Fire the Pool Guy

Let’s face it…we’re in the middle of a recession, and people are searching for ways to cut unnecessary costs. Some are canceling their home phone lines and relying solely on mobile phones. Others are getting rid of cable, using coupons, and eating at home more often.

Now there’s another — albeit less traditional — expense you can eliminate from your budget. If you’re a pool owner, you know that pool maintenance can be a costly expense. Weekly pool service is not cheap, and while the do-it-yourself method is less expensive, you still have to pay for all of the costly chemicals. According to code enforcement officers in Wellington, Florida, there’s a cheaper way to keep the pool clean…buy catfish.

Yes, that’s right. In one Florida town, they are using catfish to keep swimming pools clean in foreclosed homes. The city was spending almost $7,000 per month of taxpayer funds on chemicals to clean pools until they had the bright idea to use algae-eating fish instead. Apparently, it’s working. They use 15 catfish in a single pool to keep the water sanitary and avoid health hazards. The creatures are much cheaper, and they keep the pool looking attractive for future home buyers.

So, if you’re looking for another expense to cut until the economy recovers, fire the pool guy and buy a few catfish. They not only clean your pool, but they also could become your new pet. And if you ever get hungry, you can just go fishing in your own backyard — catfish for dinner, yum! The benefits just keep adding up!