I have also provided links to the original article and the email addresses of the author and the editor.  I know of several who have joined with me to protest this article to the editor. 

The cost analysis for pools would have to be entirely based upon "worst case" scenarios to come close to the numbers you quoted and are certainly not the average, and no where close to the most efficient.

In recent studies conducted for the pool industry by scientist Ray Cronise, methodologies were tested and verified, using pool equipment currently available at the local pool store, that demonstrate pool electrical costs as low as $14.00 per month and still provide complete circulation and filtration of the pool.

Pool chemicals for my own very large pool, 860 sq ft surface area and 10.5 feet deep ranged at approximately $340.00 per year and that is without the frequently mentioned "salt generator" option.  As I maintained my pool properly and constantly with no other chemicals needed besides chlorine and acid.  I did have an ozone generator, which performed the oxidation functions eliminating the need to shock the pool, but otherwise it was a standard chemical configuration.

As far as return on investment, though I agree one will probably not get a dollar for dollar return at the sale of their home, but what about the health, family unity, and shear joy a pool brings to our families.

I have three children, now grown, all of which spent nearly every waking, non school, hour in the pool.  All three were on swim teams, two became life guards, and we all benefited from the healthy lifestyle of regular swimming and games in the pool.

Pool ownership is the best way to promote swimming and swimming is the best prevention to drowning.  If all children could swim well, the incidence of drowning would be greatly reduced, including drowning in lakes, rivers, and waterways.  What price did you factor in for the life of a child?

In my many years as a pool builder I also built many pools for arthritic and physically challenged people.  People whose delight I witnessed as they entered their private pool, experiencing the weightlessness and relief from pain that enabled them to move freely.  For many, this was the only time they could walk and move without the assistance of a devise.

And then there are the studies that show not only significant life extension, but, the dramatic increase in quality of life in regular swimmers.

And what about the nations recent excitement as we watched a champion, Michael Phelps, swim for the United States to multiple victories in the summer Olympics.

Yes there are old pools in severe need of remodel or repair that could represent your claims, but to use these "worst case" models as typical, then to further condemn the entire category of "pools" as a wasteful expenditure is excessive.

To me the entire article sounded like an angry man venting his frustration because his specific pool was costing him more than he had anticipated.  Hmmm, maybe that person was so focused upon "ROI", that substantive cuts in his project were made, and possible the lowest cost, builder was selected.  (Translate, potentially worst quality).

As far as the "maybe it's worth it" factor, as a builder I had large numbers of second and third pool purchasers.  You would think that if unexpected costs had arisen they would have been aware and avoided reentering into the ownership of a pool.  In reality they were always our best customers, ready to get started and get their children into the pool.

As a rule, with all things, those who buy the lowest price tend to be the least satisfied.  Those who purchase with an mind set of completeness and quality tend to be highly satisfied.

By the way, the use of "community" pools can be a considerable expense.  HOA fees can easily be in excess of $100.00 per month and in the case of condominiums can be well over $700.00 per month.  (See Bridgeview Condominiums in Tempe AZ)

I am even a little surprised by the your quote from Dave Cook of Pool Corp.  I know Dave, and though he is much more of an "office" guy than a field technician, I have to wonder if the comments were taken out of context or quoted casually without adequate preparation or thought.

You have done no service to anyone by writing this article, as the story is false.  Some of those, whose lives would have been enhanced, may read this and be discouraged.  Their discouragement would be unfounded, and that is sad.

You also have put good people out of work, people who build good pools, pools that are energy efficient and chemically efficient, and last for decades with minimal repair.

As a financial advisor, you have failed. You have failed at least so much as you “failed to understand” your subject, and “failed to prepare your story” with the truth.

I have provided my direct contact information below and would be responsive to any attempts to reach me.

Sincerely, 
Rex Richard

Link to the WSJ article:   Click Here To Read The Article

Article authors email:  brett.arends@wsj.com
WSJ editors email:  jonathan.krim@wsj.com