Owning a pool can be a love-hate relationship for some. On the one hand, a pool can be a lot of fun and a great source of entertainment. On the other hand, however, the pool can be very costly and require much more attention than you might initially anticipate. Here are some of the major pros and cons to consider.

The Pros of Owning a Swimming Pool

As any homeowner with a pool can tell you, there's a lot to love about having one.

Family Enjoyment

A pool provides an instant outlet for hours of family fun. Instead of spending money travelling to water parks or other expensive attractions, you have everything you need right in your backyard. This can be perfect for everything from having family and friends over to hosting summertime parties (such as the Fourth of July celebration).

Summertime Heat Relief

While everyone else is running their air conditioner at full blast (and racking up an expensive energy bill) or getting stuck in beach traffic, you can cool off in your backyard by taking a dip in the water. On top of that, a pool gives you a nice place to hang out in the sun, relax, and catch up on a good read. 

Health Improvement

Swimming is one of the best cardiovascular exercises you can do. Because it requires the coordination of your entire body, you'll burn calories. In addition, swimming is kinder to your joints when compared to other activities such as running or weightlifting. Having a pool so accessible provides a great opportunity for you to get your blood flowing.

Boost Home Resale Value

While you might not make back every dollar you invested in the pool, you may recoup some of it when you eventually sell your home. This is because, for some people, a pool ranks high on their list of "wants."

According to HGTV, an in-ground pool could add 5 to 8 percent to your home's resale value, making a pool installation a worthwhile investment.  

The Cons of Owning a Swimming Pool

Of course, not all aspects of owning a pool are positive. Here are a few of the most common complaints you'll often hear homeowners mention.

Expense

Without a doubt, owning a pool can be costly. For starters, installing one can cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. Each year going forward, you'll also have to budget for things like:

• Chemicals
• General maintenance
• Replacing equipment (when it breaks)

Since the initial cost can be relatively high, knowing the options for pool financing may be helpful. Many lenders are willing to let you borrow the funds you need at a fixed interest rate and then pay them back over the next 2 to 5 years. This can make installing a pool far more affordable - like making an auto loan or mortgage payment.

Maintenance

Pool water doesn't stay clean on its own. To get to this point and keep it this way requires weekly testing of the water and treatment with a menu of chemicals. If you're going to own a pool, then be prepared to hire someone for pool maintenance or learn how to clean and maintain it on your own. 

Danger

As fun as a pool can be, it can also be potentially dangerous - especially if you've got young children. Unfortunately, accidents can occur when the gate is left open or guests are unsupervised. So, putting safety first should always be a top priority. In addition, many municipalities require pool owners to erect an unclimbable fence around their pool to enhance safety measures, which is also a cost that must be considered when installing any kind of swimming pool.

Insurance and Taxes

Because of the potential risks a swimming pool presents, insurance companies may raise your premiums. Additionally, depending on the type of pool you have and the area you live in, your property taxes may be higher.

Is Owning a Pool Right for You?

Adding a pool to your home can make for a lovely retreat during hot days and family get-togethers. But it also comes with added expenses and upkeep commitments. So, if you're considering getting a pool, be sure to understand what's involved and the potential benefits it could offer.

Sources:

https://www.bankrate.com/homeownership/pool-add-value-to-home/

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MSPUS

https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/outdoor-remodel/does-pool-add-value-home

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