Is It Worth It to Put a Pool in Your Backyard?

A backyard pool can be a great addition to a home, offering a gathering place and a way to impress guests. However, every major decision regarding your home has costs alongside its benefits. Pools have some potential downsides to consider before moving forward on installing one.

This article will explore the benefits and drawbacks of installing a pool in your backyard, so you’re prepared to make that decision.

The Pros of Putting a Pool in Your Backyard

Here are some reasons a pool may be beneficial:

1. A Pool May Increase Your Home’s Value

A pool can potentially increase your home’s value. The enhanced curb appeal and utility could help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.

Additionally, appreciation–an increase in your home’s value–can help you gain more home equity. Eventually, you may be able to borrow more significant amounts against your home. Potential home appreciation may offset your pool financing costs, helping you fit the pool into your budget more easily.

Remember, the amount a home’s value appreciates depends on several factors, such as your location, neighborhood, pool size, and pool type.

2. It Can Improve Your Health

Swimming is full-body, low-impact resistance and cardiovascular exercise. You can get a great workout without the need for other expensive gym equipment.

A pool can also enhance your mental health. A swimming workout can release stress and potentially improve sleep quality by making you more tired at the end of the day, research shows.

In addition, swimming outdoors exposes you to more sunlight more often. Sunlight is vital for making Vitamin D, which can help keep bones healthy, maintain immune function, and even fight depression. Of course, just be mindful that too much sun can be harmful in other ways and you should always take precautions against sun exposure and wear plenty of sunscreen.

3. A Pool Can Offer a Relaxing Social Space

Pools provide a relaxing outdoor social gathering space right at home. You can lounge poolside after a long day or invite family, friends, and neighbors over for barbecues and pool parties.

If you have children, the pool is an excellent place for them to hang out with friends and play games. You can host their birthday pool parties at the pool, which may make planning easier and save on renting space elsewhere.

The Cons of Putting a Pool in Your Backyard

Here are some drawbacks of installing a pool in your backyard:

1. Pools Cost a Lot

Pools generally cost tens of thousands of dollars to install depending on the size, type, materials used, location, local regulations, and any extra features you’d like to add like hardscaping and landscaping.

As a result, you may need pool financing. The right loan can make installing a pool possible, but you must be ready to pay the loan off over several years.

2. You Must Perform Ongoing Maintenance

On top of installation costs, pools require regular maintenance, such as cleaning, chemical balancing, and repairs. They also must be closed at the end of the warm weather season and then reopened months later if you live where you can’t use it year-round.

You can do some tasks yourself to save money, but you may still have to purchase equipment, chemicals, and other products. Other tasks, such as major repairs, may require professional help.

3. There Are Safety Concerns

Pools can be a potential safety hazard for children and those who don’t know how to swim. Regulations may require safety features, like a fence, to prevent someone from falling in or otherwise getting injured.

However, you should consider adding other features, such as alarms and covers.

Another safety concern is the pool deck itself. It can become slippery when wet, increasing the chance of slipping and falling.

Make sure you’re willing to commit to meeting all safety requirements before installing a pool.

The Bottom Line

Pools may be a dream come true for many homeowners. They offer a beautiful social space perfect for relaxing or inviting the neighbors over. Pools also allow you to exercise at home and can even boost your home’s value.

However, pools cost a significant amount to install, may create safety hazards to address, and require ongoing maintenance expense adding to the costs and time involved.

Weighing these pros and cons before building a pool is vital. Careful planning can help determine if a backyard pool’s physical, social, and potential financial benefits outweigh the costs. If you’re unsure whether a pool is right for you, it’s a good idea to talk to a pool contractor or research online for more information.

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