How Much Does It Cost To Own A Pool?

05 Apr How Much Does It Cost To Own A Pool?

The Real Cost of Owning a Swimming Pool

From U.S. News Money

Installing a pool can cost nearly $40,000. Here’s a look at costs to consider before diving in.

Swimming pools are literally the symbol of success.  As with most items or amenities in that category, sucess comes with a price tag.  Simply installing the pool, which can in many cases be the second largest purchase a homeowner will ever make, is really just the beginning.  This post from U.S.News money report outlines the real costs of pool ownership that are often overlooked or misunderstood.

Here is an excerpt from the post:

As summer approaches, perhaps you’re daydreaming about putting in a swimming pool or buying a property with a backyard pool. That way you can take a dip and cool off in your own pool whenever the mood strikes, never mind piling the kids in the car on a hot summer day or jockeying for space at a community pool.

But before you dive in (pun intended), consider these financial implications of a swimming pool.

Upfront cost. If you’re planning to install a pool, be prepared to open your wallet. PK Data reports that the average cost of a residential in-ground swimming pool was $39,084 last year. Don’t expect to recoup all of that money when you sell your house in the future, cautions Sabine H. Schoenberg, a home improvement expert and founder of SabinesHome.com. “It’s not something that’s value-enhancing to a lot of people,” she says. “Just as there are people with positive feelings towards pools, there are those with negative feelings. I would never put a pool in as a speculative builder.”

If you decide to move forward with a pool installation, Schoenberg suggests thinking carefully about the placement of the pool in your yard. “If it’s in one faraway corner, people aren’t going to use the pool,” she says. “You need to look at the natural daylight as it travels around the house. I don’t think it’s a good idea to put a pool into a dark, shadowy place.” She also suggests finding an installer who offers a five-year warranty, not just a one-year warranty.

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