Seven years ago, our family finally realized the dream of installing a pool in the backyard. After years of using an inflatable version during the summer months, we invested in a permanent in-ground saltwater pool once we decided to stay in our home long term.

We looked forward to welcoming family and friends for gatherings. Children could play in the water or shoot hoops, while adults relaxed on floats and watched over them, all accompanied by plenty of snacks for everyone.

After several seasons of hosting, I realized that keeping costs under control requires occasional assistance from guests. The pool is available for use, but I ask visitors to contribute a snack to share.

Pools involve ongoing expenses

We understood from the start that pool ownership brings recurring costs beyond the initial build. These include landscaping, pump maintenance, chemical treatments, and annual services for opening and closing the pool.

Additional purchases followed the installation, such as furniture, toys, goggles, swim caps, and floats. Each family member required several swimsuits along with sun hats, sunscreen, sandals, and towels, adding up quickly.

I look for ways to reduce spending

As a careful shopper, I seek deals whenever possible. Much of our pool equipment and clothing was bought on clearance at the end of the season. Outdoor furniture came from end-of-summer sales at reduced prices.

Our goal is to be generous hosts who provide everything guests might need. Yet we soon saw that these extras increased the overall expense of ownership. We had to set clear expectations for visitors right away.

Guests are happy to contribute

Plans for big barbecues or pizza deliveries shifted once we noticed how hungry children become after swimming. We already supply the location and activities, with a clean pool, lounge chairs, and shared towels available. Food became the guests' responsibility.

Pool invitations now include a request for each person to bring a snack to share. We avoid scheduling events during regular meal times to keep the focus on swimming rather than cooking. Guests choose what to bring, from a detailed fruit and vegetable platter to bags of chips or popcorn.

Contrary to my initial concerns about needing to supply everything, guests readily arrive with contributions. For a children's sports team event, we ordered pizza and requested eight dollars per person to cover it. No one objected, and some added drinks, chips, cupcakes, or fruit for the group.

I had been overextending myself to create a perfect experience. The reality is that I am not operating a luxury resort, and most people do not expect that level of service anyway.

Summer pool time centers on creating memories, enjoying the sun, and having fun together. A fancy meal is not essential to that. The snacks brought by guests work just fine.