Are pools a waste of money?

Author: Quincy Nolan MD  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 28, 2022

A pool can increase not only your social worth but also the value of your home. However, the increase is probably not as much as you think. According to HouseLogic, there's no real guarantee that you'll make your money back. In fact, adding a swimming pool may only increase your home's value by 7%.

What are the cons of having a pool?

CONS: Swimming pools can be dangerous around children and those who don't know how to swim. If you choose to own a swimming pool you should have the proper safety fencing, and door locks installed on your home. The homeowner can be held responsible for injuries caused in their pool by neighbors, or friends.

Do pools decrease the value of your home?

It won't be easy since a swimming pool can actually make your home harder to sell. Many buyers consider it a liability rather than a luxury. Under the right circumstances, however, a pool could boost your home's value by as much as 7%, Houselogic estimates.

Are pools a good investment?

Resale Value

A pool can increase not only your social worth but also the value of your home. However, the increase is probably not as much as you think. According to HouseLogic, there's no real guarantee that you'll make your money back. In fact, adding a swimming pool may only increase your home's value by 7%.

Are pools expensive to maintain?

The longer the season, the more you can expect to pay on an annual basis. Pool maintenance costs will be significantly less for indoor and saltwater pools. On average, indoor pools cost between $25 and $50 per hour of pool maintenance. Similarly, saltwater pools cost between $25 and $45 per hour of pool maintenance.

Is a Swimming Pool Worth the Money? Five Points to Ponder

What I Wish I Knew Before building a pool?

4 Things I Wish I Knew Before Installing My Pool
  • There is a Reason Some Pool Materials Cost More. ...
  • Pool Features are Important to the Overall Enjoyment. ...
  • Not Every “Pool Company” Does a Turnkey Operation. ...
  • Choosing the Wrong Pool Company Can Set You Up for Disappointment.

What type of pool is easiest to maintain?

A fiberglass pool is not prone to growing algae, which is one of the main reasons why this pool is easier to maintain. Anyone who is looking for a pool that doesn't require a lot of maintenance may want to consider going with a fiberglass pool.

Which pool has less maintenance?

A fiberglass pool typically has the highest upfront cost but the lowest maintenance cost. They are quick to install, but because they're built from a mold the shape is not customizable (and they can't be wider than 16 feet). A vinyl pool has the lowest installation cost and can be built to any size and shape.

What is the life expectancy of an in-ground pool?

Pools with vinyl liners will last more than 20 years, as long as you replace your liner every 6-12 years. Concrete pools have exceptional longevity, but you need to resurface the concrete every 10 years or so. Fiberglass pools have the longest lifespans of any in-ground pool, often easily surpassing 30 years.

Which is cheaper salt water or chlorine pool?

Chlorine pools are more traditional and are also cheaper than most saltwater pools. However, they can be more difficult to maintain over time. Because there is no generator making chlorine, you will need to add chlorine into the pool on your own.

Why do pools cost so much?

The construction process of a swimming pool is costly because of all the equipment involved. When you put in an above-ground pool, the process is typically quite a bit easier. However, very few people realize how much work is done to level the yard to put an above-ground pool in place.

Is my yard too small for a pool?

Keep in mind that this does not include space for water features, a spa, slides, or extra patio work around the pool. If your backyard space is smaller than 1,200 square feet, you may still be able to get an inground pool, but it likely will not be bigger than 12 feet by 24 feet.

Does a swimming pool add value to a house?

How much value does a pool add to a home? The experts are a split on how much a pool can contribute to a home's value. One HouseLogic study suggests an increase of 7 percent, at most, under ideal conditions, while HGTV reports that the average inground pool can up your property's value by 5 to 8 percent.

How much does it cost to fill a pool with water?

Your cost will depend on things like the size of your pool, where your water is coming from, and whether you're filling it all the way or just topping it off. In total, most homeowners spend between $60 and $1,250 to fill an average-sized swimming pool with water.

How many hours a day should I run my pool pump?

The rule of thumb is generally 8 hours, although it could be anywhere from 6-12 hours, depending on your pool's size. Each pool is unique, so to keep your pool pump efficient and effective, you need to figure out exactly what your pool's turnover rate is.

How often should you clean your pool?

The pool must be maintained and taken care of regularly; if not, it may lead to various accidents, diseases, and infections. Maintaining the cleanliness of your pool is just one of the many ways of swimming pool care. It is recommended to have your pool cleaned at least once a week to keep it clean and uncontaminated.

What is the most popular pool size?

16 x 32 Rectangle (most popular)

Is a 12 by 24 pool big enough?

There is a wide range of inground pool sizes, with some being not much bigger than a traditional swim spa. However, the average small inground pool is around 12 by 24 feet, which should provide plenty of room for swimming, playing, and relaxing for the typical family.

What is a good pool size?

It's recommended having a depth fewer than six feet to meet most pool needs. For a family of six to eight people, an 18 foot by 36-foot pool is recommended. This should be sufficient to avoid crowding and allow for the playing of games. Rectangle shaped pools look best for this size.

Which pool shape is cheapest?

Cost of Rectangular Pools

Rectangular pools are much simpler than curved pools, because of their straightforward angles. If homeowners wanted to build a concrete pool themselves as an extensive DIY project, a rectangular pool would be the most likely option because of its simplicity.

How can I save money when building a pool?

If you want a pool without the high price, there are ways to keep costs down:
  1. Get multiple bids. ...
  2. Think about the big picture. ...
  3. Go with a simple design. ...
  4. Limit the materials. ...
  5. Forgo the bells and whistles. ...
  6. Pay attention to size. ...
  7. Do your own maintenance. ...
  8. Build a self-sustaining pond instead.

What is the most expensive part of installing a pool?

The cost of additional patio is usually the most expensive option to the pool because most people get at least 300–700 extra square feet of patio beyond their initial 3–4' border.

What are the disadvantages of salt water pools?

Cons
  • You will need to store and handle high amounts of salt.
  • Muriatic acid will need to be added to the pool water on a regular basis.
  • The pH levels will need to be continuously monitored.
  • Any issues with the generator or pool system may require help from a professional.

Can you open your eyes in a saltwater pool?

Gentle on Eyes – Saltwater pools have much less salt than the ocean. When you open your eyes under water or get splashed in the face, it doesn't sting. The salt concentration is very similar to that of human tears. Most people have experienced the fumes associated with an indoor hotel pool.

Previous article
Should your floors match throughout house?
Next article
Is Maytag made in China?