These pool myths are all wet
20 Jun These pool myths are all wet
These pool myths are all wet
from APSP
Swimming pools are a great fit for any home and family. They add value, enhance the look and feel or your home and create an ideal entertaining venue for family and friends. So why are so many people against pool ownership?
From the belief that a pool costs too much to operate to the misconception it will go unused, myths about pool ownership abound – and they likely dissuade some homeowners from taking the plunge. If you’ve been considering adding a swimming pool to your outdoor living space, here are five common myths you may come across that simply don’t hold water:
1. Pools are too costly to install
A swimming pool is a significant investment, there’s no denying it. However, the cost of a pool will depend on several factors, including the size of your space, the dimensions of the pool and the materials you choose. When compared to other discretionary expenditures such as a family vacation – which costs the average family nearly $4,800 for one week of fun each year – a pool can in fact be a high-value investment that pays for itself in just a few years. Of course, finding the right installer is key and the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) offers an online member locator to help consumers find an APSP Certified Professional in their area.
2. It’s difficult and costly to maintain a pool
Long gone are the days when operating a pool pump could cost almost as much as running your air conditioning during the summer. Pool pumps and filtration systems are more energy efficient than ever, saving owners plenty of money in the process. Plus, improvements in filtration system and purification chemicals mean you’ll need less of them to keep your pool sparkling. In fact, when it comes to pool maintenance, 63 percent of pool owners say maintaining water chemistry is no trouble at all, according to an APSP survey. You can chalk up this myth as false.
3. Pools are not energy efficient
Modern pool pumps require much less electricity to operate than you might think, with energy-efficient pumps using up to 30 percent less power. When compared to other household sources of electricity, swimming pools turn out to be a small percentage of a home’s overall energy use. What’s more, these systems can be even more cost effective when solar powered. Accessories can help conserve energy, too. For example, using a solar cover on an inground pool when it’s not in use can help the water retain heat and keep debris out, which means less work for the filtration system – and you.
4. A pool won’t enhance my home’s value.
No true. Buyers like homes that have swimming pools: Among people who purchased a home with an existing swimming pool, an eye-opening 78 percent said the presence of the pool contributed to their decision to buy the house, according to an APSP survey. Depending on where you live, a pool may enhance your home’s appeal to prospective buyers even more – especially if you live in a very hot region of the country.
5. If we get a pool, we’ll never use it.
In reality, people who own pools say they spend a lot of time in them – and it’s quality time. Seventy-six percent of pool owners say they are extremely or very satisfied with their pools. They also consider it the perfect place for gatherings, and believe that having a pool encourages their family to spend more time. Owners use their pools for relaxation, entertainment, celebrations and exercise, and 96 percent say they are satisfied with their pools.
Now that you know these myths hold no water, it’s time to learn more about how fun pool ownership can be. The APSP offers a host of resources, including an in-depth section on the swimming pool purchasing process and a member locator to help you find an APSP Certified Professional in your area.