Who doesn’t love a swimming pool? For families, this is an item that pops up often on their “dream home” wishlist. Kids (and a lot of adults) have images of blissful summer afternoons floating in clear, blue water with a drink in hand, just watching the world go by. Nobody’s denying that pools are awesome. But that awesomeness comes with a price tag, as well as a lot of hard work and concerns about safety. What are the pros and cons to buying a home with a pool, or adding on to your existing home? Read all about it here.
The biggest pro in favor of owning a pool is its recreational value. Regardless of geographical location, you’re pretty much guaranteed to be able to use it at least a quarter of the year, and that number shoots up if your pool has a heater. And yes, kids love pools. There’s no question, if you have a growing family, that the pool will be enjoyed. But kids loving pools can also be a downside if your children don’t know how to swim - then they become a danger. If you own a pool you will need to safeguard not only your own little ones, but those around the neighborhood as well. You’ll need sturdy fencing and gates to keep nosy kids from sneaking in, as a pool is considered an “attractive nuisance.”
Then there’s the cost issue. Swimming pools cost major money. It is definitely cheaper to buy a house that already has a pool than it is to put one in yourself. We’re talking tens of thousands of dollars here. On the other hand, a home that has a well-maintained pool will sell for more than a home without one. If you install a pool you should - assuming no dips in the local market - recoup at least some of the cost of putting it in.
That brings us around to the business of maintaining a swimming pool, which is no mean feat. If you don’t upkeep your pool accurately and regularly, health and safety issues can plague you. You need to keep track of the chemicals in the pool to keep water PH levels accurate. Messing up in this area can lead to swimmers getting ill, or algae and other bacteria forming in the pool. Ever seen a neglected, swamp-green pool? That’s what can happen if you don’t know what you are doing. Luckily, you can research these things easily on the internet, or talk to the professionals at pool supply stores. And, if all else fails, you can hire a service to clean and maintain the pool for you.
In conclusion, a pool can be a great addition to a home. It’s important to weigh the good and bad aspects of pool ownership closely, however.
