What could be more relaxing than spending summer days lazing by the pool and enjoying the company of family and friends? Those enjoyable summer months are the result of hard work and expense to maintain the pool throughout the year. So, is owning a swimming pool worth the commitment of time and money? Here are the pros and cons to consider in owning and maintaining a backyard swimming pool.
The joys of a swimming pool
Recreation and entertainment — There is no question that pool ownership takes the prize for providing the fun factor in home entertainment. Your home swimming pool is certain to become the social center for your family and friends. Some pool owners say owning a pool is a way to keep teenage children and their friends entertained while being able to keep a watchful eye on them.
Exercise and health benefits — Swimming is a low-impact, full-body exercise. It is also considered one of the best cardio workouts and improves your lung capacity while toning your body. Swimming is an excellent way to relax and unwind. After a long day at work, doing laps in your own backyard pool is a wonderful way to de-stress.
Privacy and convenience — You will never have to fight traffic to travel to a crowded public pool or beach again. Just put on your bathing suit, grab a towel and head outside. What could be more convenient?
Increased property value — A pool would make your home more marketable for potential buyers looking for a home with recreational amenities. However, the many expenses associated with installing, maintaining and insuring a pool might outweigh any potential increase in property value. You should go into the decision knowing that enjoying the pool for many years to come is the real reward.
The drawbacks
Cost — According to a recent Forbes article, the cost of installing an in-ground pool can range from $28,000 to $55,000, with the average being around $35,000. There are package deals available from pool suppliers that include excavating the backyard and pool installation. If you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer, you may consider doing part of the project yourself to save on some of the cost. If you are considering a concrete or granite pool, you should know that this type of pool installation should be left to the experts. Vinyl pools and fiberglass pools are the least expensive options in terms of both upfront and long-term maintenance costs.
Maintenance and upkeep — In addition to the upfront construction costs, there are long-term costs to consider. By some estimates, pool ownership can add $100 a month to your utility bill separate from maintenance and insurance costs. This could be even higher if you choose to heat the pool. For example, the average cost of maintaining a vinyl-lined pool is $13,300 over a 10-year period.
Safety concerns — Having a pool on your property comes with safety concerns such as diving accidents and drowning. For that reason, many towns require homeowners to install fencing and a locking gate around their pools to prevent such occurrences. Some homeowners might also install cameras. With safety concerns of pool ownership come additional insurance costs to your homeowner’s policy.
Limited use and seasonal limitations — For those living in warmer regions of the country, pools can be enjoyed most of the year. For those living in the colder Northeast or Midwest, pool usage will be limited to only a few months out of the year. You may ask yourself if it is worth the expense if a pool will only be used for the summer.
Space requirements — Depending on its size, a pool could take up quite a bit of space on your property. This means that there is less space for landscaping and outdoor activities.
Environmental considerations — Pools require chemicals to maintain balance and eliminate bacteria. They also require substantial amounts of water, all of which can have a negative impact on the environment. There are some natural pools that rely on aquatic plants to purify the water instead of chemicals. Pools need to be covered when not in use to retain the heat from the sun and lessen evaporation.
Whether you are only putting a toe in the water or diving right in, contact us to help you find your perfect summer home retreat with a swimming pool.
Claudine Steinfurth
REALTOR®
(216) 409-4039
csteinfurt@aol.com
RE/MAX Above & Beyond
7570 Chippewa Road
Brecksville, OH 44141
