If you want a house with a heated pool

For some, having an in-ground pool is pure bliss. Swimming, floating, diving, canon balls, pool parties and the like are what it's all about. Not to mention they are pretty to look at -- if, of course, well maintained. And while an in-ground pool can bring the joy, in these parts, it's only for a few months of the year.

Of course, heating the water will increase your operating expenses, but just how much depends on the source of heat, temperature, time used and pool size, says Anthony Maniscalco of Brothers 3 Pools in Bethpage. Consumers can get an idea of cost by using the calculator at aquacomfort.com.

For true pool enthusiasts, however, it's worth the expense.  Heated pools can extend the season on both ends.

"When heated, you can open the pool earlier and utilize it in the spring and use it later into early fall," says Alexia Poulos of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, who, with Heidi Karagianis, is marketing the Port Jefferson house mentioned below. Adds Janine Gleusner of Signature Premier Properties, the listing agent of the two-acre Cold Spring Harbor property: "Having a heated pool gives you the opportunity to swim under the stars."

Cold Spring Harbor, 8 Toboggan Hill Path, $2.195 million

When there's a nip in the air, the owner of this heated free-form gunite pool can flip on the electric heat pump to bring the water temperature up to a soothing 80 degrees. But that's usually in the spring, since the water stays warm from mid-June to the end of August, says the seller. From the pool, which is 10 feet at the deepest point, one can admire the lush landscape, a wisteria-covered pergola, terraced bluestone patios and a koi pond. Decking, as well as a hot tub and a firepit, lend to the atmosphere.

The two-acre property, says the listing agent, is "an oasis" and great for entertaining. As for the house, it's a traditional center-hall Colonial with two fireplaces, wood floors, moldings, French doors and oversize windows. It has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a half-bath. Access to a private beach and mooring rights are among the amenities. Taxes are $35,606. Janine Gleusner, Signature Premier Properties, 516-637-4842.

Merrick, 3416 Hewlett Ave., $998,000

With a waterpark-like slide, kids as well as adults can make a big splash when entering this gas-heated saltwater pool. Exotic plantings and waterfalls help to create a paradise-like setting, says the listing agent. Robellini palms, hibiscus, Japanese dogwoods, Atlas cedar, banana plants and Aucuba plants are a sample of what surrounds a portion of the pool, which is between seven and eight feet deep. The scene can be enjoyed from the paver patio, where there is an awning and seating areas.

The eight-room split-level can be entered through sliding glass doors. Inside, the renovated interior offers an updated kitchen with a radiant heat porcelain floor, new Wolf appliances, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and a Sub-Zero wine cooler. Wood floors, moldings, wainscoting, recessed lighting and a fireplace are among the appointments. There are four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a half-bath.

Back outside, the front yard is landscaped with specimen plantings, as well as a koi pond, while the driveway is brick paved. New windows, doors, Hunter Douglas window treatments and a new Rheem central air-conditioning system are among amenities. Taxes are $23,936. Rhoda Nadell and Ronald Nadell, Real Living Innovations Realty, 516-659-4180 and 516-395-5855, respectively.

West Islip, 91 Anchorage Dr., $699,000

Sporting a brand-new liner and a new diving board, this gas-heated pool, surrounded by pavers, is 18 feet by 36 feet and is between four and 10 feet deep. The diving board, says the listing agent, was installed on a pitch, which is said to relieve impact. And for those who would rather ease their way into the water, there are steps. A rear deck with an electric awning, a play area and a granite cook center with a Viking barbecue, refrigerator and sink complete the scene. "You can spend the entire day outside," says the listing agent.

Inside, there are views of the Great South Bay and the Fire Island Inlet Bridge from the second-floor bedrooms and bathroom, the agent says. The master suite has two walk-in closets, while the other three bedrooms have full-size closets with double doors. (There are two bathrooms and a half-bath in total.) Other features include wood floors, a fireplace and skylights. The eat-in kitchen is outfitted with granite countertops and high-end appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator.

Set in a cul-de-sac, the house is on a 75-by-150-foot parcel. A generator is included in the sale. Taxes are $18,928. Irene Siconolfi, Century 21 Crown Homes, 631-839-1126.

Garden City, 105 Washington Ave., $1.599 million

Properties with an in-ground pool are a rare find in Garden City, says the listing agent, noting there are about 100 of them in the village. Here's one that has a pool, and it's heated. The 177-foot-by-200-foot property is parklike, until you get to the backyard, where it feels like a resort, the agent says. Set away from the house, the saltwater pool with four water sprays, a two-sided waterfall and diving board is eight feet deep on the diving end and four feet on the shallow side. It is surrounded by pavers with specimen plantings gracing the permitter. The pool house has a changing room and storage space for supplies and floats. Moving back toward the 10-room split-level is a paved brick patio with an outdoor stone fireplace, which is accessible from the lower-level entertainment center, where there is a built-in bar and a pool table. Other interior features include wood floors, moldings and a wood-burning fireplace. The updated kitchen with a peninsula for seating has granite countertops and new stainless steel appliances. There are five bedrooms and three bathrooms. Taxes, including an additional village tax, are $27,628. Cheryl Trimboli, The Donnelly Group, 516-647-9971.

Port Jefferson, 18 Fairway Dr., $968,000

Designed for relaxation, the heated free-form pool on this one-acre parcel has a bi-level waterfall to create the ambience of a natural setting, says one of the listing agents. Heated by natural gas, the pool is eight feet at its deepest. Surrounded by pavers and mature trees, the landscape also has a 12-person hot tub, a firepit, a patio and deck, and a grassy expanse. Since the two-story house has oversize windows, the outdoors come in, adds the agent. The interior offers an open layout with wood and marble floors. Of 12 rooms, five are bedrooms, including the master, which has a deck overlooking the pool. There are three bathrooms. Backing the Port Jefferson Country Club, the house is near two private beaches and Lombardi's on the Sound. Taxes, including an additional village tax, are $17,165. Alexia Poulos and Heidi Karagianis, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, at 631-457-3262 and 516-467-9440, respectively.