e

Are You Sure You Want a Home Pool: The Ups and Downs of Owning a Pool

You know all those hot summer days when you just wish you could somehow make it all go away and find a way to stay cool and fresh without too much effort, because what’s the point if you have to try too hard? The first thing that comes to your mind is a pool in your backyard, and you are right on track.


Photo: Simple Pool Tips

It is a great recreational place for your entire family, and it’s literally just a few feet away from the bedroom. No need to make tons of sandwiches and basically migrate your family to a local public swimming resort like river or lake if you could just enjoy all that in the privacy of your home. If privacy does not really bother you, then your friends and neighbors could also join the party and appreciate that sweet privilege of having a pool in your backyard.

It is also a great place for kids to keep them active during summer breaks. It is known that swimming is healthy and that it improves heart and lung capacity. It also helps alleviate back pain and lowers blood pressure. Certainly a great activity for kids because it keeps them away from passive hours in front of a monitor during summer heats and you don’t really have to reinvent new activities for them every single day, and it’s right there in your home. There really are plenty of uses and it’s so convenient and easy, the entire family can benefit.


Photo: Road to Murray Hill

Are You Sure You Want a Pool?

We’ve been talking about all the pros so far, and they all sound pretty awesome. But in reality, there are some things you need to consider before making the final decision. If you are a homeowner you are probably thinking that pool will increase the value of the property and that buyers will be more interested in your home in particular because of it.

Tip: Having a swimming pool does not mean your property will increase in value. Additionally, some parents with small children might even consider pool a safety hazard. It is known that in warmer parts, like Florida or Arizona, pools are somewhat considered an essential part of any property. But in other, less warm parts, they can be looked upon as a burden since there are not as many hot days as you would want.

Have you ever researched how much an installation can cost? Prices can range from 20 to 50 thousand dollars for an in-ground pool, while those above-ground are significantly cheaper. Unfortunately, your wallet will remain open just as the pool you want to build; after you pay for the initial installation and setup, you also need to pay for accessories, insurance and regular maintenance and cleaning, so this is a year-round expense and obligation. It’s not just a burden for your wallet but also for you personally as you would also have to invest your time and effort to keep the pool in shape.


Photo: Zsazsa Bellagio

Still Want to Add a Pool?

Owning a pool is a serious decision because it brings a lot of responsibility and dedication. Cleaning your pool when you’re not using it, and also getting your pool for winter is a huge job. You need to ask yourself if you can financially see it through and will you have enough time or will to actively work on it and maintain it. Alternatively, you can hire a pool cleaning service to take care of the pool for you, but that also means additional expenses.

You also need to think ahead and understand how much time you actually want to spend there swimming and bathing. Is it something you are sure you want to turn into your oasis or will it have something like a ‘’new toy’’ effect on you which last very brief as it often happens? If you thought this all through, and put pros and cons on a paper, if you carefully counted your budget then and only then are you ready to seriously consider building a pool.