how to phrase practical/handy?

Question

My english teacher dared to differ

Now, he's probably right... but in this summary of an Interview about swimming ponds (natural pools) we hit an impasse...
So basically I was trying to account for the opinion of one customer stating his enthusiasm for his new acquired swimming pond.
He recounts the happy moments his family spend with the pond and how easy the maintenance turned out to be...

So I wrote..
"Mr. Lynch, a proud owner of one, describes his experience as one of pure joy and practicality."

(According to my teacher i simply can't use "practicality" in this sentence)

I'm trying to say, that he is very content with his pond and that he likes how practical or perhaps handy the overall handling (low maintenance) of the pond is.
so basically pond=handy/practical (in comparison, say, to a normal pool)

Can I phrase this sentence like that?? or is it wrong, regarding the sense i'd like to make...

If someone feels like he's got the answer, feel free to help out!

Thanks guys!!

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

SheldorMy english teacher dared to differ

The phrase is 'beg to differ'.

SheldorCan I phrase this sentence like that?

I think it's OK, but what alternative did your teacher suggest? That may be more apropos. 'Joy' and 'practicality' don't go together very well in concept. (And your two 'one's in the sentence are a bit confusing.)

Sheldor · Answer

Mister MicawberI think it's OK, but what alternative did your teacher suggest?

That's the thing.. He didn't really.
(Plus the other day he didn't understand the sentence: "It's imperative for businesses to expand into other markets." He stumbled over the word "imperative". (This takes place in Germany and the meaning of "der Imperativ" is limited to the linguistic area) So he didn't get the english meaning which is (in this case) more like: irremissible e.g. ... Therefore I'm having a hard time relying on him...)

Mister Micawber(And your two 'one's in the sentence are a bit confusing.)

Maybe this sounds better "Mr. Lynch, a proud owner of a pond, describes his experience as one of pure joy and practicality."
??

Mister Micawber'Joy' and 'practicality' don't go together very well in concept.

I agree... But in this context, I aim to connect them to the pond...

ok... so it works but isn't very elegant?!

thx for your answer

Mister Micawber · Answer

SheldorMaybe this sounds better "Mr. Lynch, a proud owner of a pond, describes his experience as one of pure joy and practicality

Yes, that's clearer.

SheldorBut in this context, I aim to connect them to the pond

Yes, of course—that is the concept in your particular sentence.

Sheldor so it works but isn't very elegant?

That is good way to put it, I think. Perhaps something like this:

Mr. Lynch, the proud owner of a pond, describes his experience as one not merely of practicality but of pure joy.

how to phrase practical/handy?

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