The pros and cons of swimming pools

There are over a million backyard swimming pools in Australia, which means we have the highest per capita rate of swimming pool ownership in the world. It’s no secret that Melburnians love outdoor entertaining in the warmer months, and a pool will always be popular with guests.

But the question remains; given the ongoing costs of pool ownership, does this feature actually add value to your property when it comes time to sell?

Here are the pros and cons.

Pro: The Lifestyle Factor
Outdoor living is always in fashion. Increasingly, homes are being built or renovated to ensure that the indoor and outdoor areas blend seamlessly. Well designed pools not only add a real wow-factor to a property, they make for a wonderful setting to host friends and family. Those who love to entertain are more likely to be prepared to pay extra for a pool.

Con: Maintenance Mayhem
The maintenance involved with a pool is not inconsiderable. It takes time and effort to keep the pool clean and in good condition. And the older the pool is, the more maintenance and work that’s likely to be required. For reasons of style, usability, and safety, it’s vital to keep a pool well maintained. Investors in particular tend to avoid pools for this reason; they don’t want to rely on tenants to take care of a potentially labour intensive feature.

Pro: The Lap of Luxury
There’s no beating a beautifully designed pool area for sheer indulgence. Using stylish tiles or wall colours like crystal, sapphire or geometric patterns makes a real impact. Decks, paving stones, plants and sculptures also help create a holiday atmosphere. A pool that blends seamlessly with its surrounds has far more appeal than something that has been hastily added and looks out of proportion.

Con: Ongoing Expenses
These can easily run to a couple of thousand dollars a year – more if the pool is heated. Buyers looking at properties with swimming pools must consider cleaning, chlorination and pumping. Older pools are also more likely to need structural maintenance. Water is precious during dry summers, so the future costs of filling a pool may increase.

Pro: Family Friendly
Families with kids can also find pools an attractive feature; they keep the kids cool and happy in summer, and having one in the backyard makes supervision easy. It can also be less hassle than getting kids ready to go to and from the beach or local swimming pool. Well-lit pools can be used day and night when the weather is warm.

Con: Safety First
Pool ownership comes with its fair share of red tape, and rightly so. All pools deeper than 30 centimetres must have a suitable child safety barrier. Permits are required for construction of the pool itself and also installing or altering fences, doors or gates. The pool and barriers must be maintained to an acceptable standard at all times, and all gates, regardless of age, must have self-closing, self latching mechanisms. It’s also an offence to keep the gate propped open. Failure to comply with any of the regulations is punishable with a $5,000 fine.

When it comes to the question of whether a pool adds value, there is no definitive answer. It largely comes down to individual buyers. A pool can be a make or break feature; for some buyers, the cost and time necessary to maintain it will be a complete turn-off. However, for others, the lifestyle factor will be all-important. Those who want a swimming pool will be prepared to pay for it.

If you are selling a home with a pool, it’s vital to speak to your agent about how you can successfully appeal to the buyers most likely to find the presence of a swimming pool a highly desirable feature.