In Santa Clara County (Silicon Valley) CA. a back hoe tractor operator told me he takes out as many swimming pools as he digs.  That's my experience with prospective home buyers also.  Many home buyers (especially foreign born, it seems) are concerned about liability and the cost of operation and maintenance.  Most pools no longer have natural gas heaters because of the expense.  An insulated pool cover (like bubble wrap) is the least expensive way to keep the water warm.  They work great but they only last about 4 years and they're difficult for one person to roll up and back.  Motorized pool covers are available, but expensive to install and limited by the shape of the pool.  Solar panels work great, but they are more expensive and the pool motor must run during the hot part of the day, which are peak hours, to operate.  Incidentally, the local utilities company (P.G.& E.) will give the high and low cost of natural gas and electricity for the past year if you call them and let them know you are thinking about buying a house.  Also, the seller sometimes voluntarily provides copies of their utility bills with a marketing book.  I've had an in ground, gunite pool in two different homes over the past 28 years and I wouldn't be without one, especially if you have children to enjoy it.

Lloyd,

Thanks for the comments. In my area, the inland empire, there are still many, many pools with gas heaters. But of course that will vary from region to region.  Though I have seen an increase in solar powered heating, but still in the vast minority here.  Of course heating a pool is up to the discretion of the homeowner. With temps in the 90's and 100's during the summer, a heater really isn't needed at all. But I guess if you want to swim in the winter it would be nice.

I lived in Fotana right by the 15 & 210 fwy's. The Santa Anna winds makes it a struggle keeping the pool from looking like picture #2. Especially with thousands of new home been built just above me and all the bare pads. It tried the bubble type pool cover but that just makes matters worst. It woeks great in the summer to get the water a few degrees higher, but its a royal pain to always put on and take off.

I have a heater but after my second month i learnt not to use it.

Anthony, I live close to you.  Those winds certainly can pick up, especially by the 15.

I so know that heating a pool is so expensive that I get upset when someone wants me to turn it on!!! I am looking at the cleaner that comes on all during the day and am about to pull the plug on it because my bill has almost doubled since October's bill due to the rise in PG&E gas and electric.

Good post.

Rosemary, yes, the joys of owning a pool.

I have heard that heat pumps work well for pools but don't know how much you all spend for electricity in CA.

Gene, we pay too much for electricity in California.  Natural gas is almost always the better alternative.