ABOVE GROUND POOLS (FLORIDA)

Can anyone enlighten me as to why above ground pools are not allowed. The majority of our developement has in-ground pools, and the resident has a fence and flood insurance. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Because no matter how much ONE person would spend on a perfectly attractive and well-kept above-ground pool, there is such a wide range of price alternatives that if you allow one type, it is difficult to prohibit the lower end ones that create ungodly eyesores.

Then you get the people who want to build a wooden deck all the way, or even half-way around it. So all your neighbors are now looking at a giant tin can in someone's yard with a huge wooden structure around it.

And that doesn't even address the storage (or lack thereof) of the pool toys and accessories.

Now, add to that mix several neighbors doing the same thing, and you've got half the neighborhood looking at rusty buckets forever.

Even if you have "privacy fences" many times the pools can be seen quite well over the top of them, especially if the neighbors are on THEIR decks trying to enjoy the evening and view.

With an inground pool, being ground level, the appearance is not that jogging. Once the cover is on, you can't even tell it's there. Not so with an above-ground. Especially if the owner is using water or sand filled MILK JUGS to weigh the cover down so it doesn't blow away.

Here is one bit of advice from Walter Molony, spokesman for the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS:

"After reviewing almost 30,000 home sales in Philadelphia from 1996 to 2003, NAR reported in 2004 that property values jump about 8 percent because of in-ground pools and fall by roughly 2 percent because of above-ground pools.

If you have an in-ground pool that has been well-maintained and you live in a nice neighborhood, your pool will likely be an asset. If your pool is above ground, you may want to consider removing it before you decide to sell your house. Otherwise, you may need to take less money for the house."

So, even if the OWNER takes it down before selling his house, if his NEIGHBORS (you and me) want to sell OURS, then we can expect some issues with new buyers at the fact they'll be looking at the very obvious "elephant in the room" of the above-ground pool.