Pros and Cons of Having a Pool

Dreaming of kicking back and sipping on a cold beverage by the pool this summer? While having a pool might seem like all fun and games, installing a pool can be complicated. Before committing the financial resources and backyard space to this major undertaking, consider the complex aspects of pool ownership.

Pros and Cons of Getting a Pool

Here’s a quick glance at the pros and cons of pool ownership.

Pros	Cons
Pools are great because they:Can be a great value-add to your homeGive you your own space for funEncourage exercise and healthy livingProvide endless fun for kidsAre great for entertaining and hostingCan be a great relief from the summer heatAre the ultimate place to relax	On the downside, pools:Require a large upfront investmentCan fail to make their money backCan make it harder to sell your homeRequire maintenance and upkeepHave safety issues and insurance costs

Advantages of Owning a Pool

Looking for all the reasons to say yes? Let’s take a deeper dive (pun intended) into the advantages of pool ownership.

1. They can add value to your home.

A pool can add value to your home, especially if you live in a warm environment. In 2022, Realtor.com found that swimming pools were one of the most searched home-related terms on Google, reflecting the fact that pools are currently one of the most sought-after home features. In 2021, pool companies installed nearly 100,000 pools at homes across the country and struggled to keep up with demand.

In some areas, pools remain at the top of people’s home wish lists. When it comes time to sell your home, a pool may be one of those things that draw buyers in and makes them place an offer. Please note: this is highly dependent on location. Pools aren’t value-adding in all states, especially ones with short summers! They can add value, but it’s not guaranteed.

2. They give you your own space for fun.

You love the water, but you don’t want to share the space with strangers at the community pool. Solution? Pools give you privacy and your own space. This means you can decorate it and add whatever features you please. You can truly create a backyard oasis that has everything you want and need.

3. They can encourage exercise and healthy living.

Water is wonderful for no-impact aerobics. All that pounding your joints take when you’re exercising out on dry land goes away in the confines of your swimming pool. Many are more inclined to exercise if they can do it in the privacy of their own backyard or without having to drive to a gym. It can be the perfect way to kickstart a new healthy lifestyle.

If exercise is your main goal, you might want to consider getting a lap pool. They cost less and have the added advantage of taking up less space.

4. Pools are fun for kids.

A pool is a kid magnet and provides endless hours of entertainment and fun. If you have one, your house will undoubtedly become the house where your kids’ friends come to hang out. You’ll instantly have a sure-fire way of keeping your children busy when school is out and beat summer boredom.

5. Pools are the perfect place to host and entertain.

They aren’t just for the kids! Having a pool can make summertime parties and holiday gatherings that much more fun. If you love to entertain guests, there’s no better centerpiece to a backyard than a pool.

6. They make it easy to beat the heat.

Sure, you could escape the heat of summer with air conditioning and fans. But are they as fun as a pool?

If you’re in an area with a significant hot season—hello, Texas!—a pool might be exactly what you need to keep cool. The maintenance and upkeep required are much more worth it if you have six months or more to enjoy the pool.

7. Pools are great for relaxation.

Floating away for a few hours on the water is a great way to relax. And if that water is right in your backyard? Even better, because then you don’t have to add to your stress by going somewhere else to do it!

Disadvantages of Owning a Pool

Pools have some significant benefits. But there are some drawbacks you should consider before you start drawing up plans and digging up dirt.

1. Pools require a considerable amount of money upfront.

The cost of an inground pool varies depending on size, materials used, and additional features, but the average pool installation costs $35,000, according to Forbes.

2. Pools aren’t the best return on investment.

If you’re thinking of it solely as an investment, you’re going to be disappointed. While a pool will add value to your home, it likely won’t be near what you put into it. Unlike a kitchen remodel or bathroom modernization project— both of which can return significant value— you will never get a dollar-for-dollar return on your pool investment. Do it for one of the reasons listed above, but don’t do it thinking you’re going to get your money back.

And if the pool does add value to your home, you may see your property taxes go up even more each year. Have any neighbors who recently added a pool? Ask them around property tax time how much of a difference they saw.

3. Pools can make it hard to resell your home.

When it comes to the resale value of your home, there are few things more polarizing than a pool. It can certainly be an appealing feature– but only for those buyers who want a pool. For some prospective buyers, a pool is a must-have. But for others, it may be a complete deal-breaker.

4. They require upkeep and maintenance.

Naturally, you’re going to want your pool to be clean enough to use and that takes considerable effort and expense. Your pool will need routine cleaning, as well as regular chemical treatments to keep it clear and clean. Additionally, you should be prepared to foot the bill for larger repairs like replacing pumps and filtration systems or addressing cracks that might develop.

5. There are safety concerns—and that means higher insurance.

Owning a pool is fun, but it’s important to also understand the large responsibility that they come with. Unfortunately, backyard pools are the site of thousands of injuries and deaths per year, many of which are preventable. Are you willing to take the necessary precautions to keep your household members and guests (especially those most susceptible to accidental drownings, such as small children) safe?

Additionally, you can expect your homeowners’ insurance to go up annually due to the extra liability that a pool brings.

Taking the First Steps to Pool Ownership

If you decide that the positives of pool ownership outweigh its possible downsides, it’s time to get to planning! The first order of business: figure out how you will cover the costs. If you don’t have the money on hand, financing a pool is possible! You might consider a home equity loan, home equity line of credit, or a homeowner express loan from Amplify.