Parco Meridiana

[brynithel3]

Hi all

I wonder if all owners in property at the Parco Meridiana could drop me a PM? So that we can discuss some of the issues of the complex.

Ciao

John

[brynithel3]

Hi All

I've had several replies one of which has has expressed concern about anything discussed on here could be read by Pino. So perhaps a private emails will be more appropriate.

Some items that should be discussed are
1 Should we expect a date for completed work. When I bought the apartment I was told that Pino had a deadline, of the end of August, to complete the work. It still a long way from completion and the last date he gave me was the end of October. It does not seem plausible. What we have noticed is that every time an apartment is sold another tranche of money is spent on the complex ie. contractors brought in to do work on walkways, on the balcony dividers etc.

2 The pool has problems with algae build up. The removal of the olive tree has not cured the fault. This will only be resolved by proper monitoring of the pool condition and correct dosage with the necessary chemicals. (There are plenty of good websites which give you set by set details on how to do this.)

3 Would you expect community charges before an official handover? Someone has already had an approach for a sum of money, for the period, May 07 to May 08, which they have questioned. The complex was no way near completion in May 08 let alone the whole of that period. They think he was trying it on. We should expect,at the least a proper set of accounts, and a breakdown of the expenses incurred.

4 I was amused by the Gardeners they were pulling out the weeds and leaving the roots. Ideal if you want to be called back in two weeks. If already packed some gardening implements and will do a little work when I am out there next time. There is no way I want our complex looking as run down as some of the others in Petrosa.

Ciao

John

[Doug]

Hello John-
Forgive me for another silly question. I'm learning as much about the UK as Italy with this adventure of our's.

You folks are really into swimming pools, so we wondered if that is because there are not many in the UK given cloudy weather or something?? It's not just your comments here, I've seen others about pools.

We have not visited Parco Meridiana and will have to check it out in December when we are next there. This is up by the hospital right?

Have a good week. Hope your weather is improving.

Doug

[brynithel3]

Hi Doug

Well I am not sure I am qualified to answer that question but from my own perspective part of the attraction of the complex was to have a pool so that the grandchildren can use it when they are out here. I also use it at least three times a day myself. I normally get up at 7.30 have a swim for half an hour, quiet breaststroke so as not to disturb the rest of the complex. I have another swim at midday before lunch another around 5 ish the last two visits are normally for talking to people in the complex. We exchange experiences on restaurants, shopping, beaches and life in general. I also get some much needed exercise to burn off the calories of the previous nights feasting. If I was living out there in a village house rather than a complex I would not consider having a pool there would be other distractions I am sure.

Pools in the UK? Well there are a few outdoor pools in our village in South Wales but as you point out the weather here is not conducive to swimming outdoors even with a heated pool. The ambient temperature would allow comfortable use for short period every year. I am lead to believe that having a pool actually reduces the value of your property.

This is as I have pointed out an individual point of view I am sure others will differ.

Ciao

John

[Doug]

Hi Again John,
That makes sense for the kids and for exercise. I never got into swimming for exercise because my strokes & breathing are so poor -- better with a snorkel. I do intend to take advantage of Santa Domenica being a hill town by doing daily walks up and down ...keep the ticker ticking.

I know too how pools can be good social centers!

Auguri,

Doug

[JanetC]

Hi John:

Since we are owners of a swimming pool in the USA, the most cost effective way of resolving the algae problem is to use the swimming pool. When you have all the people in the pool stirring up the debris which the algae feeds on, it enables the filter to do its job more efficiently thereby removing the debris that the algae thrives on.

The algae problem will alway be present in Italy because the chemicals are expensive and no one wants to pay for them. Another alternative to chlorination is a salt generator. This process uses electricity to split the salt molecule (NaCl) into its 2 atoms naturally thereby having chlorine from the salt to attack the algae. The problem with this solution is the cost of electricity even though the salt is inexpensive.

So as you see, the best solution is to tell your neighbors to use the pool more frequently. Don't forget to invite us to the next pool party!

Janet and Stuart

[Lynn]

Having had a swimming pool for 25 years I would say that the answer to keeping it clean is constant monitoring of ph. balance and residual chlorine. Sunshine kills off chlorine and encourages the proliferation of green and black algae. A pool also has to be backwashed often to introduce fresh water and clear out the filter. The algae needs to be prevented from adherring to the walls so they need to be brushed vigourously everyday. It has to be kept chemically balanced or you run a risk of seriously painful ear infections. Not good for the granchildren. In short, swimming pools are time consuming and if not constantly topped up, cosseted and chlorinated they easily become an expensive eyesore. I'd say, fill it in and build a nice bar area and a volley ball court or even a mini- circuit for exercising. then you can socialise or exercise at a fraction of the cost!

Lynn

[brynithel3]

Hi all

Thanks Lynn and Janet.

Well that is certainly useful information. It gives one lots to think about. Until all the apartments are sold and we see what usage the pool gets, it is going to be difficult to resolve this problem. When I'm out in September I will ask Luigi to show me how the system works.

Ciao

John

[brynithel3]

Hi Doug

Yes I suppose walking and or cycling are the alternative for exercise. I do plenty of both in Wales, when weather permits.

Yes pools are good gathering places for informal debates, even the Romans discovered this and built them in every outpost as part of the Romanisation of the Barbarians.

Ciao

John

[Hev&Steve]

Hi John

Just sent you a PM regarding Parco
Steve

[brynithel3]

Hi Steve and Heather

Thanks for the note. I have PM a reply.

I suppose that as you will arrive first, you will have the wine nicely chilled for our arrival.

Ciao

John