Pool House Converted!

[washerlover]

So after two years, I have finally begun the transformation of our old (swimming) pool house to become....the Wash House! Only cold water, no 220V for the dryers, but thankfully there is electricity, a gas line (used for the old pool heater) so I can eventually hook up my two gas dryers ('74 Wards and '53 Kenmore). Very crude drain system, but all washers are fully operational (no warm/hot cycles).

 

[washerlover]

Interior shot

So here's what it looks like so far...the paint color was an inspiration from my late 70's almond Maytag set. Hoping to have a formal wash-in next year. Still have a '65 Lady Kenmore combo and '53 Kenmore washer under construction in the garage...

 

[washerlover]

LK combo under construction

Here's a sad photo of the LK combo. All hoses leaked, most replaced, still trying to put it back together. Hopefully I can remember how to re-assemble the motor, etc. Other than that, the machine purrs like a kitten. This is the ever-so-lovely "doeskin" color...

 

[washerlover]

'53 Kenmore under construction

And last but not least, the '53 washer (whose mate is already installed in the Wash House) that needs a new pump. Interior in excellent condition, everything works, just frozen pump.

 

[akronman]

if there's a gas line

you can install a gas water heater.

 

[washerlover]

Thanks, akronman...never thought of that. I wonder what my husband would think of the expense??

 

[pdub]

Todd,

It looks great inside and out!

Your machines look fantastic and what a nice collection you have.

Great variety of colors, too.

Patrick

 

[gansky1]

I saw a 30 gal. gas water heater at Lowe's a couple of weeks ago for less than $300 on sale. You have a beautiful collection all in a nice, long line. Congrats on a great space for your machines, I wish there was a pool a few steps from mine

 

[washerlover]

The swimming pool was removed when we bought the house a couple years ago...it was a lovely pool back in the day, but before we bought the house they drained it and the water table is so high here it literally "floated" out of the ground. No Esther Williams aquatic moves for me!! But, the pool house remained, complete with pink girl's changing room and blue boy's changing room. If you knew what our climate is like here (summer temps mid 60s, lows in the 50s - winter temps mid 50s, lows in the 40s), a pool seems a bit extravagant -- but it was heated. We gutted the building and now it's my showplace!

 

[autowasherfreak]

Looks fabulous! You have some great machines!

 

[norgeway]

Those Norges!

Are Beautiful,...I still think that they are the best washer ever built!

 

[yogitunes]

Hot water heater in gas can work great......you may opt for the direct vent model, a little more costly, but minimal venting required........

I was also thinking of solar pipes on the roof to heat the water......free to operate......you cold actually build it yourself out of plactic pipe mounted to the roof........even a few hundred feet of garden hose on the roof with work as well.....

great setup...keep us posted on your progress

 

[Unimatic1140]

Wow, that does look great Todd!  I just love the long line of washers, like a dream laundromat come true

 

[northwesty]

53 Kenmore

The place looks great, you are fortunate to have a place for them, say, it might be possible to make another year pump work on that old kenmore, but when I had my pump freeze up I was still able to get it to move a little, and I worked on turning by hand for awhile and finally it started to move freely.

Northwesty

 

[washerlover]

Thanks, Northwesty -- I messed with it so much that I cracked and broke off the rubber impeller so am in search of a replacement...it's such a cute machine and I have the dryer to match!

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

That Top-O-The-Line M/W Washer & Dryer set is what grabs MY attention!!!!

Hope to see them work... (And do they light up????)

-- Dave

 

[peterh770]

Very nice!  But what is the coppertone washer next to the Signatures?  Kenmore?

 

[peteski50]

Pool House!

Wow that is really some Pool House! I would like to see a lot of places converted to Wash houses. Your collection is absolutly awsome.
Best Of Luck!
Peter

 

[kenmore700bill]

Nice Collection..

 

[iheartmaytag]

When I lived in Rural Illinois there were several houses out in the sticks that still had wash houses.  Many were also used as Summer Kitchens where the summer canning and baking were done, keeping the heat outside the house.

I would love to have one of those now.

 

 

[wringer]

I along

with other members are I am certain green with envy seeing your Wash House. I would give anything to have a place that I could start collecting and display in. You have a GREAT Wash House !!

Jim

 

[MaytagA710]

Fantastic Collection! Thanks for sharing, I love those Maytag machines you have hidden in the middle. That Kenmore combo is a unique machine, when you get it working again, do you think you could do a video?

 

[foraloysius]

Nice wash house and a great collection! I bet you will spend there hours and hours doing laundry. Happy washing!

 

[washerlover]

To answer multiple questions: the Maytag set is a 608 (or is it 806...not a huge Maytag fan, but had to add them to my collection cuz the price was right), the coppertone set is indeed a Kenmore set: Lady Kenmore dryer, series 800 washer; not a true match, but had to save them, nevertheless) And yes, the '64 Norge is the best ever!!!