Pros and Cons of Installing a Swimming Pool

Home swimming pools become a hot commodity as summer temperatures rise. There’s nothing like a dip in cold, clear water on a hot summer’s day. A swimming pool in the backyard offers some of the best experiences of the season without the hassle of crowded community pool decks and beaches.

But is having your private pool as luxurious and blissful as it seems? Many homeowners underestimate just how much money and maintenance pools require.

Whether you’re considering buying a home with a pool or thinking about building one on your property, here are the pros and cons of installing a swimming pool.

The Basics of Home Swimming Pools

Most swimming pools are either in-ground pools or above-ground pools.

In-ground pools are dug into the ground, shaped, and filled to a homeowner’s specifications. It’s landscaping that can add beauty and dimension to a spacious yard, but homeowners can expect to pay up to achieve their perfect pool aesthetic. In-ground pool installation can cost upwards of $30,000. The cost will vary with the amount of construction required and the cost of materials, such as vinyl, concrete, or stainless steel liner for the pool walls.

Above-ground pools are more affordable, with the least expensive models costing as low as $1,000. They require some installation, but won’t become a major construction project like an in-ground pool.

Pro #1: Quality of Life

In-ground and above-ground pools provide ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in the hot summer months. Once installed, they’re a convenient alternative to crowded community pools.

Having a pool in your backyard provides an outdoor space for socializing with an option to cool off. It suits any kind of activity, going from a peaceful morning oasis to a lively gathering space in no time. You know you’ll always have a free lounge chair and won’t have to worry about watching your belongings.

Pro #2: Increased Property Value

A pool isn’t just an amenity, it’s an investment in your home. Adding a pool, especially if it’s a high-quality in-ground pool, can provide an increase in the value of your home. This is true for permanent residences and investment properties. Installing a pool in the property you’re renting out to a rent-to-own tenant, for example, will boost your income from rent and, over time, provide the new owners with increased value.

In-ground pools will add more value than above-ground ones, and financing solutions like home equity loans can help manage some of the up-front costs. If you live in an area with longer, warmer summers, consult with a real estate expert to see just how much value a pool could add to your home.

Pro #3: Improved Physical and Mental Health

Pools allow you to experience personal outdoor recreation during the warmer months. A pool could be as beneficial an investment as a new piece of exercise equipment.

Swimming is great for your cardiovascular system, elevating your heart rate while reducing the impact on your joints. Individuals with joint pain or injuries can use the pool for fulfilling exercise routines, including activities like water aerobics or synchronized swimming.

Pro #4: Improved Curb Appeal

Pools may take up a lot of space in your backyard, but they can add beauty to your outdoor space. Installing an in-ground pool opens up a world of landscaping possibilities for your yard as you choose outdoor furniture or plant new shrubs to accentuate it.

A pool is a great way for people living in dry, arid climates to add visual interest and dimension to a backyard. If you’ve just moved to a new state without a lot of greenery, installing an in-ground pool is one way to spruce up a dry backyard.

Con #1: Safety Hazards

Not every homeowner is ready to take on the safety risks that come with installing an in-ground or above-ground pool. Every pool comes with the risk of injury and drowning, even with experienced swimmers in the home. The risk of accidentally falling into an above-ground pool is lower, but above-ground pools are still potentially hazardous if swimmers are jumping and diving.

Pool construction also poses safety hazards. If a pipe bursts or a storm compromises the pool’s cleaning system, it could harm swimmers and your property. Many homeowners would need additional insurance coverage if they install a pool.

Con #2: Cost

There’s no way around it — pools are expensive. Homeowners who want their private pool oasis can expect to pay thousands of dollars upfront for installation. The costs don’t end when construction or installation is over, though.

You can expect to pay thousands more for maintenance and equipment, even if you decide to take on more maintenance yourself. Pool pumps use a lot of electricity, so you can also expect your energy bill to go up. If you’re manually adding water to an above-ground pool, you might see the increased water consumption reflected in your water bill. Once you’ve paid for all of the upkeep, supplies, and chemicals, the cost of ongoing maintenance might offset any potential property value gains. The increase in home value could come with a small increase in property taxes, too.

Con #3: Maintenance Requirements

Pools need a lot of upkeep. Busy homeowners might not want to add to their long list of household chores.

Pools need weekly skimming, scrubbing, and vacuuming to keep them clean for swimmers. Homeowners also need to monitor the pool’s pH levels and the pump system. It can all add up to more time spent caring for the pool than actually enjoying its benefits.

Con #4: Seasonality

Your ability to enjoy your home pool depends on where you live. Homeowners in colder climates face a lot of maintenance and continuing costs for only a few months of use. It is possible to swim year-round in a heated pool, although the costs to heat and care for the pool itself would skyrocket.

Pools Can Be Fun, But Not for Everyone

Spending your summer poolside in the comfort of your backyard may sound like the ultimate homeowner’s dream. The reality, though, is that pools are a significant investment in time and money that not every homeowner wants to take on.

Pool owners in warmer climates can experience more of the benefits of pool ownership with longer seasons of use that improve the overall value of the home.

Though pools are a great way to boost outdoor recreation and enjoyment in the summer months, homeowners in cooler climates may find the cost of building and maintaining a pool outweighs the benefits. If you’re a homeowner looking to leave the poolside life behind, it might be time to sell your home in favor of a pool-free yard.