Thanks for all the good inputs & info. I know there would be some cost involved, but the $600 figure seems kind of high to me, too. Utrecht's numbers don't sound too bad, though. I suppose things like the size of the pool, age of the pump & other equipment as well as other factors would play a role in how much electricity would be consumed, plus the amount & type of chemicals. Utrecht's scenario sounds like it would be ideal. If I could average only around $50 or so per month, I could live with that. Shreveport's about the same, season-wise as Dallas/Ft. Worth, so we'd get as much opportunity to use the pool each year as they would. We still haven't decided yet...went back & took another look at the house today and we still like it. Location's very good, near the base, multiple fishing options, easy drive for wife's job, closer to DD & grandkids..... The pool's the major concern at this point.
FWIW, the owner/seller said his insurance did not go up at all when he told his agent he had installed the pool. I'll call my own former agent tomorrow to check this story out. There's a fire hydrant just one house down, so that's good, insurance-wise.
The house is a 3/2, 1844 sq. ft, with a 2 car garage, and an additional parking pad, where he keeps his motor home. He had a waste disposal connection attached to the city sewer line at the end of the pad. I don't have a motor home, & probably won't buy one, but won't rule out some kind of RV in the future.
Asking price is $184,900, house built in 1977, but has been continuously upgraded and has many nice extra features. The owner has a business as a remodeler/handyman etc., and is pretty talented. Many unique features throughout the house, & outside too. New roof....blah blah. I feel it's well worth the asking price, but of course will still do some negotiating. I want the seller to pay all closing costs. I was happy to learn that 2012 taxes were only $850. His insurance cost last year was $1000. Property taxes in Louisiana in general are low.
Thanks again for the help!