Should you beat the heat with a pool this summer?

Dec 15, 2022, 11:42 AM

Summer can inspire dreams of having a pool - not just to deal with the hot weather, but to keep the kids entertained over the holidays and to relax and entertain in.

Title : Should you beat the heat with a pool this summer?

Cta title :

Cta button text :

Cta external link url :

News date : Dec 15, 2022, 00:00 AM

Summer can inspire dreams of having a pool - not just to deal with the hot weather, but to keep the kids entertained over the holidays and provide opportunities for exercising, entertaining or simply relaxing.

Installing a pool is a major financial commitment, so if you’re thinking of taking the plunge, here are some things to consider.

How much will you use it?

If you have kids, they will probably spend a lot of time in the pool and are likely to invite their friends to join them. Or you may like to spend time in the water yourself. If so, a pool is likely to add to your quality of life and enjoyment of your home.

How much it will cost – now and into the future

Look at the cost of installing and maintaining a pool versus how much you’ll use it and the return on investment.

According to Canstar Blue, an above-ground pool can cost anywhere between $2,000-$7,000 to install, while an in-ground pool is significantly more at $31,500-$100,000 depending on the materials you choose. Add to that fencing, landscaping, lighting, paving and pool accessories, and the up-front cost of a pool can soar quickly.

Then you’re looking at an average annual running cost of between $660 and $1,000, or around 17 per cent of your electricity bill. This can jump substantially with old pools that are running inefficient machinery; the newer ones are more economical.

Will it add value to your home?

A pool can increase your home’s value under certain circumstances.

These include climate, the kinds of buyers you want to appeal to, the type of pool you can afford to install and its design. These factors make a big difference as to whether adding a pool is a smart move.

To get an idea of the value a pool could add to your home you could also assess the sale price of properties that have pools in your area compared to those that don’t.

While adding a pool is a decision based more on lifestyle than profit and loss for many of us, it doesn’t hurt to consider the future. If you’re thinking of diving in, here are some tips that will increase the likelihood of your pool becoming an asset when you decide to sell:

Go for a high-quality pool

In-ground pools are more expensive but add more value to a home than above-ground ones. So, if your budget allows, you may want to install the former. Concrete in-ground pools are the most coveted type.

Keep the design classic

Investing in good lighting, landscaping, tiling and other parts of the pool area can add value too but when it comes to design, keep things relatively neutral and timeless. You might love a pool area decked out with artificial rocks and tiki torches, but future buyers may not.

If possible, try to position a pool in a spot that gets adequate sun and is visible from your house. This can help turn the pool into a visual feature of your garden. It also increases the safety factor.

Bigger isn’t necessarily better

Even if you have enough room, it doesn’t mean you should let a pool fill the entire backyard. You still want to keep a decent amount of usable yard area – especially if your home is likely to appeal to families. Consider a plunge pool if you’re tight on space or if your home is more suited to singles or couples.

The cost of a pool is significantly impacted by both length and depth, so you may also want to consider whether you need a deep pool for “bombies” or whether a pool that you can touch the bottom while chatting with friends would be more suited to your lifestyle.

Maintain your pool

A well-kept pool is much more likely to increase your home’s value than one that’s looking a little worse for wear. Keep the pool clean, tidy up the landscaping, maintain the paving and any features like waterfalls and slides, and perform repairs as necessary.

Your local pool supplies business should become your best friend if you’re new to the pool game – their knowledge and assistance will help you become an expert in no time. You can get the water tested at no cost and learn how to avoid issues like an algae bloom.

When it comes down to it while boosting the potential sale price of your home is beneficial, for many people, the decision to get a pool is more often a based on lifestyle than profit and loss. And if you enjoy it, that’s priceless!

contenttypes : News

topics :

Advice

audiences :

Experienced buyer
Investor

Cta linked page :

The Default Static The Default Static