Cool beans, Kicker! Glad you're trying the vest. Try whatever might help you make the most of that pool, is my advice. You only get so much summer.
Arcyn - we bought a heater on ebay. It's not as expensive as you think to heat it. I only turn it on for a couple hours before I get in, and it's worth it to get a few extra days of swimming.
Dh installed it so that saved $$$ too.
I love my pool too. When nothing else will unkink everything that's tied in knots, I can go out and get all relaxed. It's only as much exersize as I make it, as much as I'm up to that day. I like to use a pool noodle or two as a head rest and float like that - good for the stiff neck. Then just kick around. My arms don't work much that way.
If I'm really feeling lazy I just stand in front of a jet and listen to the birds.