The last Saturday in April is a special day: National Pool Opening Day. If you already have a pool, you may be looking forward to opening it in preparation for the upcoming summer. And if you don’t have a pool, you might wonder whether it’s worth installing one. Our real estate agents have worked with many clients with pools over the years, so they have a pretty good understanding of what it takes to install and maintain a private pool. We recommend weighing the following pros and cons as you make this decision.
- Pro: Pools provide easy access to low-impact exercise.
It’s no secret that exercise is good for your mental and physical health. Swimming is excellent exercise since it works your whole body without much impact. It’s a lot easier on the joints than running or walking, so it’s a great choice if you have arthritis or an old injury. If you have a pool in your own backyard, you’re likely to be more active—and so are your family members. - Cons: Pools can be dangerous for kids.
If you have kids, you must be mindful of their safety if you install a pool. You’ll need to fence in the pool and keep the gate locked so the children cannot access the pool without your permission. You’ll also need to supervise your children closely when swimming and playing in the water. - Pro: Pools increase your property value.
Pools offer a pretty good return on investment. In other words, if you decide to sell your home, you’ll capture a better price with a pool than without. Buyers love pools; they attract a lot of offers. So, even if you plan on moving in a few years, you should not let that deter you from installing a pool if it otherwise suits your needs. - Con: Pools are fairly high-maintenance.
You will need to monitor the pH and chlorine levels in the pool to ensure it remains safe to swim in. You will also need to skim and vacuum the pool regularly. You can hire a service to do this for you, but that’s still a cost to account for. - Pro: Pools make for great parties.
If you want your home to become the go-to party spot, installing a pool is a smart choice. Friends and family members will love hanging out in your backyard since they can go for a swim, cool off, and relax on the pool deck. The pool can be the perfect backdrop for socialization in the summer. - Con: Pools raise your insurance rate.
Installing a pool does increase the risk of someone becoming injured on your property. As such, your homeowners insurance company will likely charge you a higher rate after adding a pool. Communicate with them ahead of time and ask how your premium would be affected if you were to add a pool. Then, weigh the increased cost as you decide whether to install a pool. - Pro: Pools look lovely.
When a pool is well maintained, it can be a stunning addition to your landscape. This is especially true if you invest in a beautiful deck, patio furniture, and greenery around the pool.
Installing a pool can be a great way to add interest and entertainment to your space. Just make sure you know what’s involved before you jump in. If you’re still looking at Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, feel free to contact us. We can help you find the perfect place—with or without a pool.