We have had five days or more of temperatures over 110°F. That’s unusual, but there have always been hot summers in the area.
Looking at old satellite imagery of the area, it appears that the pool dates from the late 1980s. At that time, the house was much smaller and did not seem to have air conditioning. These days, we go in the pool for an hour or so every afternoon. It’s a nice way to stay cool, particularly during peak electricity rates, and the damaging effects of sunlight are less in the afternoon. Without air conditioning, though, I imagine we’d spend much of the day in and out of the pool. It’s kind of hard to conceive of life in these parts without a/c in the summer. It wasn’t quite as hot back in the 70’s, but it can’t have been pleasant. The pool is fun, good exercise, and pleasant. Back then, I imagine it was more akin to essential.
—2p