Endless Pools

Today we start a new series on Slowtwitch. For about a year I've lusted for an Endless Pool. I haven't gotten one until now because I suspected I might be moving, and that move having been accomplished the first thing I did was order the pool.

These pools are pretty cool. Why, just last week I was watching CNN, and they were featuring a story about a zoo which was trying to find ways to make their polar bears happier. As part of an entire overhaul of the bears' enclosure, they've installed an Endless Pool propulsion system and sure enough the bears quickly figured it out. Soon they were swimming along at two or three miles and hour, going nowhere fast.

I may not be smarter than the average bear, but if they rate an Endless Pool so do I. Yes, there's a big check to write—at least $16,000 and as much as $20,000. But they financed it for me at a very good interest rate, so I bit the bullet.

I'll record my progress, step by step. I may also be lucky enough to get others to write a guest article on their experiences. I know that Sheila Taormina, for example, just built an addition to her home in Michigan for her new pool (she did all the framing and masonry herself). I think installing and improving it—Bob Vila style—will be half the fun. So when Endless Pools offered to send a fellow out to help, I said, "Thanks, but let him stay home." We'll see if I was wise or if I've set myself up for the Endless Installation.

ENDLESS CHAPTERS: