Let’s Talk about Pools.
The summer has been hot.
The public pools have been closed.
We still have over a month until Labor Day and the “official” end of summer, and historically, we will have even more weeks of high temps that leave us sweating and begging for relief.
How many of you are fantasizing about having a pool in your backyard?
How many of you are confused about how to go about that?
How many of you wonder how this will impact your property value?
If this blog entry intrigues you, chances are you have already consulted the magical internet with a query such as “should I install a pool” or “pros and cons of having a backyard pool.” You have probably also learned that there are as many arguments for putting in a pool as there are for steering clear. Pool companies obviously have some serious skin in the game, so of course they want you to dive into pool installation. Other stakeholders have compelling reasons against it.
So what is a hot and humid homeowner to do? It really comes down to priorities: your and your family’s priorities.
Objectively, here are some of the many details you will need to consider when agonizing over this decision:
- Budget:
- Cost to install an in-ground pool:
- Cost to install an above-ground pool:
- Do you have the cash on hand to put in a pool? Or will you need to find some form of financing? You might want to talk to your favorite banker or financial advisor about this…
- Pool Maintenance: Will you be able to DIY pool maintenance and save a few pennies, or will you need to hire a pool service? Either way, after installation, there are still costs you will need to consider and budget for:
- How much space do you have to install a pool correctly? And so that it is aesthetically pleasing?
- How much usage will the pool get?
- Who will use the pool? What age are your children? Grandchildren?
- How many days out of the year will you be able to use your pool? Here in Southern Indiana, chances are you could keep an outdoor pool open from May until well into October. That is practically 6 months of usage every year. Is that worth it or not worth it to you?
- Above-ground versus in-ground: from price, to life-span, to maintenance, this question will be the first one you might want to address. These experts have broken down the considerations on this question.
- Salt water v. chlorine: from initial cost to maintenance to other consideration, this question will have to be contemplated as well. Here is a break down of pros and cons of each.
- Insurance and other requirements: Do you have an HOA that governs pools in your neighborhood? Does your city or state regulate drainage rules? What kind of fencing will you need? Check with your insurance agent about what type of extra insurance is needed to keep yourself adequately covered.
- Time Table: How quickly do you want it to happen?
- A concrete in-ground pool typically takes four to six weeks to build, plus extra time to get permits, conduct an inspection, and allow for contractor and subcontractor delays.
- An above-ground pool takes a fraction of the time (only a week to 10 days) but you will also need to allow for time (and money) to build the decking/permanent structure around the pool
- Return on Investment (ROI): If you are counting on a pool installation to handsomely boost the value of your home, you might be surprised to learn that, depending on market variables, pools may only increase your home’s value by 7%. If you’re gonna build it, build it for yourself, not for potential future buyers.
Like anything home related, don’t hesitate to talk to your favorite F.C. Tucker Emge REALTOR about your pool questions. Our agents have had clients who want houses with pools already installed, clients who want a pool filled in or removed, clients who want nothing to do with pools, clients who want space to put in their own pool, clients who need a pool inspected or fixed. You name it, they’ve seen it all. Our agents are your objective experts in all things home related, including pools.
Let’s Talk. After all, you could just sell your pool-less home and buy a home with a pool already installed! We can help with that, and next year this time, you will be sitting poolside in your own private paradise.
