All About Pools
Backyard pools. Are they worth it?
It’s pool season, y’all. I notice them more and more as I’m out showing homes this summer, and I’ve been asked several times if putting a pool in is a good decision.
I should probably start out by sharing that I do have a pool in my backyard. When we bought our home six years ago, we weren’t necessarily looking for a home with a pool, but when this house had everything we wanted AND a pool, the idea of having one was exciting! As a pool owner and a Realtor I thought I’d share some of my pros and cons of owning a pool.
PROS:
1.) We live in a warm climate city. On average, the weather is warm enough to swim at least half the year, and pools are a great way to beat the heat! When I visited my brother in Arizona a few years back, I couldn’t believe EVERYONE had a backyard pool! And the more I talked to the locals the more I realized it was just a way of life. Think of it like a fireplace in the cooler-weather states.
2.) Family time! I can’t tell you how many times Abe has come home from work early on a Friday so we could all jump in the pool together. He’s always been the pool lover in the family, but naturally we all follow him and it makes for so many great family nights and memories. Marco polo, basketball, uno pool cards, and countless more games happen there. We recently installed new LED lights, so night swimming has become our family’s new favorite summer activity!
3.) Pools sell homes. While pools do not increase value dollar for dollar, having a backyard pool can be a definite draw for buyers.
4.) Backyard scenery. Pools make for a beautiful and relaxing backyard setting. In the fall and winter, I sometimes sit by our pool just to unwind and relax. The movement of the water, the way the sun makes it sparkle, and its overall contribution to our backyard “oasis” is so calming.
5.) Entertaining. Pools are awesome for having friends and family over. And when you have the pool, everyone else brings the food! Host 4th of July, host Memorial Day, host, host, host! (Pro tip: when you’re in a pinch, grab a watermelon or some popsicles and everyone is happy!)
CONS:
1.) Construction costs are at an all-time high. Laborers are limited and in high demand. This means a pool is going to cost you more today than it ever has. Pool bids I’ve heard recently are as much as the cost of a home when I was a first time home buyer. Be prepared to pay.
2.) Pools are like pets. Proper and consistent maintenance is so important. Pool parts and replacements add up. Maintenance is constant and should be scheduled with reminders as soon as you move in or install your pool. Hiring an outside pool company may be the way to go, especially as you are learning the ropes. You might need to add a line item to the monthly budget, but knowing your pool is being maintained properly will help ease stress, additional costs, and last minute headaches.
3.) Risk. If you move into a new home with a backyard pool, you’ll need to take necessary precautions to protect little ones. Fences, nets, and alarm systems are all good measures. You’ll also need to let others know when they are visiting that you have a pool, and you need to be diligent when a non-swimmer is visiting.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
When buyers contact me with their “must haves,” pools seem to be on the top of the list. Most buyers are at least looking for a neighborhood with a community pool. If the neighborhood doesn’t have one, they are even more interested in a backyard pool. As a result, suburban neighborhoods without community pools are the type of location to give you the most return for your buck if you choose to have a backyard pool put in.
Price point should be the strongest driving factor. If your home’s value has increased considerably and your equity is significantly higher, then adding a pool could make sense. If you’ve just bought the home and there is a ton of remodeling that needs to happen, adding a pool might not bring the best value.
The $300k properties and up are where I really see homeowners having a strong desire for a pool. Pools added to homes in this bracket can make them feel even more luxurious to buyers, making them a more worthy investment.
My last piece of advice for homeowners is if you’re thinking of selling within the next 5 years, a brand-new backyard pool is probably not worth it. If you’re not sure, I hope this information helps with your decision!
This post was originally published in July, 2019.