Ehhh, rich isn’t really applicable. Someone with good income and good debt management skills can have a pool. You don’t have to be “rich”, which is a pretty vague word that’s very subjective.
I have friends that make very good money, and have the freedom to decide what their debt goes to. Nice house, nice cars, but if their income goes away, they’re fucked because the debt doesn’t magically disappear when the income does. To me, that’s not rich. Rich is when you have enough resources that a change in income doesn’t fuck you over.
Now, some people would say that the ability to choose what debt goes to is rich. I can see that usage being just as valid. I sure as hell can’t decide what my debt goes to, it has to go only to survival needs. I can’t take on debt for funsies like a pool, at least not in any amount that’s significant (so, nothing big as a pool, but maybe enough for switching out an appliance that isn’t dead, as an example).
For real, pools can be had with relatively low incomes. They cost about the same as a car for in-ground (a new car, not something lightly used lol). You don’t have to be in six figure income brackets to have one. Do I think it’s dumber than dammit to do so if you don’t? Yes, but it’s still possible as long as you want something basic
If an above ground is applicable, and it can be for light exercise, you can get by with as little as a grand. Which ain’t cheap, bit it’s a debt most people in the typical “middle class” income range can manage at some point, if it’s a priority.
jak@sopuli.xyz 2 years ago
Or the wherewithal for and availability of a public one
1371113@lemmy.world 2 years ago
Or to live near a lake or beach.
Baketime@kbin.social 2 years ago
A public parent?
AGD4@lemmy.world 2 years ago
Like your mom^^I ^^had ^^to ^^sorry
Daxtron2@startrek.website 2 years ago
That immediately increases the time investment required for use. The whole point of the post is that it’s easy because it’s in their back yard. Public pools aren’t relevant here.
jak@sopuli.xyz 2 years ago
Depends on your situation (the availability). I have one in my neighborhood, so it’s literally 8 minutes from my house to being showered off and in the pool. I’ve been to some people’s houses where it takes almost that long to navigate the backyard.
I don’t think my situation is just some happenstance, either. I think it’s not a huge investment for an incredible health and social return anywhere (desert climates possibly excepted? I’m not sure what the environmental impact is, especially compared with a potential reduction in personal pools built/maintained). Every neighborhood should have a pool reachable within 15 minutes and residents should petition for it if there isn’t one, imo. Petitioning obviously isn’t easy, but it’s easier than you’d think
hangonasecond@lemmy.world 2 years ago
You might be underestimating the impact of mental illness, or of being incredibly obese, on actually getting anywhere. I agree with you, that pool is really close. But these issues make it feel impossibly far away. It’s stupid, but it is what it is, and that’s why we have therapy. If you can afford it.