To Sink or Swim?
Most real estate agents get bombarded with the question “does a pool increase the value of a house?” The answer is it depends. This could either be a dream-come-true where the buyer can picture themselves sitting by the pool with a cold beer in hand and the grill is fired up for a scenic al-fresco dinner or a nightmare full of bills and maintenance costs, not to mention the time and effort needed to maintain the pool.
When does having a pool make sense?
Having a pool in your home can enhance the enjoyment and make your home more interesting, given the fact that you are financially capable to handle the cost of running and maintaining the pool. It could also provide your family with more recreational activities and an escape from the heat especially if you live in places with a warm climate. If you’re also planning to go on a road trip to relieve your stress from a work filled week or just to simply take the kids out for a swim, why drive for miles when you can jump in the water and have a blast all at the comfort of your home. Basically, having a pool will increase the quality of life and make your home more livable. Despite the cost of building and maintaining the pool, this is the true return on investment to you as the owner. This is just something you can’t put a price on.
When does it not make sense?
Before you decide to build a pool, you need to look at the cost of building the pool itself and the following maintenance costs. The cost of building depends on the size and the style of your pool. You should also factor in the added features you need to install like safety fences which are required in some states, lighting and if you want a little extra — a spa. You will also notice a spike on your electricity bill as the filtration pump will really eat up on electricity and for some pools, the heating element. Then there’s the cost of maintenance. Basic maintenance include chlorine and ionizers and this will cost you around $200-$500 on every go.
Long story short, every luxury in life comes with a price tag. In this case, it’s maintenance and upkeep. The pool will certainly affect the price of a home but it really depends on how your pool is styled and the condition it is in that will determine whether this will impact the price of your home positively or negatively.
