So remember this winter to relax and unwind just for a few minutes, and give yourself a break - YOU DESERVE IT! HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT FIELDER CUSTOM POOLS CHEERS Dickie, Kamie and the entire Fielder Custom Pools Team.

We use a couple of companies who are very helpful in determining what may work for you.   Give Heather a call at Lyon Financial at 877-754-5966, as they only deal with pool financing.  Or, call Krista Corkill at a local Frost Bank 512-473-4605.

There are many... Starting with promises too good to be true. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. i,e. If you'll sign this contract tonight, I'll throw in this or that, move you to the top of our const. list, guarantee completion by....... On and on and on. Let the buyer beware!!!!   Always check out a few references, check w/ the BBB and see what  the builder's standing is and how many complaints have gone unresolved. Always request to see at least one completed job in person. Nothing speaks volumes like the final product. Pricing or quote that is unrealistically low. This builder is on his way out of business and you are going to get stuck with warranty issues and/or problems that are ultimately going to fall back on you. He is just trying to get a contract and some money from you to walk with. This answer could fill an entire book and ultimately, you have to make a decision from your gut. Take your emotions out of the equation and use some common sense, do your homework and background checks and you should be fine.