Amy Hughley and 14-month-old daughter Katharine swim most days in their neighborhood pool featuring a beach-like entry and bubbling fountains.

Decatur's McKoy pool is a newly renovated, pretty swimming hole. But maybe more importantly right now, it's public. Read: less expensive.

Helena Oliviero/holiviero@ajc.com (ENLARGE)

For $100 for the season, Amy Hughley and daughter Katharine find Decatur's McKoy pool 'just perfect,' Hughley says.

Faced with the question of private vs. public, Hughley opted for the more economic choice.

"This place is great. Very cool," Hughley said. "Just perfect."

And with family season passes going for $100 for Decatur families, it's quite the deal, too, she said.

Compare that with nearby Lake Claire. That pool charges a $2,500 initiation fee and annual dues of $450.

And there's no waiting list at public pools. Peggy Brodsky, program supervisor for tennis and aquatics for the city of Decatur, said season passes to the city's three pools are up 25 percent this summer compared to previous seasons.

On a recent afternoon, Hughley and Katharine splashed around with a yellow beach ball.

"One of the best deals out there," she said.

31 ways to save

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
• Have your own way to save? Please share it with us
• Your Money: Strategies for stretching your dollars
• Saving Dough: Resources for stretching your food dollar